On November 17–21, 2025, two lecturers from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (KNU) – Anastasiia POZHAR, Ph.D. in Philology, Associate Professor, Associate Professor at the Foreign Languages Department of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Law, Lead Specialist of the International Relations Office, and COIL Coordinator, and Vasyl ERASTOV, Ph.D. in Economics, Associate Professor at the Insurance, Banking, and Risk Management Department of the Faculty of Economics – participated in the COIL Network Meeting 2025 at European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Federal Republic of Germany.
The meeting, dedicated to Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) 2025, was organized by European University Viadrina within the framework of the German-Ukrainian University Network (DUHN) and supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Among the participants of the joint event dedicated to COIL 2025 were 12 representatives from 8 higher education institutions in Ukraine, including Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv School of Economics, Ukrainian Catholic University, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, etc., along with lecturers from the European University Viadrina.
During the visit to European University Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), the KNU lecturers:
- informed their German colleagues about the structure of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv;
- delivered a presentation on the topic: «Implementation of COIL projects and best COIL practices at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv»;
- familiarized themselves with the structure of European University Viadrina, visiting its academic buildings, the KIU Network of Competences for Interdisciplinary Ukraine Studies, the Centre for Academic Writing, the International Relations Office, the library, and more;
- took part in events and workshops organized by German university colleagues, deepening their understanding of student-centred education and future-oriented teaching methods, including the use of the «LEGO Serious Play» method;
- gained basic knowledge about the concepts, opportunities, and strategies for COIL implementation through expert-led sessions and discussions held in hybrid and in-person formats;
- explored practical approaches to COIL-based learning design, participating in joint seminars dedicated to curriculum development, shared, and innovative virtual learning scenarios;
- developed and refined their own teaching ideas during preparatory sessions and actively presented them during the «Open Mic for Teachers», receiving feedback from colleagues;
- strengthened their digital pedagogical competencies through hands-on sessions focused on online teaching, academic writing, and innovative learning design.
This internship will contribute to the establishment and strengthening of cooperation between the faculty of the European University Viadrina and the faculty of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; support for joint initiatives in the field of education and teaching; exchange best practices and co-creation of innovative digital learning formats, and enable the active implementation of COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
