The article characterizes the basis of the notion of a virtual educational environment: its interpretations, specific features and criteria. It also provides justification in favor of the importance of this concept in pedagogical training as well as a set of drawbacks. The analysis of scientific works of foreign and domestic researchers within the framework of the topic is carried out. The purpose of this article is to analyze and reveal the foundations of virtual learning environments from the point of view of its significance for a competent and developed teacher of a foreign language.