LC Virtual Exchange Document - Flipbook - Page 3
1.
Benefits of a virtual exchange
These are some of the benefits of a virtual exchange:
• Increase student motivation and autonomy.
• Improve target language skills.
• Exchange with native speaking peers.
• Experience host country’s culture.
• Discover a new country or area.
• Every student can participate.
2.
How to get started
Consult with school Management
• You will need to get permission from your Principal and it might be nice to
present the idea to the Board of Management. When you have permission
to get started on the virtual exchange, you will need to inform parents and
get permission for students to take part. There are sample letters and
agreements in the appendix.
• You can point out that as with any exchange, a virtual exchange could
potentially benefit the whole school by becoming cross-curricular.
Find a partner school
• If you have an existing exchange partner, keep the
momentum going and strengthen your existing relationship.
• Foreign Language Assistants can help to find partners. They
might be able to get in touch with their former school or a
school in their town. Using their connection will help you save time.
• Reach out to members of the school community, teachers,
parents etc.
• Some towns are twinned with a similar town abroad, find out if your
town is twinned and if it is, reach out to schools there.
languagesconnect.ie
3
