The Problem

While online learning technologies during the pandemic provide students with access and freedom to digitally explore different values, technology also poses limitations that prevent students from experiencing global perspectives firsthand.

In a post-pandemic landscape, how might students gain the type of cultural competence and humility learned through in-country study?   

 
 

During the pandemic, the opportunities for students to immerse themselves in culture and interact with culture is very limited.

Therefore we proposed that institution could create educational spaces where students can experience the same or similar discomfort when they are abroad in order to support students to foster a more authentic global perspectives and achieve more personal growth in their studies.

 

Proposed Solution: “Virtual International Experiences”

 


Develop pedagogical opportunities for students to experience discomfort

  • Require students to visit/attend virtual courses where instructors are speaking in student’s non-native language

  • Assign research that involves:

    • Contacting community members from another country/culture.

    • Discourse and reflection of multiple cultural values (e.g. treatment for mental health disorders)

    • Analysis of history, politics, and systems 

    • Noticing and engaging difference

Encourage, support, and maintain intercultural curiosity

  • Encourage students to collaborate  with international peers to research topics of global concern.

  • Invite students to share intercultural learning experiences

  • Acknowledge students who step out of a comfort zone  

 
 
 
 

Final Thought & Considerations

 

photo cr. Madalena Silva & Jasmine Wu

In a post-pandemic country that has become politically and morally polarized, this study begins to develop strategies that help undergraduate students move beyond the limitations of isolationism and consider ways interconnectedness and interdependence are necessary to successfully evolve.

The next action steps are to bring more profound international perspectives to the academy, and to advocate for creating multiple opportunities that will give students the insights they need to model authentic, global citizenship. Ultimately, the goal is to integrate awareness of others’ values and ways of being to inspire more personal growth.