Test Sessions: Establishing the Intercultural Foundations of Virtual Exchange
- IVECA Center
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
To prepare for the upcoming Live Classes, teachers from Colombia, Mexico, South Korea, Singapore, and the United States gathered for IVECA's Test Sessions–the teachers’ final meeting to ensure a smooth global exchange between students. More than a technical rehearsal, these sessions are opportunities for teachers to create a supportive foundation that encourages students to share intercultural ideas and collaborate with their partners.
During the Test Sessions, teachers exchanged ideas with enthusiasm, anticipation, and a strong dedication to cooperation. One of the United States teachers showed his excitement for the Live Class, expressing his appreciation for the program, “Since our students have learned Spanish as a second language, having IVECA gives them an authentic way to communicate with others in their second language and learn things that are different from their everyday experiences.” They shared thoughtful insights rooted in respect, mindfulness, and empathy to have their students engage in meaningful global collaboration with their partners. One particularly heartwarming moment came when the Singaporean teachers checked the arrangement of their classroom for students’ cultural performance by playfully demonstrating part of the dance themselves. Despite the physical distance, Singaporean teachers sincerely wished their partner students would enjoy and appreciate their traditional dances, representing the spirit of intercultural exchange.
While discussing classroom setups, teachers approached the preparation from the partner school’s perspective, displaying their own intercultural understanding and communication skills. One Korean teacher, caring about how clearly her partners could hear, prepared multiple ways to support clear and smooth communication. Also, one of the teachers from Colombia mentioned that his students hope their partners will feel a warm and intimate connection. Through the discussion, teachers planned to make the students' introductions more active and engaging by having them call out their partners’ names to greet one another directly. These small but thoughtful considerations reflect the empathy and respect that help students feel genuinely connected across distance.
From these collective efforts, the Test Session demonstrated its essential value: teachers mindfully interacting, sharing ideas, and supporting one another to create an environment where students can confidently and joyfully exchange cultures. Through the teachers’ passion, respect, and cooperative spirit, students are empowered to build global connections and experience an engaging Live Class. The teachers have embodied IVECA’s mission, sharing their eagerness, appreciation, and mindfulness while walking in harmony with us toward global citizenship education.
