ABSTRACT
In the same way as for undergraduate students, international postgraduate students will be shaped by their previous educational experiences and expectations. They are likely to expect a hierarchical relationship with their supervisor where the supervisor exercises tight control over the research. Many international students will expect their supervisor to take the initiative and adopt a role close to being a guide and/or parent. They may expect their supervisor to make major contributions toward the research and the thesis. They will be expecting clear direction and guidance from their supervisors, whom they will hold in high esteem, and they will often have very high expectations of the relationship. They usually assume the supervisor is very knowledgeable in their area of study.
