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Enhancing and Expanding International Opportunities through VE/COIL Programs
- Eaneilyka Simpled
- 22 minutes ago
- 5 min read
On May 7, Simpled proudly hosted a dynamic and insightful webinar titled “Enhancing and Expanding International Opportunities through VE/COIL Programs.” This session brought together a distinguished panel of global educators and thought leaders, each with deep expertise in Virtual Exchange (VE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL).
The conversation spotlighted how VE/COIL programs are transforming international education—breaking down geographic barriers, cultivating cross-cultural competencies, and making global learning accessible to students regardless of location. From practical strategies to real-world case studies, the speakers shared how institutions can embed meaningful international experiences directly into the curriculum.
We were honored to feature Hope Windle, Director of the SUNY COIL Center at The State University of New York, Oneonta, Dr. Jatin Mohan, Assistant Professor of Musicology at IILM University, Gurugram, Dr. Anuradhaa Shastri, Professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling & Special Education at SUNY Oneonta, Catrillia Young, International Higher Education Consultant & Dawn Harris Wooten, International Educator and VE/COIL Facilitator/Instructor.
Together, these voices painted a compelling picture of how VE/COIL is not just a trend, but a powerful, future-ready approach to global learning.
Insights on VE/COIL Programs
Hope Windle is a leading voice in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), bringing nearly two decades of instructional design experience to her role as Director of SUNY COIL at the State University of New York.
What is COIL? Collaborative Online International Learning
She walked us through the origins of the model, developed in 2006 by the State University of New York (SUNY), emphasizing its simple yet powerful premise: connecting classrooms across borders for shared learning experiences.
How COIL is done?
Hope Windle continued by demystifying how COIL actually plays out in the classroom. Once two partner institutions connect, instructors co-design course modules that bridge cultures and learning styles. The focus is on meaningful interaction—students collaborate either in real time or asynchronously, using tools like video conferencing, Google Classroom, WhatsApp, and more. Whether it's through a shared assignment or a virtual discussion, the COIL model transforms a typical classroom into a global exchange hub.
Flow of a COIL Collaboration
COIL Collaboration Fitting Into Your Course
Types of COIL Collaborations
Dr. Jatin Mohan, Assistant Professor of Musicology at IILM University, brought a unique lens to the conversation, blending the arts with cross-cultural academic exchange.
He shared insights from a recent COIL collaboration between IILM University and SUNY Oneonta in April 2024, where sixty students explored cultural perspectives through the lens of Sustainable Development Goals. This hands-on project encouraged students to reflect on personal and academic life differences, fostering empathy and global awareness.
Project Highlights
Designing Your Project
Dr. Mohan emphasized a foundational element for students pursuing project management roles. He specifically identified this as the critical "First step for students to work as project managers."
This highlights the initial, essential action or understanding required to embark on a project management career path. It underscores the fundamental prerequisite that Dr. Mohan deems necessary before students can effectively transition into or operate within a project management capacity. It serves as the primary building block upon which subsequent skills and experiences in project management are developed.
We had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Anuradhaa Shastri, Professor of Educational Psychology, Counseling & Special Education at The State University of New York, Oneonta.
Dr. Shastri shared valuable insights into the application of COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), particularly focusing on its implementation in an introductory-level course. She highlighted how COIL can effectively address student isolation and build crucial interpersonal skills by expanding the classroom internationally, specifically involving students from Haryana, India.
Competencies for Future Careers and COIL Converge
Navigating Time Zones and Cultural Differences
What are the outcomes of the work for your students and you? How did you and the students benefit from doing the COIL collaboration?
Impact of COIL on Student Preparedness
Observations of a Student Advisor: Navigating global learning through COIL
She then delved into the practicalities and findings from the COIL Teaching Assistant Experience.
She outlined the various challenges encountered, which spanned logistical hurdles like time zone differences, class size variations, and communication issues. Privacy and student cooperation were also key considerations. Beyond the challenges, Dr. Shastri highlighted positive findings from their survey data, specifically noting the strong interest among students for engaging with new cultures and the value they placed on networking opportunities forged through the COIL experience. It was a look at the real-world, ground-level insights from running the program.
Student Reflections
SUNY COIL Consortium of Academics in India
Enhance Teaching Through Global Collaboration - Join a global network of educators & gain access to structured virtual exchange projects that enable collaborative teaching with international partners.
Deepen Intercultural Competence and Global Awareness - Promote cross-cultural understanding among students by facilitating meaningful interactions with peers across the globe.
Receive Peer Mentorship and Institutional Support - Benefit from peer mentoring by experienced COIL faculty within the SUNY network. Get hands-on guidance in developing and implementing COIL modules, supported by a consortium committed to your professional growth & innovation in pedagogy.
Build International Academic Partnerships - Expand your academic network through institutional collaborations across borders. Participate in a dynamic platform that fosters sustainable partnerships, joint research opportunities, and global professional development.
Catrillia Young is a seasoned leader in international education, dedicated to creating meaningful global experiences and improving student outcomes. With a career spanning roles at Kaplan International Pathways, SUNY Plattsburgh, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, Cat has led initiatives that support student success and retention—always with a global lens. She specializes in designing programs that foster connection, engagement, and a sense of belonging for international students.
The Unpredictable Landscape of International Recruitment
In this part of the webinar, she explored the complex and ever-changing landscape of international recruitment. Drawing from current realities, she highlighted the pressing challenges institutions face today—ranging from shifting student mobility trends to evolving visa policies. She also emphasized the importance of having a long-term strategy: one that is adaptable, student-focused, and rooted in collaboration. Her insights offered a grounded look at how institutions can remain resilient while continuing to attract and support international learners.
Dawn Harris Wooten brings over 15 years of experience in international education, spanning recruitment, admissions, and immigration advising. Her work with institutions like NAFSA, George Washington University, and Florida Atlantic University has equipped her with a strong foundation in student mobility and cross-cultural engagement.
Leveraging VE/COIL
Which academic programs/departments are engaging in VE/COIL?
Tips on finding VE/COIL programs
Tips for approaching faculty
Keeping the Connection Alive
In this part of the webinar, she emphasized the importance of staying connected with prospective and current international students beyond the initial outreach. They shared practical, scalable tactics—from personalized video messages and virtual info sessions to alumni mentorship and interactive polls—that help build trust and engagement over time.
By integrating these touchpoints into a CRM and email cadence, institutions can create a more personalized, consistent journey. Social media follows and geo-alerts add another layer of relevance, ensuring students feel seen and supported—no matter where they are in the world.
What is Partnership Conclave?
A highly focused B2B networking event designed exclusively for academic institutions seeking meaningful partnerships. The conclave brings together institutions serious about engaging in academic collaborations under one roof to accelerate the process and save institutions valuable resources.
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