Being, adjusting and developing satisfaction: a review of ajarn tangchart (non-Thai academics) within the Thai higher education system

Abstract

Academic mobility is an ancient phenomenon that has particular characteristics in an era of increasing internationalisation. However, surprisingly little has been published about academic mobility to Thailand, and available accounts in both Thai and English languages are dispersed and disconnected. This article addresses these challenges by accumulating Thai and English-language accounts and making them accessible for a wider international audience. The article begins by addressing some unresolved debates about terminologies for describing non-Thai academics who work in Thai higher education. After addressing terminological issues, the authors introduce the scoping review methodology employed in this article, and outline the 21 texts included in it. Following this, they explore key themes and gaps in the available literature. The significance of the article is its development of conceptual clarity around the term ajarn tangchart, as well as its extension of the picture of academic mobility to less canvassed locations in the Global South. © 2018, © 2018 British Association for International and Comparative Education.