Lisa's experience
Thanks to the DG2 Experience, I was able to take part in a virtual exchange at Université Laval. I'm Lisa, originally from Hamburg, Germany, and I attended a course that at first glance has nothing to do with my studies in Germany (the didactics of French and Spanish as foreign languages), but which gave me a global, managerial perspective on the theme of inclusion and equity.
In the course entitled «Diversité et équité en milieu de travail» (Diversity and Equity in the workplace), I met a professor who was very open to foreign students and five people from Canada, with whom I formed a working group. This encounter was both an opportunity and a challenge, as I was exposed to a variety of French that I hadn't learned, and so there were a few misunderstandings, but also a lot of learning moments due to the differences between metropolitan French in France and Canadian French.
Admittedly, intercultural learning is much less immersive in a virtual exchange than in a physical one, but the situations where you become aware of cultural differences and different habits are there. And since the meetings between students in groups are fairly informal, it gives you an authentic “snapshot” of Canadian university culture.
To conclude, my DG2 Experience broadened my knowledge and deepened my intercultural and language skills. I'd strongly recommend taking part in a virtual mobility program to anyone interested.
