Internationalization: The nexus of virtual worlds and reality

Purpose: This paper aims to describe the characteristics of virtual environments (VEs) that reinforce internationalization and to explore further implications for their utilization. Internationalization at universities is often argued as being key to developing global citizens. The use of VEs for global experiences is a relatively new phenomenon for universities. Understanding the aspects of VEs that develop global citizens will assist in their further development for internationalization. Design/methodology/approach: The paper presents a case study comparison of students and their experiences in the real world and VEs used in the Monash University Chinese Studies program. The student participants were interviewed using semi-structured questions to establish the elements of the Monash Secondlife