Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Title: Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)

Date: 13 June 2025

Description: Open Educational Resource (OER) developed as part of the second training offer by the UNITA Teaching and Learning Centres (May–June 2025), aimed at strengthening university teaching staff competencies in internationalisation.

Authors: Paloma Fernández-Rasines, Aneider Iza Erviti, Julia Itziar Amorena.

Summary: This video is part of the third session of the course Recipes to Promote Teaching and Learning in an International Environment, delivered by Paloma Fernández-Rasines and Aneider Iza Erviti, professors at the Public University of Navarre (UPNA). It introduces Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), a pedagogical approach that enables international experiences without the need for physical mobility.
COIL is a flexible and inclusive format that brings together teachers and students from at least two universities in different countries to engage in collaborative learning activities via virtual platforms. Courses may be fully online or hybrid, and COIL projects are recognised within the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

The video outlines eleven key steps to design a successful COIL project — from identifying course needs, finding academic partners and aligning curricula, to delivering, assessing, and improving the course. It also highlights the essential role of institutional support, including international offices, IT teams, pedagogical advisors and internationalisation experts.

Designing a COIL project is an effective way to internationalise the classroom, integrate intercultural dimensions and prepare students for global challenges from their local contexts. This approach strengthens internationalisation at home, promoting a more inclusive, meaningful and globally connected higher education.

Keywords: Teacher training, Internationalisation, Higher education, COIL, Online learning, Collaboration, Inclusion.