A 'Second' chance to study abroad

These days, what can't be accomplished in real life is likely doable in Second Life. The virtual world even allows for study abroad.

Avatars gather at the New Media Consortium Campus, just one of many campuses in 'Second Life.'

(Credit: Second Life)

According to an article in The Christian Science Monitor, several universities and even the U.S. Department of State are using Second Life to spread culture and experience to people who can't afford pricey semesters overseas. This year, Ohio University noticed that its virtual campus was party to many visitors from around the world. The foreign students interacted with the campus' avatars in an attempt to learn more about American culture.

Most notably, the idea was employed by the Dubai Women's College in the United Arab Emirates. The small school used Second Life to virtually meet and practice English with Korean students, visit Darfur, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca--opportunities that would normally require lots of cash and traveling to accomplish.

Teachers at the school said Second Life is an aid for students to learn about foreign cultures and obtain experience for international business.

The article also notes that the U.S. Department of State is jumping on the Second Life bandwagon by inviting avatars from other countries to American virtual concerts and art exhibits, in order to engage in public diplomacy.

The number of virtual worlds continues to grow as companies introduce Second Life alternatives. On Tuesday, Google announced the launch of "Lively," a new online social destination.

Wednesday, Virtual Worlds Management, a virtual world trade media company, announced investors are pouring millions into new such virtual destinations. As a result of recent research, the company found that venture capital and media firms invested more than $161 million dollars in 16 virtual world-related companies during the second quarter of 2008, added to the $184 million dollars invested in 23 companies during the first quarter of the year.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Does anyone remember when Second Life used to be fun?

[blurble]

Sorry dude, NOTHING beats the real thing of studying abroad. I did it in China.

[blurble]

Sorry, but nothing beats the REAL THING. I studied in China. And the only reason it's pricey, is because your stupid college is ripping you off. You want cheap, do it independant and set it up yourself. Yeah you may not get credit transfer, but you'll save THOUSANDS of $$$.

[blurble]

As an example, it cost about $1,500 for 6 months in xi'an. Not including food or plane. But I switched to a different college 2 hours away and paid $650 for 3 months which really isn't allowed, and $50 a month for a hotel room on campus.

[jamalystic]

Of course nothing will beat the real world but at least it offers a very decent alternative for many cash trap users. I still believe virtual worlds will continue to improve even though they may not replicate the real experience 100%. Read what the CEO of Linken Lab has to say about the future of SL: Philip Rosedale, CEO, Linden Lab(http://www.internetevolution.com/document.asp?doc_id=149606&F_src=flftwo)