Abstract
The Pandemic has brought about seismic changes to the world as we knew it. Every aspect of life has experienced some change. While there is much for concern there are also opportunities in this new normal. This paper explores leveraging some of those opportunities in higher education. Study abroad, which was once par for the course for many students during their college experience, was discontinued in institutions during 2020-21. Students who were studying abroad had to return home in March 2020. Some institutions of higher learning, adapted to the changed environment and introduced Virtual Study Abroad and sought proposals from faculty for revised course that would incorporate elements to qualify for Virtual Study Abroad. Florida International University, Miami, Fl was one of those universities. I adapted my course International Relations of South Asia to be a Virtual Study Abroad course and introduced students to South Asia in South Florida through this course. Drawing on that experience, this paper will explore the potential of Virtual Study Abroad to supplement the traditional Study Abroad Programs in the post pandemic world and cater to working students, those on a limited budget or unable to travel for any reason, making education more equitable. It will also delve into the potential for introducing remote areas of the world, which traditionally do not have infrastructure to provide a study abroad program, to become a part of the Virtual Study Abroad program.
Presenters
Anjana MishraAssistant Teaching Professor, Politics and International Relations, Florida International University, Florida, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2022 Special Focus—Responsible Post Pandemic Tourism: Built Environment and Design Excellence
KEYWORDS
Pandemic, Covid19, Study_Abroad,Virtual_Study_Abroad, Higher_Education, Remote_Online Learning
