Using virtual exchanges has become increasingly common in second-language classrooms around the world. The interactional opportunities that virtual exchanges provide can contribute to gains in learners’ intercultural and linguistic competencies, among other benefits. Strategies for incorporating virtual exchanges in the curriculum are discussed, including the wide variety of technologies and formats that can be used (e.g. videoconferences, text messages, e-mail, social media, asynchronous video chats), challenges often presented by exchanges and recommendations for implementation of exchanges.