This book examines the way Chinese academics returning from the US re-establish their academic identities and professional practices at China's research universities in the context of higher education internationalization in China. It goes beyond economic accounts of academic mobility based on the notions of brain drain, brain gain, and brain circulation. Instead, it uses a cultural approach to explore the everyday experiences of the returning scholars concerning the issues of their sense of identity, as well as their ways of connecting and bringing about changes in their work communities. It will appeal anyone interested in 1) globalization and academic mobility; 2) China's talent policies and strategies; and 3) the internationalization of Chinese universities.

Examines the complexity of the internationalization of Chinese universities and the role that returnees play in the process Uses a cultural approach to examine the everyday life of returnees Explores both the individual and group impact of returning scholars on China's academic system Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Introduction.- Higher Education Transition and Academic Mobility in China.- Theorizing Academic Mobility.- Return Mobility, Motivations, and Driving-factors: Negotiating the Process of Return.- Reintegration, Challenges, and Structural Constraints: A Reflection on China's Academic System.- Learning, Knowledge Transfer, and Institutional Innovation: The Impact of Academic Mobility.- Concluding Reflections.