Virtual Window for Study Abroad – University of Tartu

Annually, approximately 300 to 400 students of the University of Tartu use the mobility support services of the central administrative office to prepare themselves for a study abroad period. Information concerning related topics and requirements was partially available on the various websites of the university, and was provided to students when they came to consult a study abroad adviser at the office or during information days.
Feedback from former exchange students however suggested the need for the development of an online study abroad preparation course to assist students in finding comprehensive information and create a valuable tool for experience sharing among future outgoing students and students currently studying abroad.

Efforts were made to integrate the existing information sources in an online course “Virtual Window for Study Abroad”. The students studying abroad were invited to contribute as co-advisors by sharing experience and giving some practical hints not necessarily discussed on official websites or information brochures.

The virtual learning environment used for the study abroad preparation course is WebCT, as e-learning, at the University of Tartu , mostly takes place in this environment. The course was developed and administered by the International Student Service staff. Study abroad advisors, who were to instruct the students on this course, added information and consulted students parallel to the course.

The first students were given access to the course in February 2008. They were the students about to leave for a hosting institution abroad. Students studying abroad at the time were requested to also join the course and stay actively involved until the end June (the end of the second run).
Although the number of students initially joining the course was modest (around 15), the initial feedback was positive. As assumed, it indicated that the most beneficial part of the course was the support discussion forum with fellow students. The amount and structure of materials displayed was generally assessed as user-friendly and easily digestible. Yet, there were some comments on materials being too extensive and partially irrelevant.

Also, the second run of the course, launched in April 2008 and including around 180 future outgoing students, proved to be a successful experience. Advisors commented that there were significantly fewer students visiting the central office for information than had previously been the case.

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