Internationalization at home in Moroccan EFL teacher education: Virtual exchange as a pathway to intercultural literacy

Saida  Abdellaoui; Asmae Zerrik

doi:10.32674/xfgkst63

Authors

Saida Abdellaoui Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Saiss, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1246-7117
Asmae Zerrik Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5854-2245

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/xfgkst63

Keywords:

EFL teacher education, intercultural literacy, intercultural pedagogy, internationalization at home, virtual exchange

Abstract

This article examines virtual exchange as a practical form of Internationalization at Home in Moroccan EFL teacher education and its potential to build intercultural literacy among future teachers. Drawing on a qualitative conceptual design informed by a narrative review of the literature, the paper connects studies on internationalization, virtual exchange, and intercultural learning. The study argues that virtual exchange is more than a simple digital substitute for physical mobility, but a structured, guided, and reflective pedagogical mechanism. The article proposes a conceptual pathway in which curriculum-embedded virtual exchange operationalizes Internationalization at Home and creates conditions for developing intercultural literacy.

Author Biographies

Saida Abdellaoui, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences Saiss, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fes, Morocco

PhD candidate and a high school English teacher.
Asmae Zerrik, Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

PhD candidate, high school teacher, and adjunct professor at ESEFO.

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