The demand for effective academic and professional English instruction in most university disciplinary domains is named among priority development prospects of higher education in Russia. The article summarizes the results of evaluating English courses, which presence in SPbGU curriculum can meet learners’ needs and career market requirements. The shift to functionality and domination of modern English forms a trend to use English as a medium of instruction. The challenges the faculty and learners face while using EMI are highlighted and commented. In the end some practical recommendations based on the teaching methods of EFL and liberal education are given to assist lecturers using EMI.