Factors impacting an overseas continuing professional development programme: Chinese teachers’ voices

This study sheds light on the learning experiences of a group of in-service university teachers from China who attended a three-month, short-term continuing professional development program at a Canadian university. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Activity Theory was adopted as the framework. The findings revealed that language and translation barriers, course schedules, (ir)relevant training content, various individual interests, cultural differences, and requirements from the home university were the main factors that impacted the learning experiences of teacher-trainees. Based on the findings, this study discusses what constitutes a culturally appropriate methodology for cross-cultural professional training programme and offers insights into the interplay of factors that influence the perceived effectiveness of such a program. Suggestions for future program planning are also provided.