An unprecedented increase in international academic mobility has occurred over the past four decades, and nations and universities around the world have valued and encouraged academics' transnational experiences greatly. This study explored the influence of different types of international experiences on academics' research productivity in their domestic environment through the theoretical lens of the construction of negotiated meaning. Interviews showed that long-term international experiences in early career stage affect researchers' productivity more deeply, substantially, and broadly than do short-term experiences in a later stage. Both types of overseas experiences exert their influence through academics' negotiations in their research focus, audience, and network. The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge of academic mobility and its effects on academics' research behaviour. The study's policy implications extend beyond its empirical context, and inspire all countries who attempt to encourage either its talented diasporas to return or attract top migrant scientists.