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Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to explore the integration of international faculty in Japan. The integration of international faculty is defined as a two-way process in which the mutual adaptation of diverse social-cultural and moral characteristics from both international faculty and Japan is achieved. An exploratory study of semi-structural interviews with 40 full-time international faculty hired in Japanese universities with various backgrounds was conducted. The key findings drawn from this study suggest explicitly that from the perspectives of international faculty, the integration of international faculty in Japan can be captured from three dimensions as follows: A-Work integration, B-Social-cultural integration, and C-Psychological integration. Only when they have the same working roles with Japanese professors and their receiving environment is accommodating, will they feel that they have achieved work integration. In addition, the conditions for social-cultural integration are receiving the same rights and obligations as Japanese, having Japanese networks and interests in Japan. Moreover, only when Work integration and Social-cultural integration are achieved at the same time will they feel integrated psychologically. Based on their integration in those dimensions, four types of international faculty have been identified. Theoretical and practical implications drawn from the key findings are provided to not only better understand the integration of international faculty at Japanese universities, but also to better serve and support them in practice.