Virtual Exchange, Soft Skills Training in the Age of Digitalization

ongoing

Virtual exchanges are online people-to-people activities that promote intercultural dialogue, enhance digital and soft skills development. This project aims to explore virtual exchanges in higher education and youth, focusing on their benefits, challenges, and best practices. Specifically, the project will examine the digital and soft skills that can be developed through virtual exchanges, strategies for promoting intercultural dialogue, and methods for fostering long-term relationships and collaboration between participants. Additionally, the project will consider the benefits of virtual exchanges for international education experiences, such as increased access to diverse perspectives and cultural immersion opportunities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on virtual exchange programs has given rise to many opportunities, by shedding light on how they have adapted to the current context and can continue to play a role in higher education and youth in the future. Throughout the project, ethical and logistical considerations related to virtual exchanges, such as data privacy and accessibility, will also be addressed. Virtual exchanges can also play a role in spreading European values and fostering mutual understanding between cultures. By promoting intercultural dialogue and collaboration, virtual exchanges can help participants develop a deeper appreciation for diversity, inclusion, and respect for human rights. Furthermore, virtual exchange programs can be designed to incorporate European values and promote cross-cultural learning about the European Union and its member states. Developing 8 Training modules in digital and soft skills, providing a series of online training, coaching and joint collaborative work to 2500 young people with more than 35 facilitators in different HEIs/NGOs in EU and non-EU countries, VISTA project promises the strengthening of capacities in the field of soft and digital skills for young people in the age of digitalization.