Collaborative online international learning to enhance intercultural effectiveness in social work education

Using the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) model, social work students based in three different countries (U.S. China, U.K.) were invited to participate in intercultural discussions about the development of the welfare systems in these countries. The discussion forum and COIL activities were conducted using synchronous virtual meetings via Zoom which were referred to as ‘virtual cocktail parties.’ Fifteen synchronous sessions were offered, and a total of 91 students participated in the COIL classes. This endeavor aims to enhance students’ utilization of a peer learning format for intercultural effectiveness, thereby fostering a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the intricate aspects of social work practice. Through discussions with their peers in different countries, social work students recognized how, interculturally, they were impacted by social problems and professional situations. Learners also reflected, dialogued, and shared in contexts marked by cultural diversity. COIL appears to encourage students to develop a sense of global citizenship, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles and responsibilities in an interconnected world.