Journals Information
Universal Journal of Educational Research Vol. 9(2), pp. 373 - 379
DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090213
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Virtual Exchanges: Fake Mobility or Unique Experiences
Timothy D. Gwillim 1, Irina I. Karimova 2,*
1 College of Arts, Science & Education, Davidson County Community College, Lexington, North Carolina, USA
2 Department of International Cooperation, St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications, St. Petersburg, Russia
ABSTRACT
With the advance of COVID-19, many colleges and universities needed to find alternative ways to conduct international exchanges. Many international exchanges and activities were canceled due to the virus. Also, much attention was diverted away from international activities as many focused on changing their classes to online formats. Due to the authors participation in Fulbright programs, cooperation between St. Petersburg State University of Telecommunications (SPbSUT) and Davidson County Community College (DCCC) began. Despite the cancelations and challenges that were occurring, SPbSUT in Russia and DCCC in North Carolina continued to work together to provide international exchanges for their students. Through a series of virtual classes and topic based discussions, students developed cross-cultural awareness and momentum was gained for more collaborations. This study highlights the virtual exchanges that were developed, and gives quantitative and qualitative survey results about the collaboration. The main purpose of this report, based on research conducted by Russian and American colleagues, is to share the experience in establishing and developing global collaborations, and to involve educational and scientific institutions in international cooperation.
KEYWORDS
COIL, Virtual, International Exchange, Community College
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Timothy D. Gwillim , Irina I. Karimova , "Virtual Exchanges: Fake Mobility or Unique Experiences," Universal Journal of Educational Research, Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 373 - 379, 2021. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090213.
(b). APA Format:
Timothy D. Gwillim , Irina I. Karimova (2021). Virtual Exchanges: Fake Mobility or Unique Experiences. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 9(2), 373 - 379. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2021.090213.