Exploring the Perspectives of Online Study Abroad Programs in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Approach

COVID-19 profoundly impacted countries worldwide between early 2020 and late 2021 due to travel restrictions, lockdowns, and health risks. Many higher education institutions responded to the health threat posed by COVID-19 by moving their on-campus programs online. Study abroad programs also needed to undergo adjustments, with some universities establishing alternative arrangements. This study uses a narrative approach to examine Online In-Country Study Abroad Program (ONIC-SAPs) from the perspective of Japan-based participants, academic, and administrative staff who were involved and participated. The program was operated by a university in Japan in collaboration with a partner university in Canada and a global language school during the height of the pandemic. The findings highlight that the advantages of ONIC-SAPs are also seen as the disadvantages of the programs. Acquiring language skills and experiencing intercultural encounters with the aid of technology may become even more common in the future, yet the extent to which this kind of learning is of benefit to all concerned should be considered. The study highlights that there is a need for further research into the content and curriculum of ONIC-SAPs to find ways to improve the value of online learning for all stakeholders, especially for study abroad programs. Although the participants were recruited from the Japanese side only, the findings will resonate with study abroad stakeholders and scholars of study abroad programs worldwide.