Foreign
academics working in mainland Chinese universities: Documenting and
sharing teaching, learning and research experiences
As China
continues to internationalise its tertiary sector, increasing numbers of
non-Chinese academics are working in universities in the mainland. At the same
time, increasing numbers of Chinese students are traveling abroad to study.
This research project aims to document the experiences of foreign academics
teaching and researching in China, whether in a local institution, a joint
program or an offshore campus. These experiences have potential to contribute
to those teaching the increasing numbers of Chinese students who are studying
abroad, and to those working within the building of effective transnational education programs.
This research
aims to provide both practical information that may be valuable to those
working in the international education sector, and to contribute to theoretical
discussions about the relationship between culture, knowledge and
understandings of educational practice.
This
research explores the hypothesis that foreign academics in China may be
learning new ways to approach their discipline’s key issues and to consider new
and alternative knowledge. This study will examine the way that knowledge is
constructed in a cross-cultural setting and how notions of ‘critical thought’
are understood and conceptualized.
Interviews are
taking place now either via phone, or, if possible, in person. Some questions
you may expect include: What are the key challenges to your role? What
are the key opportunities the role provides for you? How is working in China
different to your experience in other countries? Have you changed your teaching
or research practice since taking up your position in China? What advice do you
have for other foreign academics working in China? What could your experience
contribute to those teaching Chinese students in your home country?
All interviews
will be treated confidentially and all results will protect participant’s
anonymity.
Invitation
to participate
This research
project is seeking interviews with foreign (non-Chinese) academics working in
any discipline in either a mainland tertiary institution, a joint program or in
an offshore campus.
Participants
should be career academics who are qualified with a PhD and who are teaching at
least a percentage of their time in China.
If this sounds
like you, please get in touch with Dr Angela Lehmann at Department of Sociology
and Social Work at The University of Xiamen: (email) lehmann(at)xmu.edu.cn
(wechat) AngelaLehmann or (mobile) +8615960843826 to arrange an interview.
