Research Interests
My research focuses on English-Medium Instruction (EMI), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) across a variety of academic disciplines. I am particularly interested in how targeted ESP and EAP tuition can enhance students’ academic and professional communication skills while also fostering intercultural competence, helping learners collaborate effectively in diverse, multilingual settings.
I also explore virtual exchange as a pedagogical approach to support these goals. By connecting students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds through structured online collaboration, virtual exchange offers authentic opportunities to integrate language learning, subject-specific content, and intercultural understanding in meaningful, real-world contexts.
Professional Experience
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Girona (2018–present)
English Teacher, Official Language Schools (2004–present)
English for Academic Purposes Tutor, Pre-sessional Course, University of Bristol (2018)
English Lecturer, Physiotherapy Degree Program, University School of Health and Sport (EUSES) (2013–2014)
Collaborating Lecturer in English, Open University of Catalonia (2012–2013)
Secondary School English Teacher (2001–2003)
Education
PhD in Applied Linguistics, University of Lleida
Master’s in Teaching English for Academic Purposes, University of Glasgow
Master’s in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, University of Alcalá
Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Organization of Educational Institutions, University of Barcelona
Bachelor’s in Sociology (Education and Culture pathway), Autonomous University of Barcelona
Publications
Fernández-Córdoba, A., & Mancho-Bares, G. (in press). Language matters in EMI: Language-related episodes in nursing PBL classrooms. Journal of English for Academic Purposes. ISSN 1475-1685.
Fernández-Córdoba, A. (2019). Bristol: A summer teaching academic English. APAC ELT Journal, 90, 21–25.
Fernández-Córdoba, A., & Parker, F. (2017). EAP: A challenge for teachers and learners. APAC ELT Journal, 85, 39–47.