A qualitative exploration of cross-cultural communication, team collaboration and skill development among Chinese undergraduate students in a virtual exchange programme

Background
Virtual Exchange (VE) refers to a pedagogy that uses technology to facilitate online, collaborative learning among students and their partners from other cultural contexts or geographical locations. Whilst VE is increasingly recognized as a high-impact pedagogic practice with huge potential to contribute to engaged learning and student success, it is yet to be fully harnessed in higher education in China. This study aimed to investigate how the intercultural effectiveness skills, team collaboration and new skills learning of Chinese students can be promoted by an active learning experience through virtual exchange with Brazilian and American students.
Method
The study draws on 40 reflective journals from Chinese business student participants in a VE collaborative programme with Brazilian and American students. Students were asked to reflect on their cross-cultural communication, cross-cultural team collaboration and development of new knowledge/skills.
Results
Students' experiences can be categorized into cross-cultural communication, cross-cultural team collaboration, and development of new knowledge and skills. Subthemes emerged within cross-cultural communication, including the use of English as a medium of language, differences in communication styles, and effective communication strategies. For cross-cultural team collaboration, students' experiences are categorized based on challenges such as time differences, differences in work styles and expectations, as well as inconsistent information and requirements related to assignments. The VE experience enhanced students’ self-confidence, cross-cultural understanding and other skills too.
Conclusion
Our research findings revealed that the VE programme effectively facilitated active learning experiences for Chinese students. This resulted in positive outcomes, including enhanced cross-cultural communication, improved team collaboration, and acquisition of new skills. When the activities within the VE programme are carefully designed, it could optimize collaborative learning, thereby fostering the development of essential 21st-century skills in the increasingly interconnected global landscape. The implications of this study extend to the design and implementation of future virtual exchange initiatives.

Keywords: virtual exchange; higher education; cross-cultural communication; cross-cultural team collaboration; 21st century skills