Presented By: Anthony Auletta, University of Florida

International learning experiences, such as studying abroad and global service learning, can be immensely impactful for students. However, it can be challenging to provide similarly meaningful international opportunities for students who don't have the funding or flexibility to travel abroad. To address this need and help make high-impact global experiences accessible to all students, I have developed a semester-long virtual exchange project (Science Across Borders), which is embedded in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) that I teach at the University of Florida. Through this project, students connect virtually with entomology researchers from around the world to learn more about the global extent (and importance) of insect research and the process of collaborating across international borders. Students then use these interviews to reflect on benefits, challenges, and opportunities in global research. To date, this project has connected a total of 187 students with 47 researchers from 29 countries across 6 continents. I will present quantitative and qualitative data that we've collected on the outcomes of this project, showing that it allows students to experience many of the same benefits of a study abroad program without leaving their home campus. Specific gains from the project include an increased understanding of other countries and cultures, enhanced cross-cultural communication skills, practice in active listening, self-awareness, and reflection, and more. Based on student feedback, this project has also inspired students to consider internationally-focused careers in the future and helped foster a better appreciation for science as a global enterprise. I will also share my approach to designing, implementing, and assessing the project, as well as provide resources for educators who are interested in incorporating virtual exchange into their own courses.