What’s in it for us all? Instructor’s Reflection on the realities of delivering Virtual Cross Cultural Experiences between UK/US students and Irish/US Students

In this exercise we introduce the concept of Virtual Cross-Cultural Experience (VCCE) as an innovative experience and pedagogical tool to help students develop their intercultural knowledge and cross-cultural communication skills(Taras, et al., 2013). The discussion of VCCE opportunities and challenges will be presented through the experiential learning and reflections of four instructors who were responsible in the creation, management and delivery of two Virtual Cross Cultural Experiences (VCCE) between UK and US universities and between Irish and US universities. This reflection piece is important for those engaged in virtual projects to provide understanding and clarity of the challenges that may be experienced as well as the learning for both students and instructors. Discussion will also develop recommendations for future VCCE projects.