Embedding Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) at Higher Education Institutions

This article takes the reader through the evolution of a new and increasingly popular model of international exchange called COIL, Collaborative Online International Learning. It discusses the practical limitations of physical mobility, the birth and development of virtual exchange and the implementation of specialised networks and professional development models needed to support COIL. It also offers five institutional case studies from the US and internationally, written by leaders presently engaged in embedding COIL at their universities, which taken together give an overview of where the format is today. This article also describes many aspects of COIL practice and why this format is so important in a world where mobility is not an option formost.