We agree with you—studying abroad online will not replace studying abroad in person. Traveling to another country is irreplaceable; the sights, sounds, growth, interaction, and millions of experiences rooted in growth. So…if the goal of virtual study abroad is not to replace an in-person experience, then why was it created?
Education abroad is magical—but you don’t *have* to go abroad to get all of its benefits.
The goal of study abroad online is to provide students with the ability to access the world (and all it has to offer) from anywhere. Thus, students can gain global perspectives virtually—which is one of the most valuable parts of this experience.
When you study abroad online this year, you will gain valuable experience that will contribute greatly to being a global citizen and serve you long term. Here’s why you should do it.
Will virtual study abroad limit your experience?
For virtual study abroad online to be a limitation, you would have to have access to the option of going abroad. Because of the current status of travel, studying abroad online is investing in yourself, your summer, or your semester to make the most out of living in a global pandemic.
It’s a way to combat stagnancy and invest in international education and perspectives despite the inability to travel. Yes, it won’t be the same as traveling abroad, however, the more you invest in it, the more will stem from it.
And providers like API are offering excursions as an addition to their online courses, when travel becomes feasible!
What is global perspective?
Each of us is exposed to the world based on our individual positioning: the who, what, when, and where you interact. This creates a specific lens in which you see and think through. When developing a global perspective, reactions and thinking processes change, and an individual begins to relate their thinking on an international scale.
Global perspective helps you realize we’re all in this together.
Critical thinking spikes questions like, does this affect the world as a whole? Who is affected more and why? Who does this disproportionately affect? The importance of global perspective is that it decenters an individual and opens up a global lens.
Gaining a global perspective through international education is expanding a student’s lens and interacting with professors, classmates, course material, and perspectives that are outside of their past experiences.
Now, a student is able to take a step back and think about the rest of the world, they research why things exist, and what experiences led people to where they are. More broadly, what is global perspective?
It’s a life commitment to and filled with expanded perspectives and deeper critical thinking skills. You’ll learn to focus on how the world impacts others rather than centering yourself through a limited perspective.
6 easy ways to gain global perspectives during study abroad online
1. Join a program that has international components
Choose a program that hosts virtual events! For example, API’s Global Guides—cultural event hosts located around the world—are hosting events like cooking classes, art and graffiti tours, international movie nights, and more with other international students.
This is a great way to get engaged with new classmates, discuss different aspects of one another’s cultures, and get to know each other. You’ll also learn so much more about the country you are studying. This will make your next travel experience much more meaningful.
The next time you travel, everything will look different—thanks to your new perspectives.
2. Put together virtual study groups with other classmates
This is a great way to dive deeper into what you’re studying and truly understand the importance of global perspective as it relates to your education and career. You’ll be able to engage with other students regarding course material and further dive into what you’re learning—and how it applies to each student.
This will keep you engaged in your classes and learning because you’ll be able to connect with students studying the same interesting course work as you.
3. Choose programs offering excursions or discounts on in-person programs in the future
Study abroad programs know the value of traveling in person and they want to provide that opportunity when it is safe and possible! Some programs are offering discounts on future study abroad programs (summer included) and others are offering excursions in 2021! (If it’s feasible.)
This will give you something to work towards and create a much deeper travel experience because you will know so much more about the history, culture, and language in the country you are traveling to.
4. Learn the local language
One of the best and most effective ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself and speak it frequently. By interacting with those you’re learning and studying with, you’ll be able to further engage in your language practice.
Plus, learning from a native-speaking instructor who lives where the language is spoken is a unique advantage in language study—so it’s undeniably helpful that this aspect of study abroad can be replicated virtually!
Learning the local language means that once you are able to visit the country you virtually study abroad in, you’ll be able to connect and build relationships with locals. This will shed a whole new light on your next travel experience.
5. Connect with your professors and ask how you can get to know the location better
Your professors’ lived experiences will help you get to know your destination from afar.
How can you bring your best self to the table when studying abroad online? Being open and inquisitive! This is a beautiful part of traveling in-person and this same nature should be applied to studying abroad online.
Like traveling, how you approach your learning is going to control the outcome, so be as open and willing to connect with your professors and get to know them! Ask what books they recommend or the best ways to spend your time when you travel to areas they are familiar with or from.
6. Put together virtual hangouts with your classmates
Plan a few fun virtual hangouts with games! This is a perfect way to get to know your classmates better. You’ll be able to build strong bonds and hopefully someday soon visit one another.
Virtual study abroad is a perfect opportunity to meet people with similar interests as you. If the other students taking your classes decided to grow as a global citizen and learn more about the same country as you, you’ll immediately be able to connect. There are no friends like the friends you meet through travel.
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You’ll gain global perspectives through study abroad online!
Don’t shy away from virtual study abroad. It’ll help you make the most of your time at home!
Studying abroad online will never replace an in-person semester, however, it will replace a summer or semester at home, it will replace taking online classes from your home university, and it will help you begin (or continue) to develop new global perspectives.
So, fill your time wisely this upcoming semester. Step outside of the box and take courses that will educate you on the history and culture of another country. Build relationships with other students who you otherwise would not know, and prepare to grow as a global citizen.
Some questions we encourage you to start asking yourself are: what will my next travel experience look like if I deeply understand the country? What impact will having friends with new perspectives have on my life? What is the importance of global perspective?
We think you will find the answers right in front of you.
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This article was written with help from Academic Programs International (API). API delivers international experiences that inspire learning and enrich students, partners, and communities. API’s portfolio has expanded beyond college study abroad to include international internship programs, volunteer, and international programs for high school and gap year students.
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