An EFL Needs Assessment: Chinese Students at a Canadian University

Abstract

This paper analyzes the results of a survey of needs in English, completed by seventy Chinese visiting scholars and graduate students at a Canadian university. It is the first attempt to carry out a needs assessment among Chinese students in Canada by a Chinese. The analysis aims to answer the following questions: I) What aspects of English do Chinese students think they need most in order to succeed in Canada? 2) Do the perceived needs differ between Chinese visiting scholars and graduate students? 3) Are there significant differences in the needs of individuals in various professional fields? It is hoped that findings from this study will contribute to a more accurate understanding of the language needs of Chinese studying in Canada and to the improvement of English language programs in China and Canada.