Chinese visiting scholars' academic socialization in US institutions of higher education: a qualitative study

• Published in: Asia Pacific journal of education Vol. 35; no. 2; pp. 290 - 307
• Main Authors: Xue, Mo, Chao, Xia, Kuntz, Aaron M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Routledge 03.04.2015; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: academic socialization; Asians; Barriers; China; Chinese visiting scholars; College Faculty; Committees; Community Involvement; Content Analysis; Coping; Criticism; Foreign Countries; Foreign Workers; Goal Orientation; Higher Education; Interviews; marginalization; Mixed Methods Research; Observation; Phenomenology; Qualitative Research; Recognition (Achievement); Social Experience; Social Justice; Social Networks; Socialization; Teacher Attitudes; Teacher Motivation; Teacher Surveys; Time Management; United States; United States; China
• ISSN: 0218-8791; 1742-6855
• DOI: 10.1080/02188791.2013.876389

Socialization as a theoretical concept has been increasingly applied to higher education over the past several decades. However, little research examines international visiting scholars' overseas academic socialization experiences. Rooted in socialization theory, this one-year qualitative study explores 15 Chinese visiting scholars' lived experiences in socialization to the US academic community through observations and interviews. The data reveal that the strategies used for academic socialization include motivation, social networking development, academic recognition, goal orientation, and community involvement. Besides, this paper analyses the reasons for their encountered dilemmas such marginalization, time constraint, and external critique. Implications for Chinese Scholarship Committee (CSC) policy makers, international visiting scholars, and researchers are provided.