This study is based on interviews with 20 students with Swedish as mother tongue, and observations from 10 lectures and seminars on advanced level at Stockholm University School of Business. The courses observed use English as a medium of instruction and the study explores how English is used as a lingua franca, how the students adapt to English in academic settings and the sociolinguistic functions of choosing English or Swedish in specific situations.

The results show that English is used in parallel with Swedish, a great number of Swedish terms and expressions are used, both by students and teachers. Students speak Swedish with each other as well as with Swedish teachers in unofficial settings. English is used whenever a foreign teacher or student is around.

Many students in the study claim to handle the English medium courses well but in reality they do have some difficulties. The students should be given instruction in English for academic purposes and reconsider their attitudes about what is correct and incorrect English.