AbstractsEducation Research & Administration

This study used grounded theory as a framework to explore how the preparation for studying abroad would affect the academic success of East Asian undergraduate students in American universities. To understand how East Asian students previous educational experience would influence their current study in the U.S., 12 East Asian undergraduate students who had various educational experience before they began their undergraduate studies in the U.S. were interviewed. Three research questions were examined in this study, including: 1) how did East Asian students prepare to study in American universities; 2) how did their preparation affect their academic success in American universities; 3) what are challenges they are still facing in American universities?Twelve participants from China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong were selected on purpose from five universities in order to recruit participants with diverse background. Interviews were conducted individually with each participant. This findings show how East Asian students English learning experiences in their homelands, their preparation experiences, and their success and challenges in U.S. universities. The knowledge of English language and American culture is the core category which is highly involved with their preparation for study abroad and their undergraduate study in the U.S. The study concludes that East Asian students can benefit from all the preparation programs which are held either in their homelands or the host countries. However, the barriers in language and culture are difficult for East Asian student to overcome in college.This findings of this study not only help future East Asian students who interested in studying in the United States be better prepared before going abroad but also help American institutions to better understand their international students from East Asia and provide better on-campus support for them.