International competencies development in a virtual exchange for future veterinarians

Abstract

Over the past years, internationalization has become the gold standard for most higher education institutions and strategies for internationalization at home have grown as a means to foster global learning. Virtual exchange (VE) as an internationalization at home strategy encompasses one of the most innovative teaching methodologies to provide students with an intercultural perspective in the subject area of their academic programs. A total of 158 veterinary students from a private university in Spain and a public university in Brazil participated in a COIL project based on veterinary anatomy and diagnostic imaging. The project’s primary objective was for students to leverage their diverse knowledge and backgrounds to collaboratively discuss a clinical case and create a scientific poster in small groups. This practice report aims to demonstrate the potential of VE in veterinary sciences by detailing the collaboration design and presenting students’ perspectives on their experiences. The results of a postcollaboration survey indicate that this methodology effectively stimulates students to engage globally and fosters their personal and professional development.