It is important to identify the best fit between the learning environment and students' preferred modes of learning, and we aimed to explore the utility cf the Approaches to Study Inventory (ASI) in Malawi, which has one cf the poorest resourced educational systems on the African continent. Two hundred and fourteen undergraduates from a variety cf faculties of the University of Malawi completed the short (18 Hem) form of the ASI. Factor analysis suggested both etic and emic orientations to study, from Reproducing and Organized study behaviour to Achievement-in-Context (which may entail a traditional sense of meaning). This search for a practical instrument to improve the match between teaching product and student study style suggests that such devices may often need to be developed locally. We discuss the implications of our results for the ongoing development of testing standards by the International Test Commission.