Abstract
The article discusses a strategy of development of the pre-sessional English course for foreign students of the Faculty of International education of National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” (NTU “KhPI”). Challenges for foreigners studying at Ukrainian HEIs in English are analyzed. The results of the language needs analysis of foreign applicants with insufficient language background as well as EMI teachers’ estimation of the corresponding aspects of the students’ knowledge are provided. The course syllabus was designed, and, based on the two-year experience of its implementation; conclusions on specific aspects of teaching English to foreigners in the Ukrainian environment are made.