Virtual Exchange
Virtual Exchange (VE) is an educational practice where students from diverse universities collaborate online on projects or tasks designed by their instructors. This method breaks down geographical barriers, enriches learning, and prepares students for a globalized world.
Watch the video below created by VE practitioners and trainers at the RUG to have an impression of what VE looks like.
Virtual Exchange (VE) is transforming education across disciplines at our university and around the world. Over the past decade, VE has consolidated as a powerful teaching and learning practice, fostering innovative, international, and inclusive educational experiences.
Our Community of Practice
The CoP Virtual Exchange is a vibrant platform for sharing ideas, expertise, and information. Together, we aim to:
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Learn with and from each other, and grow together as VE practitioners;
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Raise visibility: Increase recognition and support for VE across the university;
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Expand the support: Work together, across disciplines and faculties, in applying for funding.
Our goals are dynamic and will evolve with input from all members.
Meet our members
Community leader
Juan Albá Duran
Lecturer and researcher, Faculty of Arts
Discipline: Didactics across disciplines and Spanish language
"I am excited to collaborate with colleagues using VE to broaden students’ international perspectives in their disciplines."
Our members
dr. Billie de Haas
Assistant professor, Faculty of Spatial Sciences
Discipline: Demography and population studies
"Organising the virtual exchange has deepened my understanding of the benefits for students to develop their intercultural and international competences."
Carole Fuller
Lecturer, Faculty of Arts
Discipline: English Proficiency and English for Academic Purposes
"I am aiming for further insight into how both teachers and students can enhance their intercultural competence through participating in virtual exchange."
dr. Iva Pesa
Associate Professor in Contemporary History, Faculty of Arts
Discipline: Contemporary History and African environmental history
"VE is an exciting way to learn from diverse backgrounds. In a globalised world, we should harness its potential."
Catherine Meissner
Educational developer, University Services
Discipline: Education & Educational research
"Virtual Exchange inspires new global collaborations; I hope this CoP deepens my practice and provides shared opportunities."
drs. Gerdientje Oggel
Lecturer, Faculty of Arts
Chair Language learning, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences
Discipline: Teacher trainer and teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language
"Virtual Exchange enables students and staff to build personal relationships across borders and to see the world from a variety of first hand perspectives and experiences."
dr. Adriana Mattos
University College Groningen
Discipline: Health and Life Sciences and Science Education
"I see Virtual Exchange as a pedagogical strategy to enhance quality education through inclusive international collaboration, global awareness, and student-centred collaborative research."
dr. Franka van den Hende
Senior policy advisor and researcher, University Services
Discipline: Organisational change/impact, DEI, internationalisation & international relations
"My ambition is to connect virtual exchange/technology, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, and internationalisation through my research and advising roles, in order to develop more impactful collaborations, globally and locally."
Get involved!
The CoP will host regular meetings and activities, starting with a joint presentation at the upcoming Education Festival. Whether you’re new to VE or an experienced practitioner, your perspective is valuable.
Want to learn more? Contact Juan Albá Duran, CoP VE Community Leader: j.alba.duran rug.nl
Or register through the following form: