The purpose of this study was to explore the dimensions of organizational communication that influence Japanese students’ experiences in DCI, and to explore the communication strategies that students use to overcome acculturative stress. Specifically, this study employs two Research Questions: 1) “what organizational communication factors influence the experiences of Japanese students in DCI?” and 2) “what communication strategies do Japanese students in DCI employ to help reduce acculturative stress?” Using the work of Myers and Oetzel (2003) as a framework for understanding organizational assimilation, this study seeks to better understand Japanese students’ experience in DCI and to suggest pragmatic steps by which educators can improve these students’ experiences.