About VE
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 the curriculum of college and university classrooms. Through co-developed and co-taught modules, Virtual Exchange supports the development of 21st-century workforce skills and provides opportunities for applied learning experiences.

A bit of history
IVEC builds on the successful track records of two other well-established events. The State University of New York (SUNY) COIL Center hosted their COIL Conference from 2007 – 2018, attracting a growing number of participants from around the world. UniCollaboration, the European telecollaboration consortium, hosted a bi-annual conference since 2014, bringing together practitioners from across the continent.
As the field of Virtual Exchange grows, a small group of institutional representatives began talking about the possibility of a single, annual international conference that would become the premiere gathering for the field. The first such attempt was the Global Learning conference in 2017, hosted by DePaul University in Chicago, in partnership with the SUNY COIL Center. IVEC builds on the Chicago conference with an expanded group of organizing institutions and a new name and identity.
As we move forward, we aim to host the International Virtual Exchange Conference in a different world region each year. Are you interested in hosting IVEC in your institution? Read the information below and keep an eye on future news and deadlines!
Mission
Vision
The International Virtual Exchange Consortium (IVEC) is a global, inclusive community of virtual exchange practitioners, researchers, and professionals that provides a forum for dialogue and growth. The community aims to advance pedagogy and research in virtual exchange through networking, hosting an annual conference, sharing best practices and supporting professional development. IVEC is shaped by a range of stakeholders engaged in virtual exchange from thought leaders to emerging voices.
To drive and shape the field of virtual exchange with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion globally.

IVEC STEERING COMMITTEE
- Adam Zahn, Drexel University
- Lavern Samuels, Durban University of Technology
- Jami Leibowitz, East Carolina University
- Sarah Guth, UniCollaboration
- Brenda García Portillo, Universidad de Monterrey
- Natalia Dyba, University of Washington Bothell
- GianMario Besana, DePaul University
- Ana Cristina Salomão, FAUBAI