🌍 Virtual Exchange Trainer & Facilitator Program 

Two women working together on a laptop in a bright, modern office setting.
Empowering HEI Educators, International Relations Officers, and Research Staff to Design and Lead Impactful Virtual Learning Experiences 

📌 Program Overview

This dynamic program provides essential training for those new to Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Through a combination of live interactive sessions and microlearning videos, participants will develop expertise in designing, facilitating, and sustaining engaging, inclusive, and impactful virtual learning experiences. 

📌 About the Trainers 

This program is led by the Global Case Study Challenge (GCSC) team, a multi-award-winning group of innovative learning designers, facilitators, and virtual exchange experts. With extensive experience in digital education, intercultural collaboration, and experiential learning, the team has successfully developed and scaled large-scale virtual exchange programs for universities and organizations worldwide. As pioneers in the field, they bring a deep understanding of engaging digital learning experiences, cross-cultural facilitation, and cutting-edge educational technologies

🔗www.globalcasestudychallenge.com  

Meet the trainers

Dr. Anna Zinenko


FH-Prof. Dr. Eithne Knappitsch

Dr. Barbara Covarrubias

The program has been offered in two cohorts

✅ 1st Cohort: July 2025 (4 live sessions) 
✅ 2nd Cohort: September 2025 (4 live sessions) 

📌 What´s the added value of this program?  

✅ Gain practical experience in virtual exchange facilitation 
✅ Learn to design engaging & inclusive virtual learning experiences 
✅ Develop cross-cultural collaboration & teaching skills 
✅ Become part of a global community of VE practitioners 

📅 Program Schedule 

📌 1st Cohort – July 2025: 4 live sessions (each 90 mins.) 

4 July, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

9 July, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

11 July, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

18 July, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

July´s cohort moodle

* This link is only available to people previously registered in the program.

📌 2nd Cohort – September 2025: 4 live sessions (each 90 mins.) + 1 additional GTSF-related module 

10 September, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

12 September, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

17 September, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

19 September, 2025

14:00 – 15:30 CET

September´s cohort moodle

* This link is only available to people previously registered in the program.

The program, typically valued at €999, was fully funded by the European Union!

📜 Program Modules 

🔹 Introduction to Virtual Exchange and COIL 
🔹 Understanding learner needs and engagement strategies 
🔹 Key principles of adult learning theories for VE 
🔹 Sustainability aspects in Virtual Learning (SDG 4) 
 
✅ Live Session: Virtual Exchange/COIL overview and learner Needs and engagement strategies 
🎥 Microlearning Video: Overview of Virtual Exchange & Sustainability 

🔹 Structuring a learning journey with outcomes, activities & assessments 
🔹 Selecting interactive tools 
🔹 Incorporating multimedia elements 
🔹 AI’s role in virtual learning design & personalization 
 
✅ Live Session: Interactive workshop on building engaging VE content 
🎥 Microlearning Video: Good practice for virtual learning engagement (GCSC Student Exchange) 

🔹 Building presence and connection in virtual spaces 
🔹 Active listening, questioning & managing discussions in VE 
🔹 Addressing implicit bias, equity & inclusion in VE 
🔹 Handling challenges: difficult participants, low engagement & tech issues 
 
✅ Live Session: VE facilitation & inclusive interaction 
🎥 Microlearning Video: Strategies for fostering intercultural collaboration 

🔹 Facilitating for success: a real-world virtual exchange session using the GTSF framework 
🔹 Designing and leading a mini-GTSF lesson on SDG themes 
🔹 Peer review & feedback on facilitation techniques 
🔹 Action planning for launching a VE program at your institution 
 
✅ Live Session: Hands-on facilitation practice & peer feedback 
🎥 Microlearning Video: Facilitating VE in SDG-focused education 

Info session

Want to know more?

On April 9, we held an info session to present the program in detail and answer participants’ questions.


Missed it? No problem — you can watch the full recording here: