News
On 21 May 2025, we hosted an online panel on how COIL can strengthen internationalization in study programs where physical mobility is often limited. The event was a great success and brought together 42 participants from various countries.
Our distinguished speakers — Heike Müller, Mohamed Okasha, Richard Saward, Peter Wotschke, and Jef Geuens— shared insights from their diverse COIL projects. They highlighted how virtual exchange fosters intercultural learning, collaboration, and academic growth across fields as varied as nutrition education, neurosurgery, engineering, cooperative studies, and nursing.
The presentations showed not only the practical value of COIL but also its potential to open international learning opportunities for students who may not have the chance to study or conduct research abroad. The panel also sparked vivid discussions on challenges such as aligning curricula, managing time zones, and overcoming technical barriers — and how these can be transformed into opportunities for innovation, adaptability, and stronger collaboration.
What made the discussion especially enriching were deeper reflections: the importance of creating interactive formats such as breakout groups, digital storytelling, or case-based learning to keep students actively engaged; the chance to address complex and sensitive topics in an intercultural context (from food systems to end-of-life care); and the long-term impact of COIL in building sustainable professional networks and intercultural competencies that go far beyond a single course.
We thank all speakers and participants for their inspiring contributions and look forward to continuing the exchange on how COIL can shape the future of teaching and learning across disciplines.
