Speakers
Description
Virtual Exchange refers to collaborative online learning experiences that connect students from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds across the globe using different technologies under the guidance of educators (O’Dowd, 2017). This study explores how a Virtual Exchange program enhanced the intercultural communicative competence and global readiness in a group of Vietnamese high school students.
The program engaged 35 Vietnamese high school students and over 40 peers from Belarus, Bangladesh, Turkey, and India. Students participated in a range of synchronous and asynchronous activities including video-based discussions and live video conferences. Student-selected topics such as “Youth Culture” and “Student Mental Health” served as springboards for intercultural dialogue and social engagement (Brilli & Byram, 2021). For this qualitative study, data were collected from a focused subset of ten Vietnamese participants (aged 16, English level: B1) through student reflections.
Initial findings indicated that student participants exhibited notable improvements in language use, communication abilities, and self-confidence. Students also demonstrated emotional development, personal progress, and a greater understanding of global issues like mental health as well as the value of cross-cultural friendship and empathy. Problems with self-expression and language barriers were also mentioned.
This study emphasizes the potential of Virtual Exchange as a sustainable alternative to traditional exchange programs, particularly in contexts where physical mobility is limited. The findings offer valuable insights for language education, global competence development, and virtual pedagogies aimed at preparing learners for active participation in an interconnected world.
Biography
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Phạm Thị Minh Thùy is an English teacher at Yen Mo B High School in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. She earned her Master’s degree in English Language Teaching from the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS). With more than eight years of teaching experience for high school students, she is passionate about helping learners build strong communication skills and bringing innovative teaching methods into the classroom. Her interests lie in intercultural communication, preparing students for a globalized world, and using virtual exchange programs to equip them with 21st-century skills and a deeper understanding of different cultures.
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Phạm Thị Thu Thảo is an English teacher at Tạ Uyên High School, in Ninh Binh, Vietnam. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS). She has been working with high school students for over five years. Her interest involves using technology to enhance language learning, promoting student independence, and experimenting with creative teaching strategies. She is also committed to ongoing professional development and regularly participates in training programs to stay current with the latest trends in education.
- Dieu-Ngoc (Nancy) Nguyen is currently a PhD candidate in English Language and Linguistics at Northumbria University, UK. Her doctoral research focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of Virtual Exchange for Global Citizenship Education beyond the WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic) contexts. Her academic work explores the intersection of technology and language education, with publications in CALL-EJ and TESL-EJ. Her current research interests include virtual exchange, willingness to communicate, student engagement, intercultural communicative competence, global citizenship education, art-based research and participatory research. She can be contacted at n.d.nguyen@northumbria.ac.uk. ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9452-9156
