The Benefits of Virtual Learning
At EEAbroad, fostering mindful travel is our passion and what we do. But that doesn’t mean cross-cultural exchanges and international experiences can’t continue as we navigate the world of COVID-19. This is where the benefits of virtual learning come into play.
So how can virtual learning alter the landscape of international education? These seven reasons explain how adopting EEAbroad's virtual learning modules with a focus on Cuba reintroduce students to the world of travel without ever leaving home. We conclude with how we believe virtual learning could alter the landscape of travel and study abroad as we know it.
Why Adopt Virtual Learning?
1. Alternative Study Abroad Programs
In the wake of COVID-19, students don’t have to be limited by the inability to travel. We understand that canceled study abroad programs leave students feeling a void and puts universities in a position to scramble for another solution to internationalize their campuses. Virtual learning is a positive substitute for a temporarily suspended faculty-led program or education abroad.
Our custom virtual learning modules allow students to learn about the complex history behind the U.S. - Cuba embargo, understand how the sugar trade has impacted the island nation over centuries, experience the narrow streets of Old Havana through a 360-degree virtual walking tour with expert guides, and interact with locals through unscripted discussions that lead to unexpected knowledge previously unknown. While we can’t replace in-person travel, it doesn’t mean international experiences won’t inspire a new age of conscious global citizens.
2. Internationalized Course Curriculums
Tired of Zoom Meetings and bland PowerPoint presentations? We are, too.
Now more than ever, faculty must think outside the box to internationalize course curriculums as students can benefit from a fresh, new perspective and engaging format. We can help weave existing EEAbroad virtual learning modules into any course curriculum, or we can create an entirely new one based on your course syllabus. Faculty tell us their course objectives and we suggest virtual modules to support their curriculum. Our virtual learning modules can provide your classes with a unique international perspective on topics of contemporary interest and that align with course themes.
Check out some of our sample virtual learning modules.
3. Unscripted Cross-Cultural Exchanges
One of the most beautiful things about travel is organic conversations that lead to new discoveries through unscripted interactions with locals. These conversations occur through our interactive exchange modules which allow students to converse with a Cuban healthcare expert, artist, jazz musician, entrepreneur, etc. After all, no one can begin to understand the complexities of Cuba without hearing the perspective of the Cuban people.
We believe in learning from locals and that’s why all of our virtual learning modules are led on the ground by our Cuban partners. Let those who know best do the teaching and from there, bridge the gap to understanding. Cross-cultural connections don’t have to stop with travel on hiatus —virtual exchanges provide a continuum for these exchanges while deepening understanding.
4. Access for Everyone
For some students, studying abroad is not a viable option. Whether this is due to affordable access or the anxiety of traveling to a new country, reasons vary but barriers exist. Virtual learning allows everyone to experience a new culture from the comfort of their desk. For universities, this is a low-risk, low-cost entry point with high-output learning scenarios for their students. Through our engaging virtual learning modules, we provide an affordable, stress-free way for all students to dip their toes into an experience abroad and begin the journey of being a mindful traveler.
5. Sustainable Travel
Virtual Learning requires a Wi-Fi connection and that’s about it! Learning from a Cuban local via a computer screen imprints memories but leaves only minor footprints on a global, environmental scale. This is a benefit for the entire world and we hope this leads to a bigger conversation about what the future of sustainable travel looks like in a post-COVID-19 world.
6. Inspires Travel
Virtual learning sows the seed for students’ desire to travel in the future. One of our goals for virtual learning is to inspire students to be mindful travelers. Meanwhile, they’ll form connections that discourage viewing people as “the other.” Rather, they’ll find we’re all a part of a global community that is intertwined and share more commonalities than we initially imagine. Travel is truly transformative and that’s why we’re so passionate about it — we believe our passion inspires students to make cross-cultural connections now and become more conscious global citizens of the future.
7. Hybrid Learning
We believe in the concept of “Learn Now, Travel Later.” Our virtual learning modules allow students to understand the intricacies of Cuba now from the comfort of their desks and then experience transformative travel once study abroad resumes. This is what hybrid learning is all about. Ultimately, the hybrid learning approach means less time in the classroom once in-country and more time hands-on, having unscripted, organic conversations with locals, and engaging in experiential education on the streets of Havana.
Our Conclusion
We believe that once students can safely study abroad again, the hybrid model of virtual learning and travel will be the way of the future. Virtual learning is here to stay and although it will never fully replace the magic of in-person travel, this list of benefits makes it a welcomed addition. So, why not try it out?
We encourage faculty to internationalize course curriculum and to substitute a canceled study abroad program with our custom virtual learning modules. Together, we can maximize the benefits of virtual learning. To learn more about EEAbroad virtual learning or to subscribe for regular e-blast updates, contact or email us at info@eeabroad.com.