A pre-mobility approach

Investigating the role of virtual exchange in study abroad preparation

Bibliographic Data

ID19224697
AuthorsÁngela Alonso-Morais (0000-0002-6001-4813, Universidad de León, corresponding author), Judith Borràs (0000-0001-5305-9311, Universitat de Lleida)
Year2026
Pages1-14
Publication date2026-06-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguage and Intercultural Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1470-8477 • E-ISSN: 1747-759X
PublisherRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14708477.2026.2667259
OpenAlexW7163347892
LanguageEN
References cited39

Research on Study Abroad (SA) has expanded over the past decades, with an increasing emphasis on students’ experiences and a critical examination of their learning outcomes. Scholars recommend that preparatory interventions be incorporated into mobility programmes and Virtual Exchange (VE) has emerged as a suitable approach. The present study illustrates the value of VE as a pre-mobility tool. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study examines the relationship between VE and 90 undergraduate students’ preparation to SA. The findings reveal the significant impact that pre-mobility VE can have on students’ language confidence, critical thinking, adaptability skills, and overall preparedness, among other aspects

Computer-mediated communication · Cultural exchange · Electronic learning · Higher education · Intercultural communication · Qualitative research · Study abroad · EFL/ESL Teaching and Learning · Higher Education Governance and Development · International Student and Expatriate Challenges