Video credit: COIL at FIU Global

COIL is also a high-impact teaching and learning practice that combine collaborative assignments/projects with diversity/global learning and, depending on course design, can have elements of service or community-based learning or undergraduate research.

Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a type of virtual exchange. It is a cost-effective pedagogical approach to connecting students across cultures for learning and collaboration. It utilizes technology to enhance global learning and facilitate intercultural development as students complete activities and projects based on course learning objectives.

COIL emphasizes intercultural learning, provides students with opportunities for meaningful engagement with differences, and plays a useful role in a comprehensive approach to internationalization.

COIL is an inclusive practice because it supports students who may not have access to traditional study abroad programs that are often associated with intercultural development. A wide-ranging list of benefits of COIL is below.