Topic Area: Pandemic Pivot
Presented By: Mina Shin, Ross Chowles, Yanjiang Teng
Abstract:
Travel is on a halt but international engagement and exchange don’t stop under the pandemic. The Visiting International Professional Program (VIPP) continues advancing international education and professional exchange by developing innovative virtual programs during the pandemic. Our business model was based on in-person programs for the past 30 years but the pandemic pushed us to completely makeover our operation and reimagine international engagement in a creative way. In our presentations, we will share our experiences of running three successful online programs – 1) the fee-for-service professional development program for the South Korean government 2) the digital marketing, online virtual winter school program, for both MSU and international students 3) and the U.S. Department of State-funded exchange program for international professionals. Developing virtual programs for audiences living in different continents and time zones requires creativity while implementing the programs needs careful down-to-the-minute planning. This joint presentation between the VIPP and the Department of Advertising and Public Relations will focus on the challenges and rewards of running online programs. Our success story demonstrates how international exchange can continue in a virtual realm and bring value to all institutions and individuals involved. One of the Korean students who participated in our virtual program testified: “it is a miracle that we all meet virtually and learn from each other.”
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