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Sonia Verma
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
The rapid globalization of higher education has prompted institutions worldwide to seek innovative pathways for internationalization. Virtual exchange (VE), which leverages digital technologies to facilitate cross‐border academic collaboration, has emerged as a promising mechanism to overcome the financial, logistical, and regulatory barriers inherent in traditional mobility programs. This study examines the role of VE in the internationalization strategies of Indian universities, focusing on stakeholder perceptions, pedagogical efficacy, institutional readiness, and scalability. A survey of 200 participants—including administrators, faculty, and students—was conducted to assess attitudes toward VE, perceived benefits and challenges, and recommendations for effective implementation. Quantitative findings reveal overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward VE’s capacity to enhance intercultural competence (92% agreement), broaden curricular offerings (88%), and foster joint research projects (80%). However, qualitative feedback underscores persistent challenges related to technological infrastructure, uneven faculty training, and misalignment between VE activities and existing accreditation frameworks. Through thematic analysis, four core domains emerged: strategic alignment, capacity building, technological ecosystem, and quality assurance. Building on these insights, the manuscript proposes a comprehensive, multi‐tiered framework for embedding VE into Indian higher education, including policy incentives (e.g., national ranking metrics tied to VE adoption), institutional capacity‐building initiatives (e.g., dedicated VE centers), and robust quality‐assurance protocols that align with both national (UGC) and international standards. By articulating clear implementation pathways and actionable recommendations, this study contributes a scalable, sustainable roadmap for democratizing internationalization across India’s diverse higher education landscape.
Keywords
Internationalization; Virtual Exchange; Indian Universities; Intercultural Competence; Digital Learning; Higher Education Policy
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