What is the Impact of Studying Abroad for University Faculty? Research Findings Shared on the Impact on Malaysia

On May 9, 2023, the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development (JICA Ogata Research Institute) held a joint seminar with the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Sophia University on the theme of “Impacts of study abroad on higher education development in Malaysia.” The seminar shared and discussed findings from the JICA Ogata Research Institute Project “Empirical Research on Impacts of Study Abroad in Developing Countries – based on the Study Abroad Experiences of Academic Professionals of Major Universities in ASEAN Countries”, which involved large-scale survey and interview research at 10 leading universities in four ASEAN countries between 2018 and 2022. Two of the 10 universities surveyed included UTM and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), both present at the seminar along with other Malaysian higher education stakeholders.

The seminar, chaired by JICA Ogata Research Institute Visiting Fellow (Sophia University Professor) Sugimura Miki, opened with a presentation by Morshidi Sirat, professor emeritus of the Institute of Higher Education, USM, titled “Higher Education Development and Study Abroad Experiences of Faculty in Malaysia.” JICA Ogata Research Institute Senior Research Advisor Kayashima Nobuko then provided an overview of the research project including findings from all four ASEAN countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam). The findings showed that, in comparison to faculty with no study abroad experience, those who studied abroad reported statistically significant increases in involvement in activities and development of qualities related to education, research, social contribution and administration. This was particularly true for activities with international content. Such findings suggest faculty study abroad has a positive impact on development at the personal, institutional and social levels.

Senior Lecturer Shadiya Mohamed Saleh Baqutayan of UTM and Magdalene Ang, a researcher at the USM Institute of Higher Education presented case studies of their respective universities, drawing on the results of the survey and interview research conducted. While both case studies revealed positive impacts of study abroad on faculty development, the findings further indicated that international networks built during study abroad play an increasingly crucial role in the rapid internationalization of Malaysia’s higher education. On the other hand, many faculty members face difficulties reintegrating into the customs and cultures of their universities after returning from study abroad.

In the Q&A session, diverse topics were discussed, including the definition of “overseas degrees” versus “domestic degrees” in the research, shifts in the role of study abroad over time and human resource management/policy in Malaysian higher education.

Data analysis for the project is ongoing and publication of an edited volume is planned.