The experiences of Chinese tourism and hospitality postgraduate students in Australia

Australia has attracted substantial Chinese enrolments into tourism and hospitality programmes. This qualitative study examines the experiences of Chinese postgraduate students undertaking a master’s degree in tourism and hospitality within Australia. Chinese students enrolled in programmes at two major providers of tourism higher education participated in a series of focus groups and interviews. Respondents indicated that their unfamiliarity with the cultural and learning environment impacted on many aspects of their life generally and study particularly. It is clear that a significant gap exists between prevailing approaches within Australia towards tourism and hospitality education and the perceptions of Chinese students about their learning specifically and experience in general. Some of the discrepancies include the process of selection into a programme, the role of exams and assessment, styles of teaching and learning, engagement with industry, and approaches to knowledge. In addressing and subsequently overcoming these challenges, respondents felt that they had acquired considerable cross-cultural, academic, and practical benefits.