http://eprint.uq.edu.au/archive/00001556/

Barron, Paul (2004) Learning Issues and Learning Problems of Confucian Heritage Culture Students Studying Hospitality and Tourism Management in Australia . In International Collaboration: 2004 ISTTE Annual Conference, 26-28 September, Hong Kong.

International education is one of Australia's largest industries and the fees generated by international students are becoming increasingly important to the budgetary health of Australian universities. It has been found that the majority of international students studying at higher education level in Australia are from Asia and that these students have unique needs and requirements and experience a range of learning issues and problems associated with the move to a western education environment. As part of a larger study, and working within a postpositivist interpretative paradigm, this paper builds on previous research that identified the learning style preferences of international students who are studying hospitality management and/or hospitality and tourism management at higher level in Australia. This paper reports on research that examined CHC students learning experiences and identifies differences in educational approaches and highlights specific problems and issues regarding students learning experiences. This research found that international students had to make substantial changes to their educational approach and were required to become involved in a variety of new, unusual and uncomfortable learning techniques.

This research suggests that western universities and western academics might take a more proactive approach regarding the learning experience of international students.