SCCITL 2021

Grounded by a world-wide pandemic, two adventurous faculty from the University of South Carolina quickly transformed their planned study abroad program, “Luxury Management in Italy” to a 100% online virtual course. Delivered in May 2020, this three-week, three-credit-hour travel alternative was the University of South Carolina’s first foray into the new phenomenon, “virtual study abroad.” Through a variety of technological tools, the faculty replicated much of their original in-country experience, delivering to students a full itinerary of business/historic site visits, cultural/language immersion, live interaction with each other and business partners across the globe, even adding virtual “free time” exploration opportunities. In this lively and informative session, you’ll get a glimpse of what students experienced while virtually “in” Italy, and learn how you can transform your traditional study abroad course to a fully online version. You’ll also learn where to find 360’ videos and online virtual tours, best practices for live-streamed guest speakers, as well as how to facilitate online reflective travel journals. And, you’ll leave with a planning tool to get the process started.