Professional adaptation of international academics: a critical discussion through the lens of complexity theory

The number of international academics in universities has increased steadily over the past decades, driven by universities’ internationalisation strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the global market and the academics’ desire for career advancement through broadening global experiences, international networks and collaboration. Despite their growing number, little attention has been given to the professional transition of international academics. This paper offers a critical discussion on the professional adaptation challenges, strategies and institutional support available to international academics using complexity theory as a lens. By conceptualising the university as a complex system, we argue that professional adaptation needs to be integrated into the entire system, a move from being largely international academics’ business to a bilateral and reciprocal approach. This has implications for host institutions to consider their own position towards international academics as well as review current support policies and practices for these individuals.