'Collaborative Teaching' Online Workshop Series: Virtual Exchange, COIL, and BIPs

About this Programme

Internationalisation is no longer an optional addition to university teaching - it is an essential part of modern higher education. But how can lecturers create meaningful international learning experiences without requiring students to travel abroad?

Join the Collaborative Teaching Workshop Series, organised by the Technical University of Košice (TUKE), Slovakia, and discover innovative approaches to internationalising your teaching through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), Virtual Exchange (VE), and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs).

Organised as part of the Global Mindset @ TUKE initiative, this professional development programme supports TUKE´s commitment to strengthening internationalisation at home and expanding opportunities for collaborative teaching across Ulysseus.

The programme consists of two complementary events:

• Online Workshop (3-17-24 September 2026) – an interactive introduction to the principles and practice of COIL, Virtual Exchange, and Blended Intensive Programmes.
  Participants will explore how these approaches can enrich their courses, foster intercultural learning, and build international partnerships without requiring physical mobility.
  
  
• On-site Workshop (1-2 October 2026, TUKE Campus, Slovakia) – a hands-on, practice-oriented workshop where participants will explore practical approaches to internationally oriented teaching and put the principles of COIL into practice. Through interactive sessions, participants will discover inclusive and engaging EMI practices, review and enhance their own teaching materials, and collaborate with colleagues to design collaborative projects that can be implemented in their own teaching.

Both workshops will be led by an internationally recognised expert in Virtual Exchange, COIL, and educational innovation, who also serves as a Full Professor of English Studies.

The workshops are also intended for participants from Ulysseus partner institutions who aim to develop and launch their COIL projects under the Ulysseus Seed Fund Call 2026.

Why join the Programme?

The September workshop provides the ideal starting point for lecturers interested in internationalising their teaching. Through practical examples, discussions, and interactive activities, participants will gain a solid understanding of collaborative international teaching models and learn how to apply them in their own educational context.

The October workshop is designed for participants who are ready to turn ideas into practice. Through collaborative course design, peer exchange, and hands-on activities, participants will develop COIL/Virtual Exchange concepts, enhance their internationally oriented teaching practices, and leave with concrete plans and resources ready to implement in their own courses.

While each event can be attended independently, participants who complete both workshops will gain the greatest benefit, progressing from the foundations of collaborative international teaching to the practical design and delivery of internationally enriched learning experiences.

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

 

Workshop Schedule

PART 1: 
💻 Format: Online interactive session: 3-17-24 September 2026

✋Participation is free of charge.
📝Registration is open until 1 September 2026.

This workshop series consists of three interactive sessions. We strongly encourage participants to attend all three sessions, as they build upon one another and provide the greatest learning experience when followed as a complete series. However, we understand that schedules can be challenging, and you are still very welcome to join even if you are unable to attend every session.

Session 1
📅 Date: 3 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 11:30 CET

Understanding 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 CET

Designing 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 CET

Anticipating 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.

 

PART 2: 

📍 Format: On-site session (TUKE Campus, Slovakia): 1-2 October 2026

 

Link to the event page: HERE