This week’s episode, hosted by Elana Gutmann, features an open-access proceedings article that explores three alternatives to studying abroad for students enrolled at Setsunan University in Japan during the global COVID pandemic.
See our extended show notes at: https://www.centerforengagedlearning.org/alternatives-to-studying-abroad-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
This week’s episode, hosted by Elana Gutmann, features an open-access proceedings article that explores three alternatives to studying abroad for students enrolled at Setsunan University in Japan during the global COVID pandemic:
Chu, Curtis, and Yusuke Torii. 2021. “Communicating Across Cultures Online: Introducing and Comparing the Implementation of Three Virtual Study Abroad Programs.” The JACET International Convention Proceedings: The JACET 60th Commemorative International Convention 2021: 57-58. https://www.jacet.org/wp-content/uploads/60th_proceedings_ver3.pdf
60-Second SoTL is produced by the Center for Engaged Learning at Elon University.
60-Second SoTL
Episode 22 – Alternatives to Studying Abroad During the COVID-19 Pandemic
(Piano Music)
0:03
Jessie L. Moore:
Welcome to 60-Second SoTL! This week’s episode is part of a short series by students in Elon University’s Masters of Higher Education program. The students are exploring study away as a meaningful learning experience. Look for their blog posts at www.CenterForEngagedLearning.org and listen for the other podcast episodes in their series wherever you subscribe to 60-Second SoTL.
0:24
(Piano Music)
00:27
Elana Gutmann:
What were some alternative options to study abroad that international institutions of higher education embraced during the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s the focus of this week’s 60-second SoTL from Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning. I am Elana Gutmann.
00:42
(Piano Music)
00:45
In 2021, SoTL scholars Curtis Chu and Yusuke Torii from Setsunan University in Japan presented their work at the JACET International Convention Proceedings. In their work, titled “Communicating Across Cultures Online: Introducing and Comparing the Implementation of Three Virtual Study Abroad Programs,” Chu and Torri discussed a few of the virtual options available for Setsunan university students who wanted to study abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those programs included the Taiwan Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Tourism program, a five-week collaborative learning program; the Diversity Voyage in Philippines, a six-day virtual field study program; and the Philippines English Language program, which featured one-on-one intensive lessons with tutors. Chu and Torii wanted to know how these virtual study abroad experiences affected students’ intercultural competency scores.
1:41
Students participating in the study completed two surveys: a pre-test before their programs started and a post-test once they completed their virtual study abroad experience. Chu and Torii asked students to answer the degree to which they agreed with the survey’s statements from 0-5, with 0 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. They also asked the students for additional feedback.
2:04
Generally, students’ intercultural competency scores improved after the virtual programs concluded. The students believed they learned how to be a better global citizen and how to better communicate their thoughts. Students did say they wished they were able to communicate with their classmates abroad in real-time versus in an asynchronous format, and Internet issues made their experience more difficult.
To learn more, see the full citation in our show notes.
2:29
(Piano Music)
2:32
Join us next week for another snapshot of recent scholarship of teaching and learning on 60-second SoTL from Elon University’s Center for Engaged Learning. Learn more about the Center at www.CenterForEngagedLearning.org.
2:47
(Piano Music)