Expatriate academics and transnational teaching: the need for quality assurance and quality enhancement to go hand in hand

Abstract

In the past two decades, transnational education has been increasing and so has the need for staff to teach on these programmes. This study sought the views of non-Anglophone expatriate academics teaching transnationally in Oman by means of a survey and follow-up interviews. It highlights the challenges that they face in a teaching and learning environment that is academically and culturally new to them. These challenges relate mostly to the students, as they need extensive structured guidance, and to maintaining programme quality in meeting the learning outcomes, particularly critical thinking and writing in English. Teaching adaptation and quality assurance were less challenging. Findings indicate that for a more enhanced teaching and learning environment, both the provider and host institution need to continuously invest in face-to-face professional development addressing the challenges expatriate academics experience, and that the sole focus on quality assurance by provider universities is not sufficient to create this.

Expatriate academics: what have we known for four decades? A systematic literature review

“…Some studies (Lamers-Reeuwijk et al ., 2020; Seah and Edwards, 2006) pointed to pedagogic adjustment which is specific to academic work. Although expats may be skilled teachers in their home countries, they often need to transform their current practice (teaching style, developing critical-thinking skills, English-language proficiency, contextualising and linking well known concepts into a new workplace, taking a student-centred or teacher-centred approach, being familiar with the foreign education system or maintaining programme quality) and adapt to the local context.…”

Experiences of expatriate university teachers in a health science university in Saudi Arabia-A Qualitative study

“…Adaptations to local context and transforming current practice is necessary for even formerly acclaimed skilled expatriate academic. 10 Academic expatriates are thus more attuned to cultural differences by gaining valuable insights into new teaching practices and processes. 11 Socio-cultural diversity enticed some participants whereas others felt challenged by language barriers after being perplexed at meetings with students and faculty.…”

“…This demonstrates mental resilience, patience and congeniality, which are frequently noted traits in expatriate academics. 10,12 The participants expressed that they knowingly paid the price for expatriation because of the associated benefits. They handled their personal battles whilst consciously reminding themselves of the greater good.…”