Engaging postgraduate students in the Global Virtual Exchange arena: Administrators’ insights across levels

Abstract

Global Virtual Exchange (GVE) offers significant potential for Internationalization at Home (IaH). However, its effectiveness is hindered by challenges such as student disengagement, limited university support, and faculty resistance. Despite the importance of GVE administration, especially for postgraduate students, there is a lack of research on the experiences and challenges faced by administrators. This study investigates the motivations, challenges, and strategies of GVE administrators at various levels, including headquarters, university/department, and course. Our findings not only reveal a desire to expand student opportunities and empower faculty but also highlight challenges in student engagement, faculty buy-in, and leadership support. To address these issues, administrators could employ strategies like resource sharing, training programs, and policy advocacy. These interventions provide valuable insights for future GVE practices, emphasizing the importance of strong student-faculty relationships, innovation, and institutional support.