CUT students from different faculties who successfully participated in the 2023 COIL module.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) recently awarded certificates to 242 students who successfully participated in the 2023 Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, a European-funded initiative promoting intercultural understanding and internationalisation through online collaboration. The university participated in the COIL project as part of the IKUDU consortium, a group of South African and European universities. 

The project aims to Internationalise the curriculum by integrating indigenous knowledge, Africanisation, decolonisation, and local context, addressing the process of internationalisation for participating institutions. Through such initiatives, CUT reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of education by fostering collaboration, innovation, and global citizenship.

“These students didn't just earn certificates; they have gained invaluable experiences that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. The COIL certificate isn't merely a piece of paper, it's a testament to personal growth, professional development, and the power of collaboration in an increasingly globalised world,” said Dr. Ntsoaki Malebo, Senior Director: Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching.

She emphasised the importance of moulding graduates to be technologically savvy, entrepreneurial thinkers, and socially conscious global citizens. “This project is facilitated under the IKUDU consortium, which serves as a platform for collaboration among South African and European universities, driving curriculum internationalisation and the integration of indigenous knowledge,” she added.

Dr Malebo also highlighted that the institution wanted to internationalise its curriculum while acknowledging the importance of engaging partners on an equal footing and sharing their African perspectives.

Reflecting on their COIL experience, Mahadi Molaoa from Welkom Campus and Keketso Shekeshe described the project as transformative and informative. “Despite challenges such as load shedding and language differences, we leveraged platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp to communicate and share experiences with students from the Netherlands. The journey underscored the value of embracing diversity and transcending geographical boundaries to pursue knowledge. The diversity of thought and process from our counterparts enriched every discussion and moment we had together. This experience has taught us that pursuing knowledge is more rewarding when it knows no borders," they added.

COIL is a pedagogical approach that uses internet-based tools and online teaching methods to connect students from different countries and cultures for collaborative learning projects. The focus is developing intercultural communicative competence, digital and critical literacies, and foreign language skills.