Global learning, local impact
The international mobility experiences of Vietnamese academics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32674/qxnb0k76Keywords:
international mobility, adult education, lifelong learning, social change, global partnershipAbstract
The opportunity for individuals to build broad global capacities from international mobility programs is common practice within the higher education community in Southeast Asia. Very little is known, however, about the experiences of mature-age academics who return home to their work setting following international experiences. In this article, we report on the perspectives of Vietnamese academics participating in international mobility programs in more than 10 English-speaking countries. We used a thematic analysis of 20 in-depth interviews to reveal the insights of Vietnamese higher education colleagues on the potential of change in Vietnam at three levels: 1) governmental, 2) institutional, and 3) classroom. As participant colleagues re-entered Vietnamese culture and society, they encountered both opportunities and challenges to implement their international learning and practice lifelong learning. We further share important implications for governments in Southeast Asia and around the world who sponsor international mobility programs to develop internationally focused academic staff.
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