Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the expectations and realities in the current English as a Second Language classrooms in the Philippines to make their local learners globally more competitive and successful in the workforce. It reviews the theoretical and practical developments in English language teaching in contemporary China, with a focus on the past 15 years. The book briefly discusses the evolution of the Russian English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom, depending on various political and socio-cultural factors, and explores the main changes that have taken place in the EFL teaching/learning process in Russia in the last few decades. It introduces an interesting approach to teaching English in Malaysian secondary schools: setting a specific order for teaching and learning English language skills. The book explores English language education under the Hong Kong government policy that allows for the participation of third parties in public education, supported by public funding.