Status of the English language program considering Saudi Vision 2030: from students' perspectives

According to the Saudi Vision 2030, the country will continue focusing on the education system by enhancing the learning environment, curriculum, teaching methods, and digital education and preparing their residents for labor market needs. Therefore, this study focuses on revealing the status of the English language program considering Saudi Vision 2030 from students' perspectives. An exploratory study was conducted with the population of final-year students (N = 160) of the undergraduate English language program (ELP) in two female campuses (80 from each campus) of a public university in Saudi Arabia. A self-structured online questionnaire was distributed among them to assess the students' perceptions of the status of ELP considering Saudi Vision 2030. Among 160 students, 132 responded to the questionnaire. 76.2% perceived that the courses supported them in improving their English language proficiency. More than 75% of students felt that the program aided them in developing their professional skills and ability to work in diverse cultures. Their faculty members also motivated them to build their knowledge and skills. 81.8% agreed that the ELP provided them with adequate knowledge and skills required by the labor market after graduation. Overall, 83.8% of ELP students were satisfied with the status of the ELP considering Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi universities should continue their strategies to improve ELP students' knowledge and skills, thereby boosting their ability to compete with the national and international labor market and achieve Vision 2030 objectives.