Mirror classes and COIL: cooperative and collaborative sceneries of the intercultural competence

Abstract

In this essay there will be presented the importance of employing virtual internationalization strategies known as mirror classes or classrooms and COIL, jointly, to be used as suitable spaces for teaching foreign languages, in general, and developing intercultural competence. To this end, the theoretical panorama of each of the terms involved is evidenced: intercultural competence, collaboration, and cooperation, highlighting the dialogue of these terms and their importance in language teaching. Furthermore, the development of intercultural competence in cooperative and collaborative work that can be found in each strategy, and the correlation of the elements of intercultural competence, collaboration, and cultural cooperation are in the virtual exchanges of the groups where education and culture converge, specifically in those dynamics typical of foreign language classrooms.