The english language learning experiences of international students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

This study was embarked on to explicate the English language learning experiments (ELLEs) of postgraduate international students (ISs) in UKM, Malaysia - a hybrid-language environment. Accentuating on 'experiences' and 'English language learning' through a qualitative lens, three notions emerged. They were agency, out-of-class language learning strategies (OCLLSs) and learning environment. This study employed a multiple-case study design and roped in nine student participants, three lecturers and two administrators at the institution. With six research questions covering the areas of agency, OCLLSs and learning environment, data were collected through online postings on Google+ (document analysis), interviews (two rounds with the student participants), observation and other documents (photos, proofs of OCLLSs, forms). Data were analysed guided by Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step thematic analysis with the help of ATLAS.ti. The overall finding for the study is participants experienced more successes than challenges in their English language learning (ELL) although more variety of challenges were reported. Main finding for agency is their investment in exercising agency was not just socially and culturally constructed but also backed up rather strongly by their inner strength (history). Meanwhile for OCLLSs, the findings include participants took various actions to learn English, and their preferred skill was speaking. Further, they employed OCLLSs in tackling their class assessments. As a group, their acculturation strategy in terms of OCLLSs employment was 'integration'. As for learning environment, the main findings are the environmental conditions that promote ELL were varied and in high quality, and they took advantage of the ESL environment to advance in their ELL. Based on the findings, there were implications on theories/model, research, and pedagogy. Furthermore, two frameworks espoused from the findings - The OCLLSs Framework and the Framework of ELLE-ISs. This study has also paved ways for more related research in the future. It was concluded that as an emerging country in the business of ISs, Malaysia need to minimise the EFL elements in the country to ameliorate the ELLEs.