Issue 1 (February)

This dissertation explores the factors that influence students’ choices to attend English medium of instruction (EMI) international schools in Southern China. I investigate the benefits and drawbacks these students face when studying at an EMI school. The research employed a case study approach, collecting data through mixed methods, i.e. a quantitative questionnaire and a qualitative semi-structured interview from a range of students from one EMI international school in Dongguan city, China. The findings build on previous studies within the field. In the present study, the findings suggested that students’ motivation to study in EMI schools was influenced by their desire to study overseas, the small class sizes, the more active learning environment, greater pastoral care and the increased opportunities to develop their English language proficiency and skills that these schools offer.  

Additionally, the findings identified a number of concerns and disadvantages highlighted in a few studies, including prohibitive tuition costs, unqualified teachers and in some cases, poor management within EMI schools. The findings also suggest that a number of students who had attended an EMI school would not recommend others to attend the same type of school due to the high tuition, inferior quality of teaching and poor management. The results question whether students who have graduated from an EMI school regard their school to have a superior status compared to local high schools. Based on the findings, recommendations are that EMI international schools should aim to enhance the quality of teaching and the organization of schools if they wish to attract more students in the future. The growth of EMI schools has been significant within the Guangdong region of China, however the quality assurance and longevity of these new institutions has yet to be proven. If EMI schools are to contribute greatly to the education and if they are going to be successful, then some of the issues raised in the present study need to be addressed.

This article analyzes various legal aspects related to the sovereignty, self-determination, and international legal processes involving Antilia, Caladon, and Goron, focusing on the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination under international law. Antilia's claim to statehood is evaluated based on the Montevideo Convention, demonstrating that it meets the criteria of a permanent population, defined territory, established government, and international recognition. The article also discusses Caladon’s claim to territorial integrity and its opposition to Antilia’s independence, arguing that Caladon’s rejection of Antilia’s referendum is consistent with the principle of territorial integrity under international law. Furthermore, Goron’s intervention in Antilia is assessed in light of the responsibility to protect principle and the potential violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. The article also explores jurisdictional issues related to international crimes committed by Avi Jostein Sen, with a focus on the principles of universal jurisdiction and sovereign immunity. Finally, the article addresses the enforceability of arbitration clauses in international contracts, using a dispute between companies G and S as a case study, highlighting the application of the New York Convention and the Australian International Arbitration Act.

The implementation of the rural revitalization strategy has brought new opportunities and challenges to the development of agricultural insurance. Based on an analysis of the current status of agricultural insurance in Guangxi, this paper explores the necessity of technological empowerment in agricultural insurance, outlines the practical pathways for technology-driven agricultural insurance in Guangxi, and proposes corresponding countermeasures to address existing issues. The study aims to provide references for the high-quality development of agricultural insurance in Guangxi and contribute to rural revitalization.