Offering english-mediated chemistry classes in South Korea: A note on this nationwide experiment

The importance of English as a means of communicating chemical information effectively cannot be overemphasized. Ironically, however, using English as a common language of chemistry might hinder nonnative English speakers from actively participating in major chemical communication. To address this problem, South Korea, where English is not an official language, has started managing certain domestic school classes in English to expose students to an English-friendly environment. However, there is much debate about whether chemistry classes can be efficiently taught and learned in English by nonnative English speakers. The outcome of this national experiment in the future can be a suitable guide to other nonnative English speaking countries if they plan to initiate chemistry classes in English.