Abstract

The current study aimed to explore opportunities (i.e., English as a subject of foreign Language (FL) and as a Medium of Instruction (‘MoI’) and  challenges for English Language Teaching (ELT) in the subsequent National Higher Education Strategic Plans (NHESPs) of the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The study used a mixed (quantitative and qualitative) research method, employing a survey and follow-up interview design. A total of N = 30 professors participated in this research from the select nine public central universities of Afghanistan. The analysis revealed that (1) the MoHE set objectives for ELT before the actual needs-analysis was conducted; (2) there was a lack of comprehensive engagement in the process of strategic plan development; (3) there was a lack of coordination between the two education ministries; and (4) finally, school education in terms of EFL is unable to prepare students for higher education where English is the MoI.

Keywords: Afghanistan, NHESPs, English, FL, MoI