Analysis of Chinese visiting scholars¿ in USA

This study presents an empirical investigation of Chinese visiting scholars¿ experiences in the United States. The major data sources are qualitative semi-structured interviews with 31 Chinese faculty members in the disciplines of engineering, natural science, social science, and arts. Drawing on Lave and Wenger¿s (1991) theory of ¿Legitimate peripheral participation¿ (p. 27), this study found that despite the challenges in preparation, language, and different academic cultures, Chinese visiting scholars were capable of navigating their hosting programs and achieving professional growth, and they moved from peripheral to fuller participation in their academic community. It also provides a critical discussion of how to improve their visiting scholar experiences in the U.S., and how this study casts light on globalization of higher education.