So often, when I share different ideas for our Level Up Villagers, I feature the perspective of educators in the Americas. So, for this installment of our blog, I caught up with my friend and colleague, Ann Hansen, of Herlufsholm Skole og Gods, a private high school in Denmark, to capture a different point of view as we talk about all things virtual exchanges.
[Dan]
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your role?
[Ann]
I’m Ann Hansen, Head of International Development at Herlufsholm Skole og Gods, a private school offering IB [International Baccalaureate] and the Danish National curriculum. We work with students from ages 12 to 19.
[Dan]
How have you and your colleagues interacted with virtual exchanges?
[Ann]
We started virtual exchanges more out of necessity than desire. Physical exchanges were common, and we were happy with that. But, two significant events shifted our approach: an increasing focus on sustainability and the pandemic, which halted travel. Those of us who believe in the importance of changing perspectives and cultural learning had to figure out new ways to offer these experiences to students. That led to the rise of online exchanges, which can be an integral part of the exchange process, either as a precursor to physical exchanges or as standalone experiences.
We’ve done several standalone virtual exchanges, where the entire interaction happens online. These exchanges are guided by structured questions, prompts, and activities, and I’ve been surprised by how much students can accomplish online. They’ve managed to have meaningful conversations and even participate in extracurriculars virtually.
We’ve also seen students become more anxious about physical exchanges post-pandemic, as have their parents. As a result, we’ve incorporated pre-exchange virtual interactions, allowing students to meet online before physical exchanges. This helps create a safer space for both students and parents. We’ve also explored classroom exchanges, where classes work on specific topics like school systems and engage in virtual discussions.
[Dan]
What are some of the benefits and challenges of virtual exchanges?
[Ann]
The good thing about virtual exchanges is that, despite using electricity and digital resources, they are generally more sustainable. They allow students to gain an understanding of other people’s lives without the need for travel. Because of this, they’re also more replicable. It’s similar to the idea on Shark Tank where you want a product to be scalable—virtual exchanges can be easily expanded to a full class, offering a broad exchange experience. While there are some safeguarding concerns in the online space, it can be less daunting for schools to start with virtual exchanges compared to organizing physical ones.
However, the drawback is that virtual exchanges often lack the ‘magic’ of real, in-person exchanges. Part of the power of a physical exchange is in stepping outside one’s comfort zone and experiencing the emotional impact of immersion in a different culture. I’m not sure virtual exchanges fully activate that same emotional engagement. A physical exchange at a formative age can be life-changing; it creates a context for understanding the world that persists throughout one’s life. I have yet to be convinced that an online exchange can provide such a profound experience for students.
[Dan]
What about specifically video-based exchanges like Level Up Village?
[Ann]
Videos add a layer of authenticity by allowing students to share personal spaces and cultural elements.
As a young person, I used to love talking on the phone and not having to look at people’s faces. But today, I guess we’re so accustomed to seeing people’s faces and reading micro-expressions. I think that video, first of all, gives us something unique in terms of looking at each other, seeing different people’s mannerisms. But I also think that you have this extra opportunity that you can actually show your reality: This is what my bedroom looks like. This is what my kitchen looks like. This is what my Supermarket looks like, this is what it looks like. It makes the experience more tangible. While not a complete substitute for in-person exchanges, video exchanges can be a strong starting point for cultural learning.
Plus, the kids are very creative about using the videos in a way that other generations aren’t. And I think that the video can really bring a sense of closeness, and realness. So that it really does feel very real to the kids who are participating in it.
Digital privacy being a bigger deal here in Europe, I think video keeps us a little bit safer, right? The fact that students can curate what they’re showing on video and what they’re not showing can also make it feel like a safe space or a good place to experiment with people from other cultures, right? We should see that as a positive rather than a negative. And the fact of the matter is that the young people today are much more conscious about how they show themselves and how they don’t show themselves.
I think one of the strengths of Level Up Village’s programming is that it has a dedicated platform. With a dedicated platform, you’re not intruding into the students’ private lives. It creates a focused space where interactions are contained and don’t have to be revisited elsewhere, which contributes to a sense of safety. This safe environment can encourage students to be a bit more authentic in what they choose to share, even though they are still curating their content.
[Dan]
Do you think virtual exchanges will continue to grow?
[Ann]
Yes, I can’t see us stepping away from virtual exchanges. As the world becomes more connected, there will always be room for online cultural exchanges. But educators must carefully consider the goals, whether it’s better to move students physically or whether online exchanges can achieve the desired outcomes.
[Dan]
What advice would you give educators who are new to virtual exchanges?
[Ann]
Start small. Create manageable tasks, then build on those experiences. Don’t be afraid to experiment—many of the concerns educators have belong to them, not to the students. Create the space, set tasks, and let students engage.
[Dan]
Any final thoughts?
[Ann]
Just that virtual exchanges offer a good starting point for global education and help prepare students for a globally connected world. I think virtual exchanges can be compared to visiting a zoo. Some might debate whether it’s better to take kids to a zoo or directly to the wild. Of course, we can’t always travel to see animals in their natural habitat. Zoos help foster appreciation by offering a glimpse of these animals, which in turn teaches us why it’s important to protect them and their environments.
Similarly, virtual exchanges can be a valuable introduction to other cultures. They offer a safe, accessible way for students to explore unfamiliar cultures that might initially seem intimidating or completely unknown. This exposure can spark curiosity, encourage global awareness, and foster a desire to nurture both the world and the relationships that open doors to it.
Virtual exchanges are an excellent starting point for cultural learning and serve as practice steps in navigating our interconnected world.
