Assessing the Impact of Language Virtual Exchange Approaches on Intercultural Competence Development Among University Students

Abstract

Intercultural competence is key for foreign language acquisition since it allows learners to understand sociolinguistic and behavioral variations and to convey meaning effectively. This mixed-methods study involved the participation of 145 undergraduate students at a private Colombian university to assess whether and to what extent different approaches to virtual language exchange with native speakers of a target language contribute to their developing intercultural awareness/ competence. Drawing on quantitative and qualitative analyses of the online surveys implemented before and after participating in the virtual exchange, we found that students’ awareness/knowledge increased, particularly in the group that received intercultural communication training (ict), who could elaborate further on their individual analyses of non-observable features of the target culture. This research paper offers insights into the effectiveness of virtual language exchanges and the role of ict in developing intercultural awareness/competence in foreign language learners. Findings suggest that the implementation of strategically designed virtual language exchanges can provide more in-depth understandings of cultural variations.