The programming committee for the 79th Annual SAM International Business Conference is pleased to announce the acceptance of the presentation, UAB Collat Online Education Abroad: Reimagining Global Leadership Through Innovation, Sustainability, and Creativity by Alicia Clavell McCall.
In the evolving landscape of international education, a groundbreaking initiative by the UAB Collat School of Business marks a significant milestone in the journey toward accessible and sustainable global learning experiences. This innovative approach, aimed at redefining the contours of study abroad programs in the wake of the pandemic’s lasting impacts, will be showcased at the upcoming SAM International Business Conference. The poster, titled “UAB Collat Online Educaiton Abroad” presents a compelling narrative on the pilot program initiated in the fall of 2023, which offers a virtual study away experience, a novel solution tailored for a post-pandemic educational landscape.
The UAB Collat School of Business, in collaboration with a company known for its expertise in travel abroad programs, embarked on this pioneering project to mitigate the challenges faced by traditional on-ground education abroad. This virtual travel experience, designed to be both immersive and eco-friendly, addresses the critical issues of travel restrictions, financial barriers, and the anxieties surrounding post-pandemic travel, thus opening up new horizons for students who otherwise might not have the opportunity to study abroad.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond the mere replication of physical travel experiences in a virtual format. It is a reimagining of academic study abroad practices, promising new revenue streams and innovative ways to engage students. The program represents a forward-thinking approach to international education, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability.
The conference presentation will delve into various aspects of this virtual study away program, including the motivations behind students’ interest in virtual travel and the administrative perspectives that shape these innovative educational offerings. Furthermore, it will highlight the outcomes of the pilot program, “IB: 495, Virtual Study Away: Comparative Cultures,” through exit surveys and student feedback. This feedback is crucial in understanding the efficacy and reception of virtual travel experiences among students, providing insights that could steer future developments in international education.
The SAM International Business Conference serves as an ideal platform for disseminating the findings and experiences gained from this virtual study abroad program. By sharing this model with educators, administrators, and scholars from around the world, the UAB Collat School of Business contributes to a broader dialogue on the future of international education. The initiative not only demonstrates the potential of virtual study abroad programs to overcome the limitations imposed by the pandemic but also highlights the role of technology in creating accessible, engaging, and sustainable educational experiences. As the academic community gathers at the conference, this presentation promises to inspire further exploration and innovation in the field of international education, paving the way for a more inclusive and adaptable global learning environment.
Join us online or in person at SAMIBC 2024 and see this great presentation and many more March 19 – March 23, 2024. For registration information visit www.samnational.org/conference.