Scenarios for the integration of Virtual Exchange in Higher Education

This report is aimed at teaching and administrative staff interested in implementing Virtual Exchange (VE) as part of broader mobility/internationalisation strategies within their universities, and who would hence like to know more about how to integrate and accredit it in practice. Evidence shows that motivation is crucial for the success of any educational intervention, including VEs, and that accreditation plays an important role in increasing participants’ motivation and commitment. While research has mainly focused on describing VE as an educational practice, this report aims at showing, through selected cases, how VE has been integrated and accredited by Higher Education Institutions. The cases are used to illustrate four different scenarios of integration and accreditation of VE, including challenges and opportunities, and help the reader identify potential paths for future implementation of this innovative pedagogy within their institutions.