TEACHERS’ STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES IN PROMOTING INTERCULTURAL LEARNING THROUGH VIRTUAL EXCHANGE AT SMP 1 KUDUS

Azkiyah, Nurul. 2024 “Teachers’ Strategies and Challenges in Promoting
Intercultural Learning Through Virtual Exchange at SMP 1 Kudus ”. Thesis.
Advisors: Siti Nur’Aini, S.Pd., M.Hum.Ph.D; Dr. Rahmawati
Sukmaningrum., S.Pd., M.Pd.
Virtual exchange programs (VEPs) are a valuable tool to promote intercultural
learning among young learners. This case study aims to investigate and understand
how virtual exchange programs are implemented in Indonesian junior high schools,
particularly concerning challenges and strategies related to teachers. The study
focuses on the "Culture in a Box" virtual exchange program at SMP 1 Kudus, a
school located in Indonesia, and examines the strategies teachers used in tailoring
topics and designing the learning process and the challenges they encountered in
the implementation. In-depth interviews were gathered from two teachers
conducting the program in SMP 1 Kudus which was supported by some documents
and observation. of VEPs and intercultural education in junior high school settings.
The findings gleaned from this research underscore the transformative power of
virtual exchange programs in fostering intercultural competence, language
acquisition, and global awareness among junior school students. This research
provides valuable insights and practical strategies for teachers and schools to
effectively implement or enhance virtual exchanges in the Indonesian context.
Keywords: Virtual Exchange Programs, Intercultural Learning, Junior High
Schools, Teacher’s Challenges, Teacher’s Strategies