Students’ Attitudes towards English as a Foreign Language (EFL)at the University of Jordan

Abstract

The present study sheds light on the attitudes of University of Jordan students toward English and its importance in a time when numerous specialties are suffering serious stagnation in the local and international job markets. The study is of high importance since the demand for English proficiency has recently increased significantly in the local Jordanian job market, and there are general concerns among parents and students as to what the future holds for B.A. graduates. A random convenience sample of 165 students was selected from among the Language Center students at the University of Jordan to answer an itemized questionnaire. The descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that most students think that English is important in their university education and future job opportunities. Students in scientific faculties think that English is more important for their studies than students in the humanities faculties.