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
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