Enriching students’ engaged learning experiences through the collaborative online international learning project

Integrating a high impact virtual exchange project (VEP) within a global learning experience creates opportunities for students to engage in and attain international and cultural competencies without leaving their home campus. The Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) model enables faculty and students to collaborate with global peers through co-taught, culturally focused online learning environments to achieve intercultural awareness, knowledge in discipline-specific content, and skills in communication and group collaboration. To address the limited evidence investigating the effectiveness of achieving COIL outcomes, this paper aimed to evaluate students’ opinions about their experiences participating in a COIL VEP using a case study research design and a nested mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected using a statistically analysed anonymised questionnaire, while qualitative data collected from student reflective reports were thematically analysed. Analysis suggests that COIL experiences positively influence intercultural awareness, stimulate students to be globally engaged and promote personal and professional development.