This is a preliminary study which aims to discuss the role of e-mail
communication between teacher and student, in particular how this electronic
mediator increases student's awareness of her reality. The researcher has
analyzed the text of e-mails exchanged between a foreign student, who lives far
from her homeland, and experiences difficult conditions. The researcher was
able to construct a picture of the student's lived reality, and the emotions
experienced by the student. This study indicates the possibility of using the email
as a tool to mentor students who are geographically distant from their
educational institution, and therefore unable to receive face-to-face
communication. It also gives an indication that this medium could be used as an
empowering tool that could increase students' awareness of their lived
experiences. This study suggests that virtual environment should not be studied
in isolation from the lived reality; the two should be viewed as they interact with
each other.