Expectations and reality - international student reflections on studying in Australia

International student numbers studying within the Faculty of Business at Queensland University of Technology now make up more that 20% of total student numbers and come from increasingly diverse parts of the world. Through strategic action by the university this diversity will increase. This study tried to identify the differing expectations of students from different geographical regions, and how reality met these expectations. The data was collected through a series of informal groups where students from particular regions were encouraged to discuss their expectations and the nature of the reality of their study. It cannot be assumed that students coming from very different cultural backgrounds and geographical locations have the same expectations of the educational experience they will be receive. To provide an effective learning environment for all students institutions need to have a better understanding of the differing issues that are of importance to students.