Q-Helix COIL
Collaborative Online International Learning connects students and teachers across countries to work together on shared challenges—without the need to travel.
The external COIL platform destination will be enabled once its URL is confirmed.
What is COIL?
COIL—Collaborative Online International Learning—is a teaching and learning approach in which educators from different institutions design a shared international learning experience.
Students work in mixed cross-border teams using digital tools to exchange perspectives, apply knowledge and collaborate on meaningful tasks. The international experience is integrated into learning, rather than requiring travel.
Q-Helix connects institutions and stakeholders to make collaborative learning more inclusive, practice-based and relevant to real challenges.
How COIL works
From finding an international partner to recognising the learning experience.
Match educators
Teachers from partner universities connect around shared subjects and learning goals.
Design together
Partners co-design a joint course or module with meaningful learning activities and assessment.
Collaborate online
Students work in mixed international teams to investigate and solve a real challenge.
Complete and reflect
Students demonstrate what they learned and may receive credit or a badge when offered by the edition.
For students
Take part in a collaborative international experience alongside your regular studies.
- Collaborate with students from other countries and disciplines.
- Develop intercultural, teamwork and digital communication skills.
- Work on real-world challenges with international perspectives.
- Learn about credit or badge recognition for each individual edition.
Eligibility, registration and available ECTS or badges depend on the selected COIL edition.
Find an edition →For teachers
Co-create a course with an international colleague and bring global teamwork into your teaching.
- Propose a teaching topic and intended student outcomes.
- Find a partner university and agree on delivery dates.
- Access methodological guidance and training when available.
- Plan joint activities, assessment and evidence of learning.
Current & upcoming COIL editions
Once entered and published in WordPress, editions appear here with partner institutions, dates, language, application deadline and status.
COIL editions are being prepared
Approved course editions will appear here. Contact the alliance to ask about participation or propose a collaboration.
Contact Q-HelixProject examples
Selected project case studies will be featured after approval by the partner institutions.
Example projects coming soon
Three to six examples will be added here with approved photographs and short descriptions.
Teacher guidance and support
COIL FAQ
These initial answers can be replaced with centrally managed WordPress FAQ records.
Do I have to travel to join COIL?
COIL collaboration takes place online. Individual editions may include additional activities, so always check the course description.
Who can take part?
Participation depends on the universities, study programmes and eligibility conditions of each COIL edition.
Will I receive ECTS or a badge?
Recognition is specified for each edition. Not every collaborative activity awards the same type of credit or digital credential.
How can a teacher propose a COIL course?
Use the Q-Helix Requests contact page to describe your topic, learning goals, intended student group and possible teaching dates.
Ready to learn across borders?
Discover a collaborative course, connect with international peers and help address shared challenges.
Explore COIL opportunities →