For a cross-cultural comparison of curriculum and career decisions made by high school students in vocational programs in Taiwan and the United States, a random sample of high school students enrolled in vocational education in Taiwan and in 10 selected states in the United States were mailed a self-administered questionnaire. Responses were obtained from 745 of 1,000 U.S. students and 1,477 of 2,000 Taiwanese students. Comparisons were made regarding curriculum choice, career choice, prospect of employment upon graduation, attitude toward continued education and training, and work experience. Some of the significant differences found between the two sample groups included the following: (1) Taiwanese students said that interest and desire to work with technical subjects were two major reasons for their curriculum choice, whereas U.S. students listed ability to succeed and seeing a good future as their main reasons for curriculum choice; (2) Taiwanese students perceived more influence from parents and relatives than did U.S. students in making career choices; (3) teachers and parents were the most important influence on career choice for the Taiwanese students, whereas U.S. students relied on information and advice from counselors and others more than from parents in making career choices; (4) U.S. students also looked for employment opportunity information when they were making their career choices; and (5) U.S. students desired high initial wages, and Taiwanese students desired creative and challenging jobs. The study confirmed that country or culture is a dominant factor influencing student perceptions, expectations, and choices. (16 references) (KC)