International Education in Challenging Times: Virtual Experience for International Education

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Huiping Li  

I had been taking both undergraduate and graduate students to China for thirteen years prior to COVID-19. Through tours and guest lectures conducted in two Chinese cities, Beijing and Shanghai, students learned about Chinese politics, society and culture. Students observed China’s economic growth first-hand and saw how China’s political history has shaped its society and business environment. Students described the trip as a “life changing, enlightening and eye-opening experience.” In 2020, when the pandemic began, I quickly converted my course into a virtual tour, entitled “Experiencing China Virtually.” Students now “visit” different cities in China by watching videos, reading articles, and by visiting museums , schools, and art centers remotely from their classroom. I act as a tour guide and guest speakers and arrange for other guest speakers, to stimulate discussion and answer their questions about the cities they are visiting. The course allows students to see how China has changed from a poorly developed country into an economic powerhouse, and to see how recent economic and political history has reshaped modern China. During the semester, students watch videos, read books, research articles, meet guest speakers (virtually) and participate in forum discussions. With rising fuel prices and airfares, climate changes and geopolitical tensions throughout the world, virtual trips may be the future of international education. This abstract may serve as a catalyst service for hospitality industry and educators to devise more and better ideas to improve virtual travel, educational experiences.