The purpose of this paper is to introduce students to discussions about the role and place of English in global contexts, to consider where they sit in that context, and what learning English means for their own first language (L1) and their culture. Students will develop intercultural competence and an increasing awareness of cultures, peoples and the role that language plays in culture and policy.

This paper provides students with the opportunity to develop and build on University of Waikato graduate attributes in a number of ways. For example students will become interculturally competent around diverse global contexts, students will develop communication and collaboration skills that will serve them well in study and work, and students will engage critically with the literature and in self-reflection to evaluate information and to develop an increased self-awareness.

The paper focuses on intercultural encounters within disciplines such as business, education and the media, familiarising students with the diversity of world Englishes spoken and used. Utilising this overall topic, the paper will combine critical and analytical skills in the areas of reading, writing and listening to help students from EAL backgrounds gain greater levels of sophistication in their use of English within academic contexts and their knowledge of its use in the wider world community.