Internationalization of Higher Education

This chapter aims to present the methodological critiques on research related to study overseas and international experience under the umbrella of the internationalization of higher education. It will critique seven research articles from three approaches: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method. The critiques will be addressed to the research steps that have been taken by the researchers from their philosophical stands to their findings. The first part of this chapter will present the critiques on qualitative research articles. Then, the second part will discuss the critiques on quantitative research articles. The last part will deliver the critiques on mixed-method research articles. Overall, this chapter attempts to discuss any methodological weaknesses of those research projects and present feedback on their steps using various references on research methodology. The chapter will provide an in-depth reflection for the researchers on conducting their inquiries.

Crafting successful music careers: Insights from the professional lives of Australian pianists

This study investigates the careers of 28 classical pianists in Australia to develop greater understanding of skills needed to build professional music careers and to highlight implications for higher music education training. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed for emerging themes using Subotnik and Jarvin’s scholarly productivity or artistry (SP/A) model, looking for connections between distinct skills developed during education and their role in the building of professional careers. Participants in this study began learning to play the piano at an early age and pursued lessons during primary education, developing their technique, learning numerous works, and participating in competitions. In high school, the pianists learned to play other instruments, studied more complex and demanding piano solo repertoire, and participated in extra-curricular music activities. During performance-focused undergraduate study, all concentrated on improving technique, building solo and collaborative repertoire (including contemporary music), and exploring other music-related areas. Postgraduate study overseas and concertizing broadened their understanding of world-class standards. The participants undertook casual music jobs at the start of their careers, but eventually many achieved permanent full-time employment. Hard work, ability to learn quickly, natural gifts/talent, and passion for music helped these pianists build successful portfolio careers. The findings reveal that today’s tertiary music graduates will require diverse music and entrepreneurial skills, and a positive attitude. The implications highlight the need for the development of wide-ranging playing skills beyond solo performance and entrepreneurial competency as important factors for music careers.

Review and Prospect of the Research on Overseas R&D Investment of MNEs and Subsidiary Performance

In recent years, as globalized R&D activities have been launched on a large scale, more and more scholars have started to study overseas investment activities, but most of the research perspectives only focus on overseas investment entry methods, investment motives, and less on the study of reverse technology spillover of overseas R&D investment and the relationship with parent company innovation performance. Unlike overseas investment, overseas R&D investment is based on the knowledge base view, which considers knowledge as an important resource for enterprises, and tacit knowledge that is not easily understood and difficult to be expressed plays a key role in creating competitive advantage for enterprises. The dissemination of tacit knowledge is based on face-to-face interactions between individuals or organizations, and overseas R&D allows R&D activities to be geographically close to overseas markets and host country environments, thus enabling the transfer of home country knowledge and the acquisition of local knowledge. This study focuses on the motivation of overseas R&D investment, reverse technology spillover and relationship with parent company performance, and discusses future research directions.

Transnational Education: Looking at Out- and Inflow of International Student Migration

The interest of students from various countries to study overseas have been increasing lately, resulting in a global trend. Their reasons could be different from one another. This study analysed student migration using different models and theories. Through qualitative research, using literary and ethnographic analysis along with transnational perspectives, this project analyzed the reasons behind student’s migration. The finding indicates that different theories and approaches show different reasons why the students migrate. Push-pull factor theory shows that factors from the home country and the host country can count as reasons for why students study abroad. World system theory shows how economically, politically, and socially powerful countries play an important role in attracting international students. The demand and supply models are related to the middle class who are eager to gain cultural and social capital through studying abroad. Finally, the global space approach has three poles to look at international student flows; one of which is the Pacific pole where English-speaking countries become popular destinations particularly among international students from Asian countries. This article suggests that if host countries want to market their education comprehensively, the host countries should give more space and easy access for the home countries of the outflows of student migration.

Pendidikan Vokasi BTEC UK di Indonesia: Studi Fenomenologi Esensi Pengalaman Peserta Didik

Studying abroad, including in the United Kingdom is one of the aspirations for students and parents in Indonesia. In comparison to directly continuing study overseas, the availability of BTEC UK curriculum in Indonesia allows students to study for 20 months then continued their final year in the country they are planning to go to, including in the UK. Unfortunately, there is no record of the experience of students undergoing this curriculum in Indonesia, even though the curriculum already exists in Indonesia for more than ten years. This study then explores the motivations behind the decisions of students undergoing the BTEC curriculum in Indonesia, their experiences and the outcomes that occur after. Interviews with the 7 BTEC alumni in Indonesia were conducted and analyzed using qualitative phenomenology study. The results obtained that internal motivation is the main trigger whereas external motivation also applies, which is built up through social influence. The experience felt at the beginning was generally difficult to follow because the students were not used to the system, even though some felt excited about the curriculum learning system. In the middle and end of the semester, some of them feel more accustomed to it while some still find it difficult to follow this curriculum. The results in the form of a variety of positive attitudes including courage, self-confidence, and the development of communication skills.

To Investigate the Critical Influencing Factors for Decision Making Process of Students Who Want to Study Abroad

Myanmar is the developing country and its education system is not yet to international level. Hence, most of the young adults, who like to upgrade their knowledge global wide and to gain international recognized higher educational certificates, choose to study overseas rather than continuing higher education after their high education nowadays, that becomes the trend of young people to study overseas since the competency among the people is getting intense based on the education level in every industry. The purpose of this research is to understand that students’ decision making process of selecting university. The study will be conducted to see clear trend of Myanmar students’ decision making of studying in abroad. This research will cover the context of what is Myanmar students’ perception of abroad, how they consider among other countries and explaining those factors which determine Myanmar students’ choice and how they decide to study abroad.

Motivations for Studying Abroad and Immigration Intentions

This article reports a study that investigated prospective and current Vietnamese international students’ motivations to study abroad and their immigration intentions. Analyses of 55 intercept interviews and 313 responses to a survey revealed 12 push and pull factors that motivated students to pursue overseas studies and 18 sociocultural, economic, and political factors that influenced their immigration intentions. Independent samples t tests indicated that there were statistically significant differences in the influence of motivations on decisions to study overseas between groups of male and female students and prospective and current students. The analyses, furthermore, suggested that students’ immigration intentions depended on their personal attachment to the home country and (perceived) adaptability to the host country.

Chinese students’ decisions to undertake postgraduate study overseas

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to surface themes which may influence Chinese students’ decision making in relation to postgraduate study in international universities.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilises a semi-structured qualitative interview methodology (n=15).FindingsThe main findings are discussed according to the following themes: financial and time costs; employment prospects; postgraduate education as a cultural adventure; linguistics; visa issues; admissions; climate; influence of referents; and academic image and reputation.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size is small, yet affords greater depth of data and discussion.Practical implicationsThe research offers practitioners in universities who are managing postgraduate recruitment of Chinese students, some greater understanding of the reasons behind prospective Chinese postgraduate students’ choice; from which they can evaluate the effectiveness of their institutions’ recruitment strategies.Originality/valueExtant research has tended to report reasons why Chinese students study overseas, whereas this study offers deeper insight and exploration of the reasoning of Chinese international students in the postgraduate context. The research is of value given the importance of postgraduate Chinese students to international university recruitment.

English Language Learning of Indonesian Students during Study Abroad Program in Australia

This article discusses how the transformation of identity and cultural learning influence the English language learning of Indonesian students during their study program. This article is divided into three different sections of discussions in order to elaborate this issue comprehensively. Firstly, the identity change during the study abroad program is discussed by utilising the concept of identity. Subsequently, the process of identity transformation of Indonesian students during their study abroad is further elaborated through the identity movement theory. Secondly, the process of cultural learning during study abroad program is explained regarding English language learning of Indonesian students. Thirdly, how the students’ identity transformation and cultural learning impact on English language learning is also be analysed. In conclusion, the role of identity transformation and intercultural learning is significant in the enhancement of English language proficiency of the students during the study overseas program. Furthermore, the process of English language learning transforms the students’ identities through the students’ engagement in the new sociocultural condition. The transformation of students’ identity occurs in three steps of identity movement which are molar, molecular and line of flight identity. The transformation also lies in intercultural learning which later develops the students’ intercultural awareness and understanding. That is to say, study overseas can transform the students’ identity and facilitate cultural learning in which both are beneficial in enhancing the English language proficiency of the student. Besides that, study abroad program also constructs difference between individuals who pursue study overseas and who do not.

Discourse Analyses of Chinese Visiting Professors at Canadian Universities: Adaptation and Transformation

Chinese visiting professors, as Chinese university educators, are playing both practitioners and conformists in adapting to Western teaching perspectives and pedagogies while maintaining Chinese teaching beliefs. This study attempts to understand the international university experiences (Canada) of Chinese visiting professors. Arguably, Chinese visiting professors might potentially engage in programs aimed at providing an advance preparation for Chinese international graduate students, furthering their successful transition in study abroad. This paper is oriented to a post-structural paradigm in order to remain open to the attitudes, beliefs, and values of participants. The findings of a discourse analysis of Chinese visiting professors at a Canadian university are presented. The findings disclosed specific accounts as provided by this research group (i.e. dual academic and teaching experiences, and bicultural experiences in Chinese and Canadian universities). Using the findings, recommendations were made in bridging potential challenges to studying abroad. Specific to this task is the construction of an in-country program aimed at preparing Chinese undergraduate and graduate students for study overseas (specifically in Canada).