─ Abstract─

The purpose of this paper is to review existing studies in self-initiated expatriate management and academic mobility literature, with a specific focus on expatriate academics as their target population. Key themes were identified using an extensive literature review and to contextualise the study undertaken within the current body of knowledge. This study uses a meta-narrative approach to literature, to review, critique and express what the literature says about expatriate academics. An unobtrusive research technique, namely documentary analysis, is used to analyse literature. Analysis revealed the following themes: motivations for expatriation, aspects of adjustment (social, cultural and work) and academic mobility trends. The directions for future research, recommendations to university management, as well as the limitations of these studies were also presented. This paper articulated key concepts about expatriate academics, including how the motivation to expatriate, as well as adjustment and attitude to the new environment following expatriation, may affect work-related outcomes. Finally, it provided future areas of research, recommendations to university managers as well as limitations of the studies analysed.