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English Language Proficiency, International Exposure, and Global Career Opportunities among Sport Science Students: Challenges and Pathways toward World-Class University

ACPES Journal of Physical Education, Sport, and Health (AJPESH) · Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025) · pp. 103–110

DOI
10.15294/ajpesh.v5i2.57797
ISSN
2797-0426
Published
2025-12-22
Publisher
Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in cooperation with ACPES (ASEAN Council of Physical Education and Sport)
Language
eng

Abstract

The internationalization agenda of higher education has become a critical component in achieving World-Class University (WCU) status. Within this context, English language proficiency plays a strategic role in preparing students to participate in international academic and professional environments. This study explores the perceptions, challenges, and expectations of Sport Science students regarding English language competency and its contribution to international exposure and global career opportunities. Using a mix-Methode approach, quantitative data were collected from 81 Sport Science students through open-ended surveys concerning their English language needs, learning experiences, and future career aspirations. while, 4 alumni were interviewed to get deeper context with workplace need. The findings reveal that students perceive English proficiency as essential for accessing international scientific literature, communicating in multicultural environments, participating in international sporting events, and expanding employment opportunities in the global sports industry. Students also recognize English as a crucial tool for obtaining international certifications, scholarships, and overseas professional experiences. However, several barriers remain prominent, including limited vocabulary mastery, difficulties in speaking and pronunciation, listening comprehension challenges, and insufficient confidence in academic writing. Students expect English learning programs to emphasize sport-specific terminology, practical communication skills, international academic literacy, and interactive learning methods aligned with professional sport contexts. This study proposes a conceptual pathway in which English language proficiency functions as a foundational competency that facilitates international exposure, which subsequently enhances global career opportunities for Sport Science students. The findings provide important implications for universities pursuing internationalization and WCU objectives by highlighting the need for discipline-specific English programs that support students’ global competitiveness and professional mobility.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

15 authors · 45 co-authorship links

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Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Setya RahayuAffiliation unknown2
Muchamad SadhaliAffiliation unknown2
Dewi Marfu'ah KurniawatiAffiliation unknown2
Ani Mazlina Dewi MohamedAffiliation unknown2
Dzullfikri RitongaAffiliation unknown2
Abadi PitojoAffiliation unknown2
Sahri SahriAffiliation unknown2
Afan AfghaniAffiliation unknown2
Nur Hadziq HaidarAffiliation unknown2
Azlina Umi WidiartiAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/ajpesh/oai, first harvested 5 Nov 2026, last seen 5 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">English Language Proficiency, International Exposure, and Global Career Opportunities among Sport Science Students: Challenges and Pathways toward World-Class University</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Ahda, Zahrah Zakiya</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Anggita, Gustiana Mega</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Ali, Mohammad Arif</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Prawita, Radita Asti</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Sofia, Fanisa Dwi Nanda </dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">English Language Proficiency</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">International Exposure</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Global Career Opportunities</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Sport Science Students</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Higher Education Internationalization</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">World-Class University </dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">The internationalization agenda of higher education has become a critical component in achieving World-Class University (WCU) status. Within this context, English language proficiency plays a strategic role in preparing students to participate in international academic and professional environments. This study explores the perceptions, challenges, and expectations of Sport Science students regarding English language competency and its contribution to international exposure and global career opportunities. Using a mix-Methode approach, quantitative data were collected from 81 Sport Science students through open-ended surveys concerning their English language needs, learning experiences, and future career aspirations. while, 4 alumni were interviewed to get deeper context with workplace need. The findings reveal that students perceive English proficiency as essential for accessing international scientific literature, communicating in multicultural environments, participating in international sporting events, and expanding employment opportunities in the global sports industry. Students also recognize English as a crucial tool for obtaining international certifications, scholarships, and overseas professional experiences. However, several barriers remain prominent, including limited vocabulary mastery, difficulties in speaking and pronunciation, listening comprehension challenges, and insufficient confidence in academic writing. Students expect English learning programs to emphasize sport-specific terminology, practical communication skills, international academic literacy, and interactive learning methods aligned with professional sport contexts. This study proposes a conceptual pathway in which English language proficiency functions as a foundational competency that facilitates international exposure, which subsequently enhances global career opportunities for Sport Science students. The findings provide important implications for universities pursuing internationalization and WCU objectives by highlighting the need for discipline-specific English programs that support students’ global competitiveness and professional mobility.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in cooperation with ACPES (ASEAN Council of Physical Education and Sport)</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-12-22</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:type xml:lang="en">Peer-reviewed Article</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/ajpesh/article/view/57797</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.15294/ajpesh.v5i2.57797</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">ACPES Journal of Physical Education, Sport, and Health (AJPESH); Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): December 2025; 103-110</dc:source>
	<dc:source>2797-0426</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.15294/ajpesh.v5i2</dc:source>
	<dc:language>eng</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://journal.unnes.ac.id/journals/ajpesh/article/view/57797/10307</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 ACPES Journal of Physical Education, Sport, and Health (AJPESH)</dc:rights>
</oai_dc:dc>