Being able to study at several institutions across several borders at the same time lets students profit from Virtual Exchange to the fullest extent possible. It incorporates the advantages of Virtual Exchange compared to traditional in class exchange that are already well established, such as strengthening student inclusion in internationalization, lowering the carbon footprint of international exchange and enabling flexibility and innovation in teaching and learning. However, it goes even further since it is the multilateral aspect of it that enhances these advantages and is able to provide greater, multifaceted intercultural experiences making MVEs a unique opportunity for all those involved. Individual feedback from participants usually highlights the added value of MVEs as being more international and more intercultural than traditional (bilateral) exchange as well as an important means of deepening strategical partnerships and personal networks between institutions through the joint efforts of teachers, students and staff.

The fact that MVEs are relatively rare, especially offered in a single semester, already indicates the downside of such a scenario. Multilateral exchange means additional legal restrictions crosscutting through several national borders with different administrations, a far more complex constellation of colleagues working at different organizational units and generally a greater likelihood for intercultural miscommunication in organization, teaching and learning.

Purpose: After presenting the Erasmus KA2 Project VERSATILE as an example of a single semester multilateral VE, participants also learn from others, look for best practices and try to formulate a shared future outlook on improving the conditions for MVEs.