Research and Practice
Project Highlights
- International partnership between Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) and Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo (Mexico)
- More than a decade of collaboration focused on virtual exchange and language learning
- Over 100 structured teletandem sessions delivered
- Thousands of students impacted through language immersion and intercultural communication
- Research presented at ACTFL and IALLT conferences
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes
- Development of scalable models for implementing virtual exchange in language programs
during a teletandem session.
with VCU Spanish language students.
Why Was It Important?
The partnership provided authentic immersion opportunities, intercultural communication, and meaningful language-learning experiences for two groups of language students in two countries.
What Happened?
Hundreds of teletandem sessions were implemented between 2012 and 2020, providing thousands of students with opportunities for authentic language immersion, practice, and intercultural engagement. The project also generated numerous conference presentations, scholarly publications, and collaborative research initiatives.
What Did We Learn?
Sustained international partnerships, careful planning, and continuous reflection can lead to reliable, scalable models for implementing virtual exchange programs that enhance language learning and intercultural competence.
