About This event
Internationalisation is no longer an optional addition to university teaching—it is becoming an essential component of modern higher education. But how can lecturers create meaningful international learning experiences without requiring students to travel abroad?
This online workshop series introduces academic staff to Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Virtual Exchange (VE) and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) as practical approaches to embedding international collaboration directly into existing courses.
Organised by the Technical University of Košice (TUKE) as part of the Global Mindset @TUKE initiative, the series supports the University's commitment to strengthening internationalisation at home and expanding opportunities for collaborative teaching across Ulysseus.
The workshops will be led by an internationally recognised Expert in Virtual Exchange (VE), COIL and educational innovation, who also serves as a Full Professor of English Studies.
Beyond introducing the key principles of COIL and Virtual Exchange, the series will help participants identify potential teaching partners within the Ulysseus European University and develop ideas for future international educational collaborations.
The workshops are also intended for participants of the Ulysseus Seed Fund Call 2026, supporting them in developing and launching their COIL projects.
Learning Outcomes
By participating in this workshop series, you will:
- Understand the principles and pedagogical benefits of Virtual Exchange, COIL and Blended Intensive Programmes
- Explore practical ways to internationalise your existing courses
- Design collaborative online learning activities for students
- Connect with colleagues from across the Ulysseus European University
- Identify potential partners for future teaching collaborations
- Advance the development of your COIL project within the Ulysseus Seed Fund Call 2026 through expert guidance, peer exchange and international collaboration
Who Should Attend?
This workshop series is intended for:
- Academic staff from all disciplines
- Lecturers interested in internationalising their teaching
- Teachers looking for partners for COIL, Virtual Exchange or BIP initiatives
- Participants of the Ulysseus Seed Fund Call 2026
- Educators with no previous experience in COIL or Virtual Exchange
Why Attend?
- Practical examples and real-life case studies
- International networking with Ulysseus partners
- Interactive discussions and expert guidance
- Support for developing your COIL initiative
- Preparation for successful international teaching collaboration
Workshop Schedule
💻 Format: Online interactive session
Session 1
📅 Date: 3 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CETUnderstanding Virtual Exchange and Blended Mobility: Models, Terminology and Rationale
Discover the foundations of Virtual Exchange (VE), COIL and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). Learn how these approaches differ from other forms of online teaching and explore their benefits for students, educators and internationalisation.
Session 2
📅 Date: 17 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CETDesigning Your Exchange: A Three-Stage Guide for Partner Teachers
Learn how to plan and structure a successful international collaboration, from finding common objectives with your partner institution to designing engaging collaborative activities and supporting students throughout the exchange.
Session 3
📅 Date: 24 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CETAnticipating the Challenges: Case Studies in Virtual Exchange and Blended Intensive Programmes
Explore real-life case studies and practical solutions to the most common organisational and pedagogical challenges in COIL, Virtual Exchange and BIPs. Gain practical tips to ensure inclusive, sustainable and successful international collaboration.
Participation is free of charge.
Registration is open until 1 September 2026.
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