LC Virtual Exchange Document - Flipbook - Page 3
1. Beneûts of a virtual exchange
Virtual exchanges ofer many advantages, including:
• Ensuring every student can participate,
regardless of mobility constraints.
• Increasing student motivation and autonomy.
• Improving target language skills.
• Experiencing the culture of the target language country.
• Enabling exchange with native speakers.
• Discovering a new country or region.
2. How to get started
Consult with school Management
• Obtain permission from your principal, and consider presenting the idea
to the Board of Management for approval.
• Once permission is granted, inform parents and secure their consent for
students to take part. Sample letters and agreements are provided in the
appendix for your convenience.
• Highlight that a virtual exchange, like any exchange program, can
potentially benefit the whole school by fostering cross-curricular opportunities.
Find a partner school
• Strengthen Existing Partnerships: If your school has an existing
exchange partner, use this opportunity to maintain momentum
and deepen the relationship.
• Engage with a Foreign Language Assistant (FLA): If you work with
an FLA in your school they may help identify potential partners,
such as their former school or a school in their hometown.
Leveraging connections like this can save significant time.
• Engage the School Community: Reach out to teachers, parents, or
other members of the school community for recommendations.
• Explore Twinned Towns: Check if your town is twinned with a
similar town abroad. If so, connect with schools in that area.
languagesconnect.ie
3
