Does Overseas Experience Matter?: The Academic Career Development of Returnee Faculty in Chinese Research Universities

A research monograph explores the academic career development of Chinese overseas returnees in research universities, providing quantitative analyses of their international mobility and the effects of "Assets of Foreignness" and "Liabilities of Foreignness."

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The study of Chinese overseas returnee faculty's academic career development has received significant attention in recent years, with a growing number of scholars investigating this topic. In this comprehensive research monograph, the authors undertake the first systematic study of this subject, employing quantitative analyses to examine the international mobility of Chinese academics at the individual level. Drawing on extensive first-hand large-scale survey data, the authors provide a detailed exploration of the academic characteristics, career development, and effects of two key factors: "Assets of Foreignness" and "Liabilities of Foreignness."

Assets of Foreignness refers to the advantages that Chinese overseas returnees bring to their research universities, such as their unique cultural perspectives, language skills, and international networks. These assets can enhance the quality of research, attract funding, and promote collaboration with scholars from around the world. However, the authors also acknowledge that these assets can sometimes create challenges for Chinese overseas returnees, such as cultural assimilation, language barriers, and potential discrimination.

Liabilities of Foreignness, on the other hand, refers to the potential disadvantages that Chinese overseas returnees may face in their academic careers, such as difficulty adjusting to the local academic culture, language barriers, and potential discrimination. These liabilities can hinder their career progression, reduce their research output, and impact their teaching and learning experiences.

The authors of this research monograph employ a multi-method approach to analyze their data, including statistical analysis, qualitative interviews, and case studies. This approach allows them to gain a deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Chinese overseas returnees, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in their academic careers.

One of the key findings of the study is that Chinese overseas returnees exhibit a high level of international mobility, with a significant proportion of them pursuing academic careers in foreign research universities. The authors argue that this mobility is driven by a variety of factors, including the increasing importance of global education, the need for talent development, and the desire for personal and professional growth.

However, the study also reveals that Chinese overseas returnees face a number of challenges in their academic careers, including cultural assimilation, language barriers, and discrimination. These challenges can impact their research output, teaching and learning experiences, and career progression.

To address these challenges, the authors suggest a number of strategies, including cultural sensitivity training, language support programs, and policies that promote diversity and inclusion. They also emphasize the importance of building networks and collaborations with local scholars and institutions to facilitate the integration of Chinese overseas returnees into the local academic community.

In conclusion, this research monograph provides a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese overseas returnee faculty's academic career development. By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the academic characteristics, career development, and effects of "Assets of Foreignness" and "Liabilities of Foreignness," the authors shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese overseas returnees in their academic careers. The findings of this study have important implications for policy-makers, educators, and researchers in the field of higher education, as well as for Chinese overseas returnees themselves.

Introduction:
The study of Chinese overseas returnee faculty's academic career development has received significant attention in recent years, with a growing number of scholars investigating this topic. In this comprehensive research monograph, the authors undertake the first systematic study of this subject, employing quantitative analyses to examine the international mobility of Chinese academics at the individual level. Drawing on extensive first-hand large-scale survey data, the authors provide a detailed exploration of the academic characteristics, career development, and effects of two key factors: "Assets of Foreignness" and "Liabilities of Foreignness."

Assets of Foreignness:
Assets of Foreignness refers to the advantages that Chinese overseas returnees bring to their research universities, such as their unique cultural perspectives, language skills, and international networks. These assets can enhance the quality of research, attract funding, and promote collaboration with scholars from around the world. However, the authors also acknowledge that these assets can sometimes create challenges for Chinese overseas returnees, such as cultural assimilation, language barriers, and potential discrimination.

Liabilities of Foreignness:
Liabilities of Foreignness, on the other hand, refers to the potential disadvantages that Chinese overseas returnees may face in their academic careers, such as difficulty adjusting to the local academic culture, language barriers, and potential discrimination. These liabilities can hinder their career progression, reduce their research output, and impact their teaching and learning experiences.

Methodology:
The authors of this research monograph employ a multi-method approach to analyze their data, including statistical analysis, qualitative interviews, and case studies. This approach allows them to gain a deep understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Chinese overseas returnees, as well as the challenges and opportunities they face in their academic careers.

One of the key findings of the study is that Chinese overseas returnees exhibit a high level of international mobility, with a significant proportion of them pursuing academic careers in foreign research universities. The authors argue that this mobility is driven by a variety of factors, including the increasing importance of global education, the need for talent development, and the desire for personal and professional growth.

However, the study also reveals that Chinese overseas returnees face a number of challenges in their academic careers, including cultural assimilation, language barriers, and discrimination. These challenges can impact their research output, teaching and learning experiences, and career progression.

Strategies for Addressing Challenges:
To address these challenges, the authors suggest a number of strategies, including cultural sensitivity training, language support programs, and policies that promote diversity and inclusion. They also emphasize the importance of building networks and collaborations with local scholars and institutions to facilitate the integration of Chinese overseas returnees into the local academic community.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this research monograph provides a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese overseas returnee faculty's academic career development. By undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the academic characteristics, career development, and effects of "Assets of Foreignness" and "Liabilities of Foreignness," the authors shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Chinese overseas returnees in their academic careers. The findings of this study have important implications for policy-makers, educators, and researchers in the field of higher education, as well as for Chinese overseas returnees themselves.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032605951