Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines the wide range of academic fields and particular experiences of Fulbright scholars in China. It deals with a historical memoir by Tim Maciel about his experience in 1980 to 1982. The book explores various aspects of academic culture at Chinese universities and provides cautionary tales about essentialism, or over-generalizing one’s experience at a single Chinese university to all Chinese universities. It demonstrates ways that foreign scholars can connect with students and colleagues at a meaningful extracurricular level. The book discusses some of the bigger-picture issues that arise with foreign scholars navigating life in China. It also presents a distinctive and important contribution to the literature of global education and research, China studies, cultural and global politics, and teaching and learning in China.