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University of Florida

COIL/VE for Staff

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The University of Florida (UF) is among the first higher education institutions worldwide to offer COIL for Staff, which employs virtual exchange/COIL methodology in the professional development of non-academic personnel, connecting participants with partners abroad for online discussion and collaboration. Through this experience, staff gain global perspectives and intercultural skills, engage in innovative ways of thinking and working, and grow personally and professionally.

Program Format

 

UF participants are paired up with peers at an institution abroad according to their professional profile and area of responsibility. Over weekly Zoom calls, they engage in facilitated virtual conversations and compare their operations and work cultures. These sessions include guest speakers, workshops, networking, intercultural development activities, and chances to discover each other’s educational institutions. Participants will engage in both whole group activities and work in pairs.

Deliverable

 

As a final project, they develop an action plan aimed at improving some aspect on the operations within their respective areas of responsibility on campus and reflect on their intercultural learning.

What Participants Gain

 

  1. Enhanced interpersonal & intercultural communication skills
  2. Global perspectives on higher education
  3. An international professional network
  4. New professional knowledge and skills
  5. Certificate of completion and digital badge

Eligibility

 

Full-time staff members from any UF department can apply. No previous international experience is required.

Requirements

 

  • Attendance at weekly 1.5-hour online sessions
  • Development of an action plan aimed at improving some aspect on the operations within participant’s area of responsibility on campus

Past Cohorts

 

  • Spring 2024 UF/CEUSpring 2024 partnerships with CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Spain
  • Spring 2025 partnerships with São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Brazil
  • Second Spring 2025 partnerships with 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