This paper explores some of the current issues of international students as they make the transition into New Zealand universities, as well as the particular challenges that institutions are encountering in providing effective support for international students. The paper is primarily a review and synthesis of current literature on this topic. However, feeding into the discussion are references to the experiences of international students between 1995 – 2000 at the University of Otago based on feedback provided in the University’s Student Opinion Surveys. The aim of this parallel discussion is to measure whether the Student Opinion Surveys can provide the University with sufficient information upon which to form a detailed understanding of the academic and social adjustment of international students. One issue arising from this study is the need for an appropriately conceived, custom-built, university-wide survey for international students upon which to conduct a more thorough needs analysis.