![[Translate to Englisch:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/a/csm_Website_Banner_Virtex_NEU_GC4_fd3f262f2f.jpg "[Translate to Englisch:]")
Virtual Exchange
Since the winter semester 2019/20, the Career Centre has been offering two new types of courses that make it possible to acquire intercultural skills in a digital setting: Interactive Open Online Courses (IOOCs) and Global Circles.
About the programme
Together with Soliya, the Career Centre offers students the opportunity to acquire intercultural competencies in a digital setting. In 2023, there will be Global Circles that address a range of issues. As soon as the more in-depth Interactive Open Online Courses (IOOCs) take place again, they will be announced here.
Framework
These courses offer the opportunity to discuss current socio-political issues with students from universities in different countries. Participants will not only develop an understanding of global issues and train their critical thinking skills, they will also acquire transversal skills such as a sense of responsibility and presentation skills.
Over a period of two to ten weeks, students from different countries will meet online in a safe digital setting to exchange insights into different cultures and different mentalities. The discussions will be led by facilitators. The discussions will be in English, but participants don’t have to speak the language perfectly.
ECTS credits and certificate of attendance
Students can take the courses either as part of the Career Centre's competence development programme or via the pool of general transferable skills (ASQ). This allows students to earn three to five ECTS credits, depending on the course. In addition, they will receive a certificate of attendance from Soliya that certifies the acquisition of various skills during the course. Participating in Global Circles or Interactive Open Online Courses is a great way to prepare for applying for jobs or financial support or spending some time abroad.
After successful participation in one of the programmes, students have the opportunity to broaden their own professional profile through further training as a facilitator in order to moderate IOOCs and social circles themselves.
Over a period of two weeks, participants have the opportunity to discuss interesting topics with people from different cultures.
The programme will require a time commitment of 2.5 hours per week for working on assignments and intercultural dialogues on the respective topic and another 2.5 hours per week for participation in live discussions with all participants.
At the end of the programme, you will be awarded three ECTS credits.
Further information
Engage in discussion and connect with people from other countries and cultures
Learn from and with academic experts
Improve your language and communication skills
Develop skills that are essential to working in a virtual and intercultural environment
Boost your self-confidence, capacity for empathy and intellectual curiosity
Become part of the international Virtual Exchange network
During the first face-to-face session, you will receive an introduction to the idea behind the Virtual Exchange programme and will identify your personal skill set.
The second session will be devoted to sharing experiences with your fellow participants and reflecting on the online sessions and the digital and intercultural skills you have acquired.
If you are unable to attend a face-to-face session, we can schedule a one-on-one session for another date.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all face-to-face sessions currently take place in the form of a Zoom webinar.
Facilitators moderate the discussion in the talking groups.
Remaining neutral in the discussion, they try to facilitate an authentic and respectful dialogue between the participants. While they do not engage in the discussion itself and remain in the background, their overall aim is to ensure that everybody has a chance to speak and be heard.
Furthermore, facilitators are responsible for creating a safe and effeective learning environment. The training of facilitators includes the development of competences such as active listening, summarising, rephrasing and creation of group dynamics. Facilitator are constantly training reflection, multi-tasking and team work.
Click here to learn more about the job of a facilitator and training opportunities.
