Virtual exchanges in higher education: Advancing intercultural competence and language confidence

Abstract

This study, conducted at a mid-sized public university in Thailand, investigates the educational value of virtual exchanges (VE) in enhancing students’ intercultural awareness, language confidence, and relationship-building skills in higher education. Quantitative data from Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) scores and qualitative thematic analysis of participant reflections reveal significant growth in intercultural competence following VE participation. Students enhanced cross-cultural acumen, facilitated spontaneous usage of languages, and established substantial cross-cultural relationships. Technical and communication difficulties commonly experienced by students, including time zone coordination and internet availability, were addressed through adaptive methods. The results support the educational value of VE and highlight the imperative of inclusive and accessible programme designs that are also mutually involving, situating virtual exchanges as central vehicles of internationalisation at a distance (IaD) and global citizenship education.