Getting Started with COIL

There are many entry points for getting stared with COIL and every faculty member’s path is different. Global Academic Initiatives is happy to meet you where you are and support you anywhere along the journey from idea to implementation.

Learn more about VE/COIL

For many, Virtual Exchange (VE) and COIL may sound like an exciting opportunity, but they are new concepts. There are various opportunities to learn more about VE/COIL both within ECU and elsewhere.

  • Attend a COIL Info Session. One is typically offered at the beginning of each semester. Join the ECU COIL mailing list for dates and details. View the recording for the Spring 2026 COIL Info Session.
  • Attend the annual COIL Showcase during International Education Week (mid-November) to get inspiration from ECU faculty already doing COIL and gather ideas for your own courses.
  • Participate in webinars, workshops and online conferences focused on VE/COIL. Join the ECU COIL mailing list to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.

Join a COIL Coffee Hour

COIL Coffee Hour is a monthly gathering where faculty come together to discuss projects, share ideas, and support each other. Both those already doing COIL and those just interested in learning more are welcome to attend. These informal gatherings provide space to:

  • Learn from faculty at different stages of their COIL journey.
  • Ask questions and troubleshoot challenges with peers.
  • Share high-impact practices and innovative teaching ideas.
  • Build a supportive network across departments.

Meetings are held once a month during the semester. Join the ECU COIL mailing list for dates and details and details about upcoming sessions.

Connect and Explore

Meet with one of our COIL Champions or member of the Global Academic Initiatives team to share your ideas and brainstorm.

  • Evaluate how COIL could enhance your course objectives.
  • Think through potential partners and ways to collaborate.
  • Explore what’s possible and the resources to help you get there.
  • Discuss COIL module design and developing collaborative projects.
  • Get troubleshooting advice for challenges along the way.

Complete ECU’s COIL Training

Our asynchronous COIL training is a self-paced module introducing the fundamentals of COIL pedagogy, partnership development, and project implementation with an emphasis on effective communication and collaboration and best practice global learning strategies.

It takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. Upon completion, participants receive a digital badge.

ECU faculty are required to complete this training before applying for COIL development funds.

To enroll, submit a request for training information..

Submit a COIL Profile and Join GPE Connect

In addition to joining the ECU COIL mailing list, submit a COIL profile highlighting your teaching and collaboration interests. This helps our office direct relevant information to you. It is especially valuable is you are seeking a partner to work with.

A portion of this information shared will appear on GPE Connect, a community-building platform maintained by ECU for the Global Partners in Education (GPE) network. There, you can connect with faculty at our 50 international partner institutions who are interested in or already doing COIL. Additional COIL resources are also available on the platform.