학술논문

Considering the Complexities of Virtual Student Mobility as an Approach to Inclusive Internationalisation in the Post-Pandemic Period
Document Type
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Source
Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education. 2023 27(3):96-104.
Subject
Electronic Learning
Student Mobility
Inclusion
Global Approach
Pandemics
COVID-19
Study Abroad
International Cooperation
Code Switching (Language)
Intercultural Communication
Socialization
Well Being
Sustainability
Language
English
ISSN
1360-3108
1460-7018
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic increased virtual student mobility as an elective choice and an emergency solution. Whether brought on by the pandemic or encouraged as a solution for more sustainable international education programming, virtual student mobility is a complex method for making internationalisation more inclusive. This qualitative research examines 16 Erasmus students' experiences with emergency virtual student mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a reflective assessment of two scholar-practitioners. Findings revealed three themes: teaching and learning challenges, the burden of environmental code-switching, and deficient intercultural socialisation as a result of missed experiences. Overall, results and findings show that some virtual student mobility programs were perceived as a concrete challenge, disappointment, and inadequate learning experience for Erasmus students. The results also challenge the purported inclusiveness of virtual student mobility programs. The paper concludes with the need to reconsider virtual student mobility as inclusive internationalisation, and offers concrete implications for policy, practice, and research.