Editorial Type: research-article
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Online Publication Date: 01 Mar 1999

Improving Services for International Students by Understanding Differences Between Japanese and United States Culture and Educational Systems

Article Category: Research Article
Page Range: 22 – 28
DOI: 10.12930/0271-9517-19.1.22
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This article is presented to help advisors gain a better understanding of international students; specific emphasis is given to students who have received their secondary education in Japan. Major topics covered are a) differences between the Japanese and U.S. educational systems, b) the complexities of cross-cultural communications, and c) universal concepts in adolescent development. Problems experienced by international students attending U.S. institutions of higher education often fall into at least one of these areas.

Copyright: © 1999 National Academic Advising Association 1999

Contributor Notes

Diane Oliver received a Bachelor's Degree and Secondary Teaching Credential in Physical Education from San Francisco State University and later, received Master's Degrees in Public Administration from American International College, National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and International Relations from Salve Regina University.

During her career as a naval officer, she spent 16 years outside the U.S. and served for 2 years as a liaison officer in Japan, working with members of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. In 1995, she became the International Student Specialist at the College of San Mateo, a community college in a multicultural area south of San Francisco. She now works for TRW as an Assistant Project Manager supporting the U.S. Navy. She is also teaching as an adjunct faculty member at University of Phoenix, San Diego.

She is currently working on a Ph.D. in Education at Walden University. Her specific areas of interest are international education and intercultural communication. This article is a product of her Ph.D. course work and patient, scholarly mentoring from Dr. Thomas O'Toole and Dr. Barbara Knudson.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to the author at PMB 366, 5694 Mission Center Road, San Diego CA 92108-4380.

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