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international comparative research project on high school students’ educational and career pathway choices

31 Aug 2026 8:13 PM | Jean Atwater-Williams (Administrator)

My name is Shui Otaka, and I am a high school student at Salesian International School in Japan conducting an international comparative research project on high school students’ educational and career pathway choices, help-seeking, and perceptions of a “correct” pathway.

My study examines why students may feel that they need to make the “right” educational or career decision independently, and how school culture, expectations from adults, and the availability of supportive relationships may influence whether students seek help, express uncertainty, or reconsider their choices.

Because school counselors work directly with students during these important decisions, your perspectives would make a particularly valuable contribution to the international comparative aspect of my research.

Questionnaire:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPLjEqZlbMQqy4aS2mvalcgKdWbKg-HaGJRU047Resn4VfeA/viewform?usp=header

The questionnaire takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and respondents are welcome to leave any question blank if they do not feel sufficiently familiar with the relevant educational or cultural context.

Your responses will be used solely for educational research purposes and handled according to the preference indicated in the questionnaire.

As a high school student carrying out this project, I would be deeply grateful for any opportunity to hear from practicing school counselors and broaden the international perspective of the study.

Thank you very much for considering my request.

Kind regards,

Shui Otaka
Salesian International School
Japan



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