Abstract
This research presents findings of a qualitative study conducted in Australia. The purpose of the research was to discover the success of Japanese international fee paying students in each education sector, from High school through to MBA. Seven sectors were researched including high school, TAFE, Private TAFE, English language school, Foundation course, Undergraduate University and Post Graduate University (MBA). What makes this study different is that it studies cross-cultural adaptation by focusing on student success rather than student difficulties. Background research was conducted to ascertain the current environment for Japanese students and included interviews with over one hundred industry practitioners in Australia and Japan. To discover Japanese student success, in-depth individual interviews were used to draw on student’s prior education experiences in Japan, their experiences in Australia and their post study reflections. The findings reveal how students achieve success within each education sector and provides important insights for international education marketing and management. A number of key recommendations are made for each sector.
