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Integrating global perspectives into higher education is vitally important, but we understand that not all students can participate in traditional education abroad. That is why we support the development of international virtual exchanges, also known as COIL.
What is COIL/IVE?
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), also known as international virtual exchange, is a pedagogical approach that fosters global exchange and understanding through online learning environments. Started at The State University of New York and now in practice at hundreds of universities around the world, COIL connects university students in two or more countries via technology.
In our case, this means that UW Tacoma faculty partner with faculty colleagues in another country to link their courses. The faculty facilitate students working directly with each other – often in smaller groups – on shared assignments, conversations, or projects related to the coursework. The exchanges typically include both synchronous and asynchronous elements.
How do I get involved?
If you are interested in connecting one of your classes to a course at UW Tacoma, please be in touch. You can reach us at uwtcoil@uw.edu. We can connect you to faculty who are teaching COIL/IVE courses and who are looking for international partners. You can also preview our COIL Fellows here.
Student Voice
"Thank you for a great class. I found the material much more interesting than I had anticipated. My mind was expanded in a way I had not imagined. It is good to sometimes be forced into new perspectives and activities that are outside of the comfort zone. The COIL classes were very compelling and I was glad to have attended them."
How do I learn more about COIL/IVE?
We will be sure to connect you with a faculty member who has been trained in the COIL/IVE pedagogy and can share what they know with you. We are also working on developing self-paced training for faculty and are available to consult as you develop your ideas. Don’t hesitate to ask!
Where in the world do you already have COIL/IVE partners?
UW Tacoma faculty have taught international virtual exchange classes with partners in several countries. Zoom into the map below for more details.
Student Voice
"I thought the COIL program was a refreshing twist with academic learning. I have not had much experience with people who live in other countries and have never been to the US. It was interesting to learn more about his culture and the differences and similarities between our two cultures."
