Chapter 13: International Advanced Studies as a Head Start for an Academic Carer: The Case of Israeli Graduate Students in the United States

The study described in this chapter focuses on the ways in which international advanced studies serve as a head start for an academic career in Israel, as reported by outstanding Israeli graduate students who were awarded Fulbright grants for doctoral and postdoctoral studies in the United States. The findings are based on a constant comparative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 27 Fulbright alumni. The results show three ways in which international studies serve as a head start for an academic career: professional, social, and personal. No differences were found between classic and hybrid career types. Further theoretical and practical implications are discussed.