ESU helps test online tools aiding Exchange Experiences
Through its participation in the VM-BASE project (http://vm-base.europace.org), ESU is helping test a number of innovative ideas on using e-tools before, during and after their physical mobility experiences to help enhance the benefit gained from such experiences. A number of pilots are being tested by various institutions for their effectiveness in achieving these goals:

Before exhange:
•    Virtual Buddy System (KHLeuven)
•    Introductory DVD of TKK and video clips of students sharing their experiences on student exchange at TKK (TKK Dipoli)
•    Virtual Exchange of Students Mobility Experience (University of West-Hungary, Department of Geoinformatics)
•    Multilingual Survival Kit in Geographic Information Systems (University of West-Hungary, Department of Geoinformatics)
•    Virtual tours through Leuven and its campuses (K.U.Leuven)
•    Preparation tests and course for Master in Physiotherapy (K.U.Leuven)
•    Go abroad (Laurea University of Applied Sciences)
•    Virtual Window to Study Abroad (University of Tartu)

Return initiatives for physical Erasmus exchanges
•    Exam aquarium (TKK Dipoli)
•    Virtual feedback sessions (Laurea University of Applied Sciences)
•    Supporting oral exams at a distance for the Master of European Social Security (K.U.Leuven)

ESU's role in this project is mainly advisory, and as such its e-learning working group, together with some other unions, will be meeting in Brussels in mid-June to help evaluate some of these initiatives from the all-important student perspective. These inputs will help the project partners translate examples of good practice gained into a manual with concrete guidelines, validated procedures and recommendations for blended mobility activities and a manual on good practices in e-coaching.