The virtual tours took participants to RWTH Aachen and Heidelberg University. Despite some technical issues during the second session, the pilot project was a resounding success. Feedback from the school and university students was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing enthusiasm for the interactive and immersive experience.
More than just Zoom: The potential of the GoetheVRsum
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Visitors Programme has relied more and more on digital formats. However, the GoetheVRsum goes far beyond traditional video conferencing. Offering a range of spaces, from technical introduction and lecture halls to a cafeteria, the virtual environment creates a dynamic setting that fosters genuine interaction.
The cafeteria quickly became the heart of the experience. A special audio feature enabled participants to converse in small groups. Lively discussions took place with current and former students from both universities, all of whom originally come from India. They shared genuine insights into living and studying in Germany, and answered numerous questions from participants.
Vaidehi Karambelkar from S.P.M. Public Medium School was particularly inspired by the conversations with Indian students from Heidelberg University. Her classmate, Mayank Patankar, praised RWTH Aachen’s presentation, noting how valuable the experience had been for his future planning. The opportunity to move about freely and engage in informal conversations as avatars was found by many to be especially enriching.
The GoetheVRsum has proven to be a promising tool – not just for university visits. It also holds potential for virtual fairs aimed at recruiting skilled professionals, as well as for interactive learning modules on cultural topics. However, ongoing technical development remains essential. A number of features, such as an integrated chat function and an optimised question display, were missed during this initial run.
Another key factor in the project’s success was the presenters’ openness to the virtual format; some already had experience in digital environments. The project was driven by a moderation team from the Visitors Programme, with technical assistance from Hololux – creators of the virtual world – and the GoetheVRsum team.
Conclusion: The pilot project demonstrated how virtual spaces can reshape international educational exchanges. The Visitors Programme is delighted with the insights gained and remains open to other projects in the virtual world.
