Patterns of Generative AI Use Among International Students in English-Medium Instruction Programs at

This anonymous survey investigates the perceptions and use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or similar) among international students enrolled in English-medium instruction (EMI) programs at universities in China. This survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and used for academic research purposes only. English-Medium Instruction (EMI) means university courses where English is the main language used for teaching and learning academic subjects.

Part A: Demographics & EMI Profile — Section 1: Demographics

1. What is your age group?

18–2021–2324–2627 or older

2. What is your gender?

MaleFemale

3. What is your country?

4. What is your first language ?

5. Which best describes your field of study?

Humanities or Social SciencesBusiness, Economics, or ManagementNatural Sciences, Engineering, or Computer ScienceHealth or MedicineOther

6. What is your current academic level?

BachelorMaster'sDoctoral/PhDPreparatory/Language Year

7. What is your current year of study within this program?

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5 or more

8. How long have you been studying in China?

Less than 1 year1–2 years3–4 years5 years or more

9. EMI exposure: How many of your courses at your Chinese university are taught in English?

01–34–67 or more

10. Have you attended any English language support at your university (for example, an academic English or writing center)?

Yes, I am currently attendingYes, I attended in the pastNo

11. What is your current overall English proficiency level?

A1 (Beginner)A2 (Elementary)B1 (Intermediate)B2 (Upper Intermediate)C1 (Advanced)Not sureOther

12. Have you taken a standardized English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or an equivalent)?

YesNo

13. If yes: Which test, and what was your most recent overall score/band? (e.g., IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90)

14. What is your current Chinese (Mandarin) proficiency level?

NoneBeginner (A1–A2)Intermediate (B1–B2)Advanced (C1)Not sure

Part B: GenAI Usage Characteristics — Section 2: GenAI Usage

15. Have you ever used Generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Gemini) for your studies?

YesNo

16. On average, how many hours per week do you use GenAI tools for your studies?

0 hours1–2 hours3–5 hours6–10 hours11 or more hours

17. How many months have you been using GenAI tools?

0–3 months4–6 months7–12 months13 months or more

18. How would you rate your overall skill and confidence in using GenAI tools for your studies (e.g., writing effective prompts, evaluating and checking AI-generated output)?

19. Which is your primary GenAI tools for your EMI studies?

ChatGPTDeepSeekGoogle GeminiMicrosoft CopilotClaudeKimi (Moonshot AI)Ernie Bot / Wenxin Yiyi (Baidu)Tongyi Qianwen (Alibaba)GrammarlyDeepLPerplexityCanvaOther

20. Do you need a VPN or similar tool to access your preferred GenAI tool while in China?

Yes, alwaysSometimesNo

21. What are your top 3 functions of GenAI in your EMI studies?

Translating texts (e.g., between English, Chinese, and/or my native language)Proofreading (checking grammar, spelling, punctuation)Improving style and vocabulary in my writingGenerating ideas or brainstorming topicsCreating outlines or plans for assignmentsSimplifying complex topics / explanationsSummarising long texts or articlesPreparing for exams (e.g., practice questions, explanations)Writing parts of assignments or projectsWriting whole assignments or projectsParaphrasing or rephrasing textCreating visuals or slides (e.g., diagrams, posters)Learning about specific study topicsLearning about non-study topicsOther

22. Reasons for using GenAI tools in your studies (select all that apply)

To help me understand English texts more easilyTo cope with the difficulty of studying through English (EMI)To cope with the challenges of studying and living in a new country (China)To save time on my assignments or study tasksTo improve the quality of my writingTo get better gradesTo feel more confident about my EnglishTo reduce stress or anxiety related to EMI coursesBecause my teachers or friends recommended these toolsBecause many students around me are using themBecause I am curious about new technologiesBecause I find traditional study methods boring or difficultTo avoid doing some of the work myselfOther

Part C: GenAI Engagement Patterns — Section 3: GenAI Usage Patterns (Complementary, Substitutive, Hybrid). For the next questions: In your EMI classes or studies, how much do you agree? Response scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.

23. Complementary Use (GenAI supports your effort)

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

I use GenAI tools to check my grammar, spelling, or vocabulary after I have written my own text.

I use GenAI tools to clarify concepts I do not fully understand from lectures or readings.

I use GenAI tools to simplify complex topics so that I can understand them better.

Using GenAI tools helps me improve the quality of my assignments.

I use GenAI tools to check facts or verify information while working independently.

24. Substitutive Engagement

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

I let GenAI tools produce answers that I submit with only minor changes.

I sometimes rely on GenAI tools instead of reading the required course materials.

I use GenAI tools to complete tasks I find too difficult to do on my own, and I submit the output with little or no changes of my own.

For some assignments, I mostly copy and paste text generated by GenAI tools.

25. Hybrid Engagement with GenAI

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

I often ask GenAI tools to write an initial draft and then rewrite or reorganise it in my own words.

I mix my own writing with GenAI-generated text in the same assignment.

I use GenAI tools to generate examples or paragraphs that I adapt and integrate into my work.

When I am unsure, I compare my own answer with a GenAI tool's answer and combine elements of both.

I alternate between writing some sections of an assignment myself and having GenAI write other sections, then combine and edit them into one piece.

I use GenAI tools to generate initial ideas or outlines, and then I write the final text myself, incorporating and adapting the AI-generated content.

26. Please select "Strongly Disagree" for this statement.

Strongly DisagreeDisagreeNeutralAgreeStrongly Agree

Part D: EMI Success and Coping — Section 4: Perceived Success in Courses Taught in English (EMI). Response scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.

27. Perceived Success in Courses Taught in English (EMI)

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

I feel confident that I can succeed in courses taught in English.

I can follow lectures delivered in English well enough to learn the content.

I can pass exams in courses taught in English without relying too much on others.

Overall, I am satisfied with my performance in courses taught in English.

Section 5: Role of GenAI in Coping with EMI and Studying in China. Response scale: 1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree.

28. Role of GenAI in Coping with EMI and Studying in China

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

GenAI tools (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or others) help me cope with the difficulty of studying through English.

GenAI tools make courses taught in English more manageable for me.

Without GenAI tools, I would struggle more in courses taught in English.

GenAI tools help me manage everyday life and study tasks in China, even though I have little or no knowledge of Mandarin.

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