The Experience of Virtual Service Learning "Español En Vivo" and its Contribution to the Improvement of the Intercultural Approach and Intercultural Competence

Abstract

This article deals with the possibility of using the Virtual Service Learning (vSL) to promote the intercultural competence and intercultural approach. Through the vSL project “Español en Vivo” —created by the School of Education of the Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia in collaboration between Spanish and African universities and whose objective is the improvement of linguistic skills and the development of a civic component—, we explain how useful it is to allow students to reflect not only on linguistic or ethical aspects, but also to prompt introspection about how this experience helps them to appreciate diversity as an advantage in their learning environments and how it has allowed them to get to know and recognize themselves alongside their peers.