Challenges Students Face in Collaborations with International Universities, Technology, Language, Cultural Diversity

In this meeting, we will begin with a cultural icebreaker activity to set an engaging and participatory tone. Next, we will address some of the most pressing challenges faced by the Honduran population, including economic struggles, political instability, migration, judicial issues, social inequalities, and difficulties in education and health. We will also discuss the impacts of natural disasters, violence, and corruption, which hinder the country's economic progress.

COIL in Honduras and Central America: Progress and New Opportunities for Collaboration

In this talk, Professor Jorge Matamoros, COIL Coordinator at the Languages Center at the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán in Honduras, will begin with an introduction to life in Honduras with an engaging activity that encourages active participation from attendees, focusing on the country's economy, education, culture, and politics.

Icebreaker Workshop: A Very Serious Game

The workshop includes a concise theoretical segment on the significance of icebreakers in COIL project collaborations. Following introductions, participants will engage in a variety of practical activities showcasing different types of icebreakers tailored to the group’s characteristics and the teachers’ objectives. These activities aim to help students build trust and foster effective communication. Attendees are encouraged to actively participate in the proposed activities, ensuring the workshop remains dynamic, engaging, and enriching for everyone involved.

Application Deadline: UMN COIL Strategic Leadership Institute

This six-week online strategic planning and networking experience, held March 18–April 29, is designed to enable higher education institutions to take their emergent or established Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative to the next level of scale and engagement. Participants from both U.S. and non-U.S. higher education institutions of all types are invited to apply.