Celebrating Global Virtual Exchange Program Professors on their recent publication!
Professor Tara Mathien of the University of Florida’s Department of Early Childhood Education and collaborative partners, Professor Luciana Cabrini Simões Calvo (State University of Maringá, Brazil), Professor Benameur Nehar (University of Abou Bekr Belkaid, Algeria), Professor Jorge Ernesto Matamoros (Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán, Honduras) and Professor Lynn Hartle (Penn State University) brought students and faculty together in a multi-institutional virtual exchange project to explore the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over four weeks, participants engaged in both synchronous and asynchronous activities, allowing flexible levels of involvement while fostering meaningful cross‑cultural interaction.
The exchange successfully promoted global awareness and a collaborative dialogue. The SDG‑focused structure provided a productive foundation for authentic discussion within a sense of community.
This project highlighted the value of virtual exchange in expanding access to international learning, particularly for students who may not be able to participate in a traditional study abroad program. Future work will incorporate quantitative data and consider integrating hands-on action components tied to SDG implementation to deepen impact.