Cross-cultural learning through virtual exchange on the SDGs: What we have learned during and beyond the pandemic

Virtual exchange (VE) provides students with a significant opportunity to communicate and collaborate with peers from around the world without the necessity of travel. VE has increasingly gained traction since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, we commenced offering VE experiences centered on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a public research university in the United States, and we have successfully conducted this course three times in collaboration with universities in Rwanda, Eswatini, and India. Utilizing a social learning platform known as CourseNetworking (CN), we facilitated asynchronous discussions and prompted small-group interaction and projects. Despite facing various challenges, each iteration of the class yielded positive outcomes. This paper outlines best practices for course design and delivery.