Reasons for Joining English Department

This study is investigating the nature of the reasons of the students for joining the Departmentof English. The study took place in the College of Sciences and Arts (boys) (affiliated withKing Khalid University Al-namas Town, Saudi Arabia). The subjects of the study were 40level two students (the whole group). The study answered three questions: (1) the frequentreasons they give, (2) comparing them with an equivalent Yemeni sample and (3) finding out ifthere is some kind of correlation between what the students say and their actual performance inclassroom. To collect the data a questionnaire was administered to the group. The resultsshowed that the most frequent reasons were to be translators, to travel abroad to study, to dobusinesses where English is required, and to find better jobs. Some differences were identifiedbetween this group and their Yemeni counterparts. Little correlation was found between thestudents' statements and their performance in classroom. Some suggestions were offered toteachers to exploit the students' reasons and guide them refine their purposes and do better inaccord with what they intend to be.