Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is revolutionising global connections in business education, offering a transformative approach to intercultural learning and exchange. Originating in the mid-1990s, COIL has evolved from simple email communications between academics to sophisticated virtual exchanges incorporating cutting-edge technologies.
The roots of COIL can be traced back to the expansion of the internet and the development of Learning Management Systems (LMS). As educators became more familiar with online tools, they began to explore ways to connect their local classes with those in other countries. The State University of New York (SUNY) played a pivotal role in COIL’s development, with Professor Jon Rubin implementing cross-cultural video production courses connecting SUNY students with those in Belarus, Turkey, and Mexico in the early 2000s
The University of Ruhuna has pioneered COIL in Sri Lanka, participating twice consecutively in this innovative program. This initiative marks a significant step towards internationalising Sri Lankan higher education, providing students and faculty with a unique opportunity for global engagement without the financial burden of international travel.
COIL’s growth has been marked by significant milestones, including the European Union’s Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange initiative launched in 2018, which facilitated over 25,000 virtual exchanges between European and Mediterranean universities. This program demonstrated that virtual exchange could effectively complement traditional mobility programs, reaching students who might otherwise never experience international education
The benefits of COIL are numerous and far-reaching. For students, it provides a platform to develop intercultural awareness and competencies, allowing them to engage in global learning without the need for physical travel. Students evaluate personal cultural values, beliefs, and perceptions, learning to create positive cross-cultural relationships. They are exposed to diverse perspectives and learn to appreciate the value of academic freedom, developing a growth mindset that helps them know in a pluralistic setting
COIL fosters student-centred learning, motivating participants to actively acquire knowledge through discussions, research, and information exchange. This leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and enhances critical thinking skills. Students also develop global awareness by interacting with international peers, analysing situations from different perspectives, and exploring solutions in diverse contexts
For faculty members, COIL offers professional development opportunities through networking and collaboration with international peers. It provides a platform for sharing teaching practices, exploring new pedagogical approaches, and engaging in collaborative research endeavours. COIL supports the cost-effective internationalisation of curricula, allowing faculty to integrate international perspectives, diverse cultural content and global learning outcomes into their courses without requiring student travel
Despite its many advantages, COIL does present some challenges. Technical issues, time zone differences, and varying levels of technological proficiency among faculty and students can pose obstacles to successful implementation. Securing funding for program development and promotion, finding suitable international partners, and addressing administrative and logistical complexities can also be demanding1
A prime example of COIL’s transformative potential can be seen in the recent initiative launched by Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK. In December 2023, Manchester Met’s prestigious triple-accredited Business School partnered with the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka, later expanding to include several Indian institutions in 2024
This groundbreaking project brought together a diverse cohort of international hospitality business management students from Manchester Met, representing countries like the Netherlands, Finland, China, France, Italy, Germany, India, and Saudi Arabia, alongside British students. The students were tasked with developing and pitching creative business concepts as part of their Hospitality Entrepreneurship module
The innovative twist in this COIL project came in the form of peer evaluation. Instead of receiving tutor feedback, the students presented their ideas to third-year Human Resource Management students from the University of Ruhuna and their Indian counterparts. This peer-to-peer evaluation created a unique learning environment where cultural insights and diverse market perspectives shaped the development of each business concept
An experienced international moderation team, including Dr Dario Tom Dieck and Senior Lecturers Diane Connelly and Chiranjeewa Atapattu from Manchester Met, Dr K.G Priyashantha from the University of Ruhuna, and Dr. Bawna Kalera from the University of Delhi, oversaw the process. This diverse team ensured student projects received balanced, multicultural feedback reflecting real-world business environments
For the University of Ruhuna, participating in the program for two consecutive years marked a transformative shift in international academic engagement. The initiative provided world-class education and global exposure to students with limited resources, breaking down traditional barriers to international education. The success of this model at the University of Ruhuna has sparked interest across Sri Lanka’s higher education sector, with other institutions now looking to replicate this approach
This COIL project represents more than just an educational program; it is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, ideas, and feedback that fundamentally changes how students understand global business and cross-cultural collaboration. By shattering geographic limits and national and academic barriers, it builds knowledge through shared experiences across cultures
The initiative is crucial to internationalising higher education for Sri Lankan universities, notably the University of Ruhuna. It showcases their commitment to providing world-class education and preparing students for the global job market. The COIL experience enhances students’ intercultural competencies and digital literacy skills while elevating the profile of Sri Lankan higher education on the international stage
By embracing COIL, the University of Ruhuna sets a precedent for other Sri Lankan institutions, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of integrating global learning experiences into the curriculum, even with limited resources.
This innovative approach not only enriches the educational experience but also opens doors for future partnerships, research collaborations, and knowledge exchange, potentially leading to more comprehensive internationalisation efforts across Sri Lankan universities
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, COIL stands as a beacon of innovation in education, bridging borders and fostering global connections. Its continued growth and adoption promise to shape the future of international education, preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of a globalised world.
KG Priyashantha
Chiranjeewa Atapattu
