PARO Newsletter #8 | English version
TRAVELING THROUGH THE WORLD BY ZOOM: A REVIEW OF ONLINE SEP Feb. de 2020 | Vol. 8
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted countless projects and opportunities in multiple contexts, this paralysis occurred to reduce the transmission rates and deaths by the virus. However, this scenario promoted the emergence of new methods to maintain current activities, and the Student Exchange Program (SEP) is included on this trend. Despite the borders being closed, the program continued evolving, since countries such as Indonesia, Japan, and Peru held live events with future exchange students aiming to expand their respective cultures and maintain their influence. One of the activities common to all these events was the game “Kahoot!”, which consists of a quiz developed by the local SEP Team where all participants can engage simultaneously and answer questions, with a mix of fun, competitiveness, and learning. Also, in the online meeting platform, splitting the participants in groups and creating multiple conversation circles created a greater interaction between everyone connected. Even though there was a language barrier, the willingness of the local SEP Team to solve problems and resolve all doubts was incredible. Furthermore, this obstacle did not restrict the fluidity of the conversation groups and discussion of interesting topics. Besides, the activities held before the discussion made participants more relaxed. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the development of alternative ways to maintain current projects. Aside that, the experience acquired during this period does not need to be restricted to alarming situations such as a pandemic. These events may occur even after these difficult times, with the same purpose, promote SEP.
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