VR stands for Virtual Reality and is defined as the representation of a virtual world that has been computer-generated. The computer-generated world can correspond to the real world or a fantasy world. Within the framework of virtual reality, sounds, touches and visual sensations are simulated. It thus makes it possible to experience the world and, as in this case, the respective culture in a secure, protected space. This often leads to so-called immersion. Immersion means ” plunging “, which shows that virtual reality not only allows us to look down on the simulated world, but also to really plunge into the computer-generated world. VR technology and VR glasses allow immersion as well as so-called presence. They therefore lead to the feeling of actually being in the virtual world, whereby the virtual environment is perceived as real and the border between virtuality and reality disappears. This reinforces the effect of understanding and internalising the respective culture, as in this pilot study or similar.

It is important to distinguish between virtual reality and augmented reality. In contrast to virtual reality, augmented reality does not mean simulating a virtual world, but expanding actual reality. This is the case, for example, when the real world is viewed through a mobile phone display and additional information about buildings etc. is overlaid (Kneussel, 2015).