Research leadership of returned overseas TESOL scholars in Cambodia

Among the key concerns in developmental world Englishes is that of educational collaboration and cooperation. This article reports a recent study that investigated the research roles and activities of Cambodian applied linguistics (English Language Teachers (ELT) or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)) scholars who completed a thesis in English outside their own country at an English-medium higher education institution. In particular, it explores what happens to these scholars when they return to their home institutions in Cambodia with a Master’s or PhD degree. Given their overseas training is widely perceived to be superior to that offered by local master’s and doctoral programs, it is important to know to what extent these scholars are sharing their knowledge and skills, making an impact through taking on significant leadership roles, and occupying positions of influence within university settings. The research site is a leading public university in Cambodia.