Virtual Exchange in Language Education: Practical Insights from International Projects

Following the recent exploration of Generative AI in COIL, a recent session featured Ms Regina Brautlacht, a senior lecturer at the Language Centre of Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS) and a leading expert in the field. She delved into the practical application of Virtual Exchange with an in-depth look at two initiatives she is involved in: Building Bridges Across Continents (BBAC) and ProGlobe.

These long-standing projects connect students across Germany, Portugal, Ghana, Kenya, and China, moving beyond theory to demonstrate how VE/COIL actively fosters:

• Intercultural competence through structured online interactions using English as a lingua franca.

• Content-based language learning by engaging with real-world themes like sustainable development goals.

• Global collaboration that requires no physical travel, making internationalisation accessible to all.

The session provided practical insights for educators, including:

• Designing language-integrated intercultural tasks.

• Selecting effective digital platforms and communication strategies.

• Accessing the Virtual Exchange China Hub to build global partnerships.

Drawing on direct student feedback and educator reflections, the talk highlighted the tangible pedagogical impact of these projects and equipped attendees with strategies to enrich language curricula in English, German, or Chinese.