Freie Universität Berlin proudly hosted its 13th International Staff Training Week— one of this year’s tracks had been jointly organized by member universities of the Berlin BeCOIL project with the title “Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Creating an International Impact at Home”. A total of 29 participants from 22 different countries joined this dynamic week-long program, bringing together higher education professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, share practices, and strengthen international networks.
Throughout the week, discussions centered on how COIL can make internationalization more accessible to students and staff, regardless of their ability to travel abroad. Participants explored the design of virtual exchange formats, strategies for fostering intercultural competence, and the role of technology in creating inclusive online environments.
Several sessions emphasized the importance of building sustainable partnerships across institutions. Participants examined what makes COIL collaborations successful and reflected on the challenges of integrating them into curricula. Experiences from universities in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas highlighted not only different institutional approaches but also shared concerns, such as ensuring equal participation, overcoming time-zone barriers, and training faculty effectively.
A hallmark of the week was the strong involvement of participants themselves. Beyond expert presentations, many attendees introduced their own good practice cases—ranging from interdisciplinary projects linking German and Argentinian classrooms to initiatives supporting intercultural dialogue between European and Asian partners.
Interactive formats such as World Café discussions and networking sessions gave participants the chance to dive deeper into specific issues, including how to motivate students in virtual exchange settings, how to assess intercultural learning outcomes, and how administrators can support teaching staff in launching COIL projects. This peer-to-peer exchange created an atmosphere where ideas could be tested, compared, and refined—one of the most valued aspects of the week.
While the professional focus was on virtual collaboration, the week also reminded participants of the power of face-to-face encounters. Social activities, from a campus scavenger hunt to joint sporting events at the FU Water Sports Center, offered informal spaces to connect. Many participants highlighted that these personal contacts are what make virtual partnerships more sustainable in the long run.
The International Staff Training Week once again demonstrated how international collaboration can be fostered at home. By sharing methods, tools, and experiences, participants left Berlin equipped with fresh strategies to further develop COIL at their own institutions. More importantly, they returned with new partners and friendships—evidence that creating an international impact at home begins with global dialogue.
