Wandr

Studying abroad is an essential experience for students during their academic careers. However, this experience comes with its own set of challenges and anxieties. Let’s meet curious Colin, an adventurous third-year finance major and European history minor. He wants to study abroad and explore his minor, but he is unsure where to go. At the opposite end of the campus, Professor Paul has just received the good news that his German study abroad program from the previous semester has been renewed for the next semester. As a result, he is now responsible for finding students interested in joining the program.

With the release of the Apple Vision Pro in February of this year, we decided to explore the capabilities of spatial computing and how it could help streamline the study abroad process! So, we developed Wandr! A new Vision OS app designed to assist students and faculty with the challenges surrounding the studying abroad process!

Professor Paul has some exciting footage of the previous trip captured on his iPhone 15. He can effortlessly upload this footage to Wandr and showcase some of the trip’s highlights. This footage includes classroom settings and living accommodations that Professor Paul can share with others.

And who should WANDER into the office of global engagement but Curious Colin! He expresses his distress about not knowing where to study abroad. Fortunately, the advisors suggest he explore Wandr! With Wandr, Colin can wear the Apple Vision Pro and access immersive footage from different trips. There is a video environment that provides complete immersion for the user, including a 360-degree video experience with sound. These environments allow students considering studying abroad, like Colin, to decide if they can comfortably imagine themselves in those locations before facing the financial burden. So, Colin views a few trips, and he is drawn to when he experiences footage from Professor Paul’s Germany trip. Just like that, he finds his perfect trip.

Why wonder when you can Wandr!!!