Abstract
The number of international academics in Australian universities has risen steadily over the decades. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data indicates that up to 30% of Australian university academic staff were born outside the country. Among them are international students who have continued to make their careers in the university after completing their doctorate education. Using a joint autoethnography approach and Akkerman and Bakker’s (2011) framework of boundary crossing, this paper provides novel insights into the experiences of three international academics transitioning into the Australian higher education system. By examining the critical incidents that challenge their assumptions and practices using Akkerman and Bakker’s (2011) four mechanisms of professional learning that could occur during boundary crossing: identification, coordination, reflection, and transformation, the authors analyse the complexities of crossing geographical, cultural, and professional boundaries, and how they have grown professionally through negotiating new relationships, managing changed roles, and seeking a renewed sense of self. Key themes identified include the challenges and adaptations in teaching, the importance of cultural and contextual sensitivity, ongoing self-reflection and continuous improvement, and the development of an empathy-driven, student-centred approach. This research illuminates the personal and professional transformation of international academics in Australia and offers practical recommendations for supporting academics involved in such boundary-crossing experiences.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2024 |
Event | Australian Association for Research in Education Conference 2024: Education Research in a Changing World - Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia Duration: 1 Dec 2024 → 5 Dec 2024 https://www.aareconference.com.au/ |
Conference
Conference | Australian Association for Research in Education Conference 2024 |
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Abbreviated title | AARE 2024 |
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Sydney |
Period | 1/12/24 → 5/12/24 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- professional identity
- international academics
- teaching across culture
- critical incident
- reflective practice