Influence of study abroad factors on international research collaboration: evidence from higher education academics in sub-Saharan Africa

Research collaboration is an important aspect of internationalization in higher education. Doctoral study abroad is perceived as one way of building international research networks for future collaborations. The diversity of study abroad programs makes it difficult to specify factors relevant to improving outcomes. The study examined destination, depth of the experience, duration of the program, and participant demographics to determine their association with international collaboration. A sample of faculty Curriculum Vitae for the period 2009-2014 was drawn from the archives of the Uganda National Council of Higher Education. A Longitudinal Curriculum Vitae Analysis was conducted and the numeric data analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equation method. Results suggest destination as positively associated with outcomes. Further assessments show destination was important for faculty in the social sciences and humanities while depth of the experience is useful for faculty in the natural sciences. The outcome suggests need for caution when selecting international doctoral programs.