Adaptation-level theory.

Until recently, international education has existed at the margins of educational research. However, in the current context of globalization, international education has moved closer to the center of educational research throughout the world. In this article, the authors identify, describe, and analyze six distinct research approaches to international education: comparative and international education, internationalization of higher education, international schools, international research on teaching and teacher education, internationalization of K-12 education, and globalization of education. Within each approach, the authors discuss the historical context and the global political, economic, social, and cultural shifts that have shaped the research approach; map the major research trajectories that have developed; discuss the audience and research community; and analyze strengths and weaknesses. The authors conclude with a discussion of emergent trends within research in international education.

Research in International Education

The present study investigates the link between multilingualism/multiculturalism, acculturation and the personality profile (as measured by the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire) of 79 young London teenagers, half of whom were born abroad and had settled down in London during their childhood ‘Third Culture Kids’ (TCKs; Pollock & Van Reken, 2001). Statistical analyses revealed that TCKs scored higher on the dimension of Openmindedness and Cultural Empathy and scored lower on Emotional Stability. Language dominance (first language (L1), L1 and one or two other languages (multidominance), or any language which is not the L1 (LX) had a significant effect on the participants’ personality profile, with the multidominant group scoring significantly higher on Openmindedness, marginally higher on Cultural Empathy and significantly lower on Emotional Stability than participants dominant in one language only. The number of languages known by participants was also significantly linked to their personal...

The effect of multilingualism/multiculturalism on personality: no gain without pain for Third Culture Kids?

Confused or multicultural: Third culture individuals’ cultural identity

While the benefits of a mobile expatriate lifestyle are widely reported, it must also be recognized that many students who have attended international schools experience a confused sense of identity due to the fragmented nature of their personal histories. This article seeks to refine our understanding of how these globally mobile young people negotiate and maintain a sense of identity. It reviews a range of relevant literature, identifies a series of research questions, and concludes with some suggestions as to how to approach empirical research on identity in international schools and other multicultural educational settings.

`Where am I from?' `Where do I belong?': The negotiation and maintenance of identity by international school students

This article is based on a multiple case study which examines the lives of a group of 11 former international school students who all attended an international school between 20 and 50 years ago. T...

Belonging, Identity and Third Culture Kids: Life Histories of former International School Students

International education: a commitment to universal values

Recruitment and deployment of staff: a dimension of international school organization

Contents covers: The history and nature of international education Curricular dimensions of international schools Professional development in international education The organisation and management of international schools International schools and their communities The prospects for international education.

George Walker

Papers

Belonging, Identity and Third Culture Kids: Life Histories of former International School Students

International education: a commitment to universal values

Recruitment and deployment of staff: a dimension of international school organization

International Education in Practice: Dimensions for Schools and International Schools

International education: pragmatism and professionalism in supporting teachers