ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on a case study of an intercultural project linking technology, theoretical and pedagogical design, and practical experience. Through reciprocal learning, highlighted in the context of an e-mail exchange, this project aims to foster intercultural communication and critical thinking and build international communities in the United States and in France. Participants include students enrolled in two courses: an intermediate French language course for US bachelor level students and an intermediate English course for master level engineering students in France. Intercultural communication benefits these learners by simulating virtual opportunities for study abroad, enhancing global awareness, and increasing spoken and written language proficiency. For students, this project helps to promote cultural awareness, as well as reflection on culture and language, and it prepares students to interact with native speakers from other countries. Although this project encompasses linguistic developments and cultural awareness in a broader context (surveys, presentations, blogs, e-mails and a visit to the other country), for this study we focus only on the results of intercultural and reciprocal learning through e-mail and post-trip feedback surveys.
