COIL - Collaborative Online International Learning

COIL

What is COIL?

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects are an innovative way to partner and co-develop an intercultural course for students, alongside instructors from different countries. 

The purpose

  • Promote international learning opportunities for students 
  • Provide an opportunity to engage in dialogue about global challenges 
  • Participate in an intercultural, academic experience with students and faculty from another country
  • Prepare students to function effectively in a global environment and deepen the understanding of differences and commonalities in the world
  • Provide a unique way to internationalize the curriculum while expanding international networks 

Who can participate?

  • Faculty of any discipline

How does it work?

  • Identify and develop an international partnership for the course
  • Digital technology is used to connect and interact with instructors and students from other countries over the duration of the course
  • Projects can vary in length and format (a few weeks to a semester)
  • Projects can be synchronous or asynchronous in nature 
  • Faculty can collaborate across disciplines

Learn more at UMD’s COIL Website >> 

Project Example:

HLTH 3115: Consumer Health - A Comparison of Healthcare Systems
Amy Versnik, Ph.D. - Associate Professor | UMD Applied Human Sciences

COIL Collaboration:

Nottingham Trent University, U.K. & University of Minnesota Duluth, U.S. | Contributing Instructors: Amy Versnik Nowak, Ph.D.; Marzell Gray, DrPH; Damilola Oyewole, Ph.D.; Mathew Nyashanu, Ph.D.; Linda Gibson, Ph.D.; Ana Larson, BASc; Cailey Weiske, BASc.

About the Course: 

A Comparison of International Healthcare Systems | At least half of the world’s population is unable to obtain essential health services, and a large portion is pushed into poverty because of healthcare-related expenses. This course was developed so Public Health students (from both the U.S. and the U.K.) could learn about and understand healthcare systems around the world so they can seek to address health inequities and advocate for change. 

Project Summary Video

Student Reflection Videos