Internationalization opportunities through FBICC
Majority of the participants had this FBICC as their first online course
taken. It opens up new perspective for them for they learned to
appreciate foreign language and culture. Pinky was ecstatic in saying
that the program has “exceeded her expectations”. There are also other
participants who had changed their perspective towards
internationalization such as Susan who admitted she had no interest in
Indonesia at first, but after enrolling in the online course she now
appreciates Indonesian culture and language.
“As the first international program I have ever joined, it exceeded my
expectations especially when they provide us with the virtual tours of
the city and the school.”-P7
“FBICC is a great opportunity, it is a great experience that I will
remember not because it is my first online class that I attended but
because through this, my perception changed. Before I am not interested
in Indonesia especially their language and culture because it is way
different to ours and I find their language a bit strange. But with this
online course, it opens my mind and heart. And it leads to appreciate
what Indonesia had, may it be in their culture or language.” – P10
During this pandemic, Internationalization at Home through online
learning has significantly increased due to the pivot of online teaching
[13]. However, one cannot simply judge participation of an
individual by only the quantity and length of someone’s post in the
platform they are using, or the number of attendance to the online
sessions. Yet, at least by appreciating other’s culture and interest in
learning a new language could pave a way for wider opportunities for
internationalization of higher education. Designs of online courses
should be carefully considered to achieve both the learning outcomes and
internationalization agenda.
“It also have advantage and disadvantage. Online educational
environment helps me to learn Indonesian language without the hassle of
going to other places or countries but at the same time learning online
causes expenses like to buy load to be able to access it in the
internet.”-P11
“Meeting new people is always the best thing for me especially in a
strange environment. Yes, I found new friends. And I think it is one of
the advantages of FBICC.” – P15