COIL/VE for Staff
The University of Florida (UF) is among the first higher education institutions to offer COIL/Virtual Exchange for Staff, an innovative professional development program that connects non-academic personnel with international peers through structured online collaboration and intercultural engagement. Through a combination of facilitated discussions, cultural exchange activities, relationship-building opportunities, and a joint work projects, participants explore diverse perspectives, develop intercultural competence, and deepen their understanding of global higher education contexts. The experience encourages staff to engage in innovative ways of thinking and working, build meaningful international partnerships, and grow both personally and professionally while contributing to shared initiatives with colleagues around the world.
Program Overview
Program Format
UF participants are paired up with peers at an institution abroad according to their professional profile and area of responsibility. Over a period of 7-8 weeks, they engage in facilitated virtual conversations on Zoom and compare their operations and work cultures. These weekly sessions include guest speakers, workshops, networking, intercultural development activities, and chances to discover each other’s educational institutions. Participants engage in both whole group activities and work in pairs on the development of collaborative projects.
Projects
As a final project, COIL/VE for Staff participants develop a project aimed at improving some aspect of the operations within their respective areas of responsibility on campus and reflect on their intercultural learning.
Participants select one of the following three formats for their projects:
- Collaborative: These projects bring together participants with similar roles to collaboratively address a common challenge. Partners co-create solutions, tools, or resources that are relevant and beneficial to both institutions.
- Complementary: These projects are suited for participants with different skillsets. Partners exchange knowledge and support each other’s growth by sharing expertise and best practices.
- Comparative: This approach focuses on structured dialogue and reflection. Participants examine and discuss their practices, systems, and cultures to gain new perspectives and insights.
See examples of projects from past participants:
Program Benefits
COIL/VE for Staff offers a wide range of benefits for individuals, institutions, and the broader international education community.
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At the individual level, program participants have reported gains in professional growth, intercultural communication skills, motivation and engagement.
Benefits for Participants:
- Enhanced interpersonal & intercultural communication skills
- Global perspectives on higher education
- An international professional network
- New professional knowledge and skills
- Certificate of completion and digital badge
At the institutional level, the program leads to operational improvements and innovation. It also enhances intrainstitutional cohesion and collaboration by bringing individuals from different units on campus to work together. Finally, by providing staff with an opportunity to interact with international peers, COIL/VE for Staff is effective in advancing understanding and support for internationalization goals and to create or enhance interinstitutional partnerships.
Benefits for Institutions:
- Innovation & Operational improvements
- Cost-effective professional development
- Increased support for internationalization
- Partnership building strategy
Eligibility
Full-time staff members from any UF department can apply.
- No previous international experience is required.
- Knowledge of a foreign language is not required. However, applicants are encouraged to indicate in their application if they are able (or desire to) speak languages other than English as this might help with finding a partner.
Requirements
- Participants must attend 7-8 synchronous online sessions held weekly or bi-weekly. Each session lasts 1.5-hours.
- Participants must develop a project or improvement plan aimed at enhancing some aspect of the operations within their area of responsibility on campus.
Past Cohorts
- UF-UNAM 2026- Partner institution: National Autonomous University (UNAM) in Mexico
- UF-UNESP 2025- Partner institution: São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil
- UF-CEU 2025- Partner institution: CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Spain
- UF-CEU 2024- Partner institution: CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Spain
Questions
Dr. Paloma Rodriguez
Director, Office of Global Learning, University of Florida International Center
E: prodriguez@ufic.ufl.edu
T: 352-294-3334