The Expatriate Academic Journey: A Deep Dive into Motives, Advantages and Challenges
Saved in:
| Title: | The Expatriate Academic Journey: A Deep Dive into Motives, Advantages and Challenges |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Sylwia Przytula (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Further and Higher Education. 2026 50(3):536-553. |
| Availability: | Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Foreign Workers, Higher Education, College Faculty, Teacher Motivation, Teaching Experience, Employment Opportunities, Barriers, Communication Problems, Languages, Faculty Mobility |
| Geographic Terms: | Poland |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0309877X.2026.2619932 |
| ISSN: | 0309-877X 1469-9486 |
| Abstract: | This article explores why expatriate academics choose to work abroad and examines their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of employment at foreign universities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 expatriate academics from 21 countries across 16 Polish universities. Data analysis identified key motivations such as career advancement, gaining diverse research and teaching experiences, and enhancing employability. Many expatriates valued expanding their research networks and boosting their academic reputation, with nearly two-thirds working in international teams -- positively influencing curriculum internationalisation and staff development. Despite these benefits, expatriates faced significant challenges, including language barriers, administrative complexities, and bureaucratic obstacles. These issues affected university management practices and the effectiveness of teacher education and support systems. The study highlights the importance of responsive management strategies, such as regular feedback mechanisms and tailored staff development programmes, to better support expatriate academics. By addressing these challenges, universities can strengthen institutional capacity, enhance teacher training, and promote a more internationalised curriculum. This study advances the literature on academic expatriation by providing empirical insights into expatriate academics' motivations, challenges, and benefits -- an area remaining underexplored despite growing internationalisation efforts. It extends theoretical frameworks, such as those on international academic career and adjustment challenges. The findings offer actionable guidance for university policymakers and academic leaders tasked with internationalisation. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1505050 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This article explores why expatriate academics choose to work abroad and examines their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of employment at foreign universities. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 50 expatriate academics from 21 countries across 16 Polish universities. Data analysis identified key motivations such as career advancement, gaining diverse research and teaching experiences, and enhancing employability. Many expatriates valued expanding their research networks and boosting their academic reputation, with nearly two-thirds working in international teams -- positively influencing curriculum internationalisation and staff development. Despite these benefits, expatriates faced significant challenges, including language barriers, administrative complexities, and bureaucratic obstacles. These issues affected university management practices and the effectiveness of teacher education and support systems. The study highlights the importance of responsive management strategies, such as regular feedback mechanisms and tailored staff development programmes, to better support expatriate academics. By addressing these challenges, universities can strengthen institutional capacity, enhance teacher training, and promote a more internationalised curriculum. This study advances the literature on academic expatriation by providing empirical insights into expatriate academics' motivations, challenges, and benefits -- an area remaining underexplored despite growing internationalisation efforts. It extends theoretical frameworks, such as those on international academic career and adjustment challenges. The findings offer actionable guidance for university policymakers and academic leaders tasked with internationalisation. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0309-877X 1469-9486 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0309877X.2026.2619932 |
