Organization and Implementation of a Virtual Summer Study Abroad Program for Japanese Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The Original Article was published on

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Abstract

A major consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic for university student life has been the impossibility of participating in study abroad programs, but it has also presented opportunities for novel solutions. This research paper reports on one such attempt: an English language and culture study abroad course which went online for summer 2021. A total of 25 students participated in this unique new program, which offered a choice of online summer courses at four universities in North America. The process of finding partner universities, securing accreditation, and student recruitment and orientation through a spring semester preparation class are outlined. Student reactions to the programs including their strong and weak points are analyzed, and the possibility of the course continuation in the future is explored.

Keywords

Online / study abroad / COVID-19 pandemic

CHANGE HISTORY

A Correction to this paper has been published:
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The Retraction Note was updated to reflect reception of statements of disagreement from all authors.

This article has been retracted.Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail:
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