An increasing number of Asian students pursue English medium tertiary education for better academic credentials . These students face daunting linguistic challenges in their struggle for academic survival and success . This article gives an overview of language learning strategy (LLS) research undertaken in two theoretical and methodological orientations , namely , psychometric survey studies using a strategy inventory and sociocultural , largely qualitative research that examines learners?strategy use in relation to contextual mediation . Under each category of research , the article reviews four studies on Asian students?strategy use in different research contexts including Britain , Canada , Hong Kong , India , New Zealand and United States . It also documents relevant critiques associated with these studies . Given the widely accepted importance of strategy use in language learning , it can be argued that research on Asian tertiary students?strategy use in English medium universities informs an institutional effort to support their pursuit of linguistic competence .