The quest for transnational mobilities and professional knowledge

Abstract

This study explores transnational pursuit of knowledge through the lens of a group of Mainland Chinese PhD students in two prestigious U.S. Universities. Chinese students graduated from U.S. universities have a long history of bringing knowledge and technologies to China. This research focuses on the best cohort of students and investigates their quest for transnational mobilities and knowledge. What motivates their transnational knowledge pursuit? What new IUAES2016 <noreply@iuaes2016.com> Tue 1/5/2016 21:32 To:Wai-chi Chee <wcchee@hku.hk>; knowledge do they gain in the U.S. and what do they aspire to do with the newly-gained knowledge? What kinds of knowledge are valued? How does it shape and how is it shaped by hierarchies of knowledge? What are Chinese international students’ roles in the transfer of knowledge between China and U.S.? How do they envision their positions, as they are equipped with new knowledge and skills, in China’s economic, social and political transformation? This paper will explore the above questions to shed light on the quest for transnational mobilities and professional knowledge of Mainland Chinese international students in particular, and global south students in general.