Through the Looking Glass: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed International Branch Campuses' Academic Experience and Home Campus Relationship. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merola, Rachael H.; Coelen, Robert J.; Hofman, W. H. A.; Jansen, Ellen P. W. A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of studies in international education. Volume 27:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: qualitative research -- transnational education -- institutional policy and strategy -- student services -- teaching -- learning and assessment -- mobility of programs and people; International education -- Periodicals; Educational exchanges -- Periodicals; 370.11605
• DOI: 10.1177/10283153211070112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1028-3153

Abstract

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the academic experience at international branch campuses (IBCs) and has changed the relationship between the IBC and the home campus. Semi-structured interviews with 26 leaders, academic staff, and students at seven IBCs in Malaysia revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the experience at IBCs in unique ways, including collaboration and communication with the home campus; increasing campus-specific resources for student wellbeing; and playing a larger role in student enrollment, recruitment, and mobility initiatives. Findings provide useful insights for higher education institutions (HEIs) engaged in transnational education (TNE).