Innovative Changes to Study Abroad: Virtual Intercultural Learning during the Pandemic

Intercultural competence (ICC) is increasingly important for healthcare professionals, and study abroad (SA) programs have been one mechanism to increase students’ ICC. With SA being cancelled due the pandemic, qualitative literature supporting virtual intercultural learning (ICL), purpose of this paper describe a novel approach towards “study abroad” without traveling evaluate participant gains in ICC with international ICL experience embedded into graduate level pediatric audiology course. Nine U.S students ten at partner institution India were enrolled Comparison pre- post-IDI® scores showed significant both groups participants. The group mean score U.S. was substantially higher than increases from same institution. Qualitative reflections support quantitative data. Overall, results indicate that embedding activities course can be an effective enhance ICC, abroad, overseas students, indicating program mutually beneficial.