iranian students’ challenges in learning english-medium courses within the mba field

English medium of instruction seems to be a daunting situation for nonnative students. therefore, the present study examined challenges that students encounter in mba field in iran. accordingly, 120 students were studied by questionnaires about linguistic challenges, interviews, observing the participants along with esp-related texts of each course. through a concurrent qualitative and quantitative mixed method research design, the collected data in different phases of the research were analyzed thematically and statistically. the results revealed that candidates had undergone several challenges concerning the absence of germane to business background, language of teaching, interaction challenges, rate of speech, and writing abilities. the difficulties experienced by the students in the esp realm starts from writing as the most challenging area followed by speaking, listening, and reading, respectively. moreover, the concept of age seems to be effective that younger adults might find it easier to adopt new strategies in facing the challenges. the findings emphasize the need for esp instruction to prioritize skills. english medium of instruction seems to be a daunting situation for nonnative students. therefore, the present study examined challenges that students encounter in mba field in iran. accordingly, 120 students were studied by questionnaires about linguistic challenges, interviews, observing the participants along with esp-related texts of each course. through a concurrent qualitative and quantitative mixed method research design, the collected data in different phases of the research were analyzed thematically and statistically. the results revealed that candidates had undergone several challenges concerning the absence of germane to business background, language of teaching, interaction challenges, rate of speech, and writing abilities. the difficulties experienced by the students in the esp realm starts from writing as the most challenging area followed by speaking, listening, and reading, respectively. moreover, the concept of age seems to be effective that younger adults might find it easier to adopt new strategies in facing the challenges. the findings emphasize the need for esp instruction to prioritize skills.