Becoming Globally Competent Through Virtual Exchange

In the context of growing internationalization, global competence has become increasingly vital in education. Virtual exchange (VE) offers online opportunities for participants from diverse cultural and language backgrounds to interact with each other, particularly in terms of cultural themes and international issues. By engaging in such intercultural communication, students global competence tends to develop. This study first introduces the dimensions of global competence, along with distinctions among related terms. Secondly, it provides a definition and typical approaches to VE, followed by an analysis of the tools utilized in VE. Finally, the study systematically reviews the impact of VE on three critical elements of global competence: 1) knowledge, 2) skills, and 3) attitudes. Existing research reveals that VE can improve global competence, despite some gaps in the literature regarding participant selection and methodological design. This study not only offers valuable theoretical implications but also provides practical guidance for students to engage effectively in VE, for educators to design VE programs, and for institutions to promote and optimize virtual exchange initiatives.