PROJECT-BASED

Projects typically run 2-6 weeks.
Probably the most common option, a project-based virtual exchange identifies a specific project that will be built into a course. That project will be completed through student partnerships between GVSU students and students at one of GVSU’s international partners.
The sky is the limit in terms of building a relevant project into a course. 
The virtual exchange is one part of the course, but not the entire focus of the course.
Credit bearing

VIRTUAL FACULTY-LED PROGRAM
A virtual faculty-led study abroad course without travel. Modified to still offer students an opportunity to learn in-depth about a special place in the world. 
Students register for these specific courses.
Credit bearing

INTEGRATED INTO AN EXISTING COURSE
Integrating a virtual exchange into an existing course might be something that runs the throughout the whole semester. For example, a German linguistics course may require students to collaborate with a student from a partner university to practice the use of German language for the duration of the semester.
Credit bearing

CO-TEACH
Co-Teach would be to collaborate with a faculty member at a partner institution to find ways to co-teach throughout the semester. There are many ways this could work, but it does require a much greater level of collaboration and commitment.
Credit bearing

CO-CURRICULAR
Connecting students with host university students prior to study abroad
Connecting student groups with counterparts at partner institution
Non-credit bearing

• Language exchanges – pairing students up 1:1 with students from a partner institution to practice language and conversation skills
• Photography class working together on a project that offers opportunities to build cultural understanding while developing of photography
• Students in a communications class work with an international NGO abroad to develop material for the organization
• International relations majors talking with peers in another country about approaches to foreign relations
• Science students collaborating on a joint research project

Browse these resources from other institutions with Virtual International Exchanges. 

Internationalization in Action Series, Special Edition, Connecting Classrooms: Using Online Technology to Deliver Global Learning 

Bringing the World Into the Classroom: ACE Award to Recognize the Innovative Use of Technology to Promote Internationalization (examples) 

SUNY COIL Center 

UM Flint COIL Resources