The Guide to COIL Virtual Exchange

An array of educational modalities are emerging that enable all students, even those unable to travel abroad, to meaningfully explore the international dimensions of their chosen disciplines and develop intercultural competencies needed for the future. Among them, Collaborative Online International Learning, or COIL, leverages virtual exchange to enhance international learning and engagement in this new era. Edited by one of the originators of COIL, this timely volume offers the definitive guide to COIL programming.

Although a relative newcomer to the higher education landscape, COIL has been a game changer in internationalizing teaching and learning. A Guide to COIL Virtual Exchange provides a comprehensive study of COIL’s unique role in internationalization and detailed advice on its implementation as well as and case studies. It is indispensable reading for practitioners and scholars to understand this remarkable tool for making global learning widely available to students and faculty.

Madeleine F. Green, Former Vice President for International Initiatives, American Council on Education

“This book is a must have for any individual or institution interested in advancing internationalisation of the curriculum, teaching and learning at home for all students. It explores both theoretical and practical issues related to COIL virtual exchange as a pedagogy for internationalisation and global learning. Written during one of the most turbulent times in recent history, at a time when it is more important than ever that all students understand the implications of globalisation for human life and experience and the future of the planet, this book offers positive, practical tools and insights into COIL for educators as well as institutional leaders and policymakers. It contains chapters authored by giants in the field, a number co-authored by professional educators from different parts of the world who have initiated, grown and sustained successful international and intercultural COIL collaborations. Importantly, the frequently ignored student voice is also included through case studies.”

Betty Leask, Professor Emeritus, La Trobe University, Australia

“With the recent unprecedented uptake of COIL because of border closures during COVID, an urgent need for resources to support and guide institutions and leaders became evident. This book addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive guide to support both new and expert COIL/Virtual Exchange leaders. It covers a wide-range of important issues to enhance the development, implementation, and sustainability of their COIL programs as well as brings together some rich and diverse geographical, thematic, and stakeholder perspectives. An important addition to my library!”

Dr. Amira El Masri, Director, Center for Global Education and Internationalization, Sheridan College, Canada

“There remains a crucial need for the higher education community to develop environmentally conscious, equitable, and inclusive ways to provide internationally-focused experiences that engage more diverse faculty and student populations. This timely book, bursting with real-world examples and practical guidance from true experts in this growing global field, provides an essential onramp for those new to COIL and Virtual Exchange, as well as detailed roadmaps for those striving to expand and sustain their existing programs.”

John E. Fowler, Senior Program Specialist and Mentor for Virtual Exchange/COIL, American Council on Education

“This book is a valuable and comprehensive resource for anyone in higher education with an interest in Virtual Exchange/COIL, either as a policy maker, a teacher or support staff. The book does an excellent job of carefully defining and positioning VE/COIL in the context of internationalization of higher education, thereby clarifying a number of common misconceptions. It further features contributions from several well-chosen experts unpacking the different perspectives needed to fully understand the characteristics and potential of VE/COIL, to integrate it in an internationalization strategy and to make it work in practice as an impactful internationalization tool. While the history of VE/COIL goes back much further, the book is timely in the sense that it integrates valuable insights gained during the COIVD-19 pandemic.”

Piet Van Hove, University of Antwerp and President of the European Association for International Education (EAIE)

“This book is a welcoming guide to a field whose moment has arrived. It is an excellent starting point for newcomers as well as a boon for established scholars and practitioners. The COIL virtual exchange community will benefit from the authors’ analysis and return to their many useful examples and recommendations over the coming years.”

Henry Shepherd, Assistant Director, Stevens Initiative

“This is the comprehensive publication on COIL virtual exchange we have been eagerly awaiting! Bringing together the institutional contextualization of COIL, the pedagogical needs and the multi stakeholder approach to help institutions build a COIL practice that can thrive and add value to their internationalization strategy. Where most publications have a geographically limited perspective, Rubin and Guth give us a peek into different global best practices, making it easier to find an example that resonates with your university. I was especially thrilled with Part Three, and the detailed and clear chapters on professional development for faculty, intercultural competence and assessment. This publication provides you the why, what and how to bring together different stakeholders to start building COIL on your campus.”

Eva Haug, Educational Advisor Curriculum Internationalisation and COIL at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands