The officers and members of the IVEC board of directors share the pain and sadness of the virtual exchange community for the loss of our dear friend and colleague Sarah Guth.
Sarah was one of the IVEC founders, as a representative of Unicollaboration, and brought to our organization her expertise and enthusiasm as an accomplished scholar and practitioner of virtual exchange.
To many of us she was more than a respected colleague, she was a dear friend, with whom we shared a passion for pedagogies that provide intentional intercultural experiences and foster authentic dialogue. Her constant attention to equity and fairness in virtual exchange, always speaking up for the least privileged and resourced members of our global community, will stay in our hearts and will continue to inspire us.
The COIL-VE community lost a brave, smart, and warm pioneer. Through her important role at SUNY COIL, her leadership role in Unicollaboration, her work as ESL teacher in Padova, her scholarly and grant work, her seminal book written with Jon Rubin, Sarah made essential contributions to the development of our field and will be acutely missed.
Our deepest condolences to Sarah’s family. Our heart goes out to her beloved boys, Antonio and Tobia; may they find solace in knowing how much Sarah was loved and respected across the world.
The IVEC board invites all COIL-VE colleagues who knew, worked with, and learned from Sarah to follow her family’s wishes to honor her memory with donations to Emergency.
IVEC 2025
IVEC 2025
In 2025, the International Virtual Exchange Conference will take place in Heraklion, Crete, Greece. We are delighted to welcome you in one of the most vibrant and innovative cities of Greece, full of color and experiences to enjoy.
IVEC is the largest and most prominent event on Virtual Exchange, providing a forum for instructors, administrators, instructional designers, and educational leaders from institutions around the world interested in technology, international education, and new pedagogies.
Virtual Exchange (also known as Collaborative Online International Learning – COIL, Globally Networked Learning, or Telecollaboration) extends authentic opportunities for intercultural and transnational learning to students within K-16 classrooms, as well as through co-curricular activities.
HOST INSTITUTION
Hellenic Mediterranean University | HMU
Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU): Your Path to Advanced Studies in CreteThe Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), established in 2019, represents a significant evolution of the former Technological Educational Institute of Crete. This transformation has elevated HMU from an applied sciences institution to a full- fledged research university, with the authority to award Ph.D. degrees.
Academic Excellence Across Crete
With its main campus in Heraklion, HMU operates campuses across Crete, providing students with diverse learning environments. The university is comprised of five schools and 11 departments, offering a comprehensive range of academic
programs. In addition to its undergraduate offerings, HMU features a strong commitment to graduate education with 15 postgraduate degrees (MSc) available to students
seeking to specialize in their fields.
Innovative Research and Global Partnerships
Research is a core focus at HMU. All research activities are supported and hosted within a newly established research center, where research teams are integrated into one of six distinct research institutions.
HMU’ s commitment to international collaboration is demonstrated by its participation in the European University ATHENA (Advanced Technology Higher Education Network Alliance). This partnership enhances the university's global reach and
provides students and faculty with expanded opportunities.
For more detailed information about HMU, you can visit our official website at https://hmu.gr.