Pedagogy and Professional Development

Lessons learned from domestic and international virtual study tours during Covid-19 pandemic

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Abstract

Apparel production and retailing has a global presence and one of the most efficient ways to gain exposure to the industry is for students to participate in study tours.  An apparel program pivoted both domestic and international study tours to virtual during the pandemic. This required faculty leaders to partner with alumni, industry contacts and university partners to successfully implement both domestic and international study tours between 2020-2022. The rigor remained intact by offering a required pre-study tour course consisting of trends, cultural, geographic, and industry research to prepare students to interact with guests. Lessons learned by pivoting to virtual study tours included accessibility, adaptable, acceptable with industry professionals, active and engaging and academically sound. This proved that virtual study tours can be incorporated for educating, networking and immersing students into the industry without ever stepping on to a plane, train, or bus.

Keywords: virtual study tours

How to Cite:

Apple, L. M. & Cheramie, L. M., (2024) “Lessons learned from domestic and international virtual study tours during Covid-19 pandemic”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 80(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.17132