What is Virtual Exchange?

Virtual Exchange (VE) programs allow young people to engage with peers worldwide on issues that matter to them, helping them prepare to thrive in an increasingly diverse and globalized workforce.

These cross-cultural exchange and educational experiences come in many forms, so it's important to invest time in researching different options to find the best fit for your participants.

Pick the right program

To identify the best program for your class, students or youth group, consider your objectives and the type of program that would align best with your learning outcomes.

Here are 5 key considerations to guide your selection:

    • What are the learning outcomes? Do you want to ensure the learning is activated as part of the exchange?

    • How much of a learning process do you hope and can build around the exchange?

    • How much time can you expect participants to dedicate to their exchange experience each week?

    • Would you like your participants to engage at a peer-to-peer level with other participants from different classes, courses or institutions?

    • Would you like your class to engage with another class at another institution?

    • Or would you like students to engage in diverse groups across diverse lines of difference?

    • What countries and / or regions would you like your participants to engage with?

    • Would you like your participants to engage with others from one particular country or multiple countries?

    • What academic or educational level(s) or background(s) would you like your participants to engage with?

    • Would you like your participants' exchange to focus on one topic, theme or academic discipline?

    • Or would you like your participants to have a multidisciplinary exchange?

  • How much time and effort will you be able to dedicate to your participants' exchange experience before, during and after the exchange experience?

  • Promote the program well

    Share information about the program early on, including what participants can expect from the experience. Set clear expectations for participation and outline the academic and professional benefits of active involvement. Provide an overview of how the program fits into your coursework and aligns with your course objectives.

Item 1 of 5

Ready to try out a VE program?

Head over to our programs to learn more!

If you’d like guidance on how to pick a program, contact us.