Exploring the Perspectives of Online Study Abroad Programs in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Approach

Abstract

Since early 2020, COVID-19 has profoundly impacted study-abroad programs worldwide due to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and various health risks. Study abroad programs needed to undergo adjustments, with some universities establishing alternative arrangements. This study explores the perspectives of people who participated and were involved in online study abroad programs run by a university in Japan during the pandemic. Through a narrative approach, various viewpoints by students, and academic and administrative staff are explored to the advantage and disadvantage of the programs and their role in developing future study abroad programs in the post-COVID-19 era. Although findings are Japan-based, the study has implications for study-abroad participants and scholars as well as the administration of higher education institutions worldwide for study abroad programs.

Rights

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Cite as

Downloadable citations

Identifiers

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2024.120601

Repository URI

https://hdl.handle.net/2164/25633