Welcome to the University of Miami’s COIL Hub

Instructor: Lisa Reid
Institution: University of Miami, College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Writing Studies
Contact: Lxr964@miami.edu
Course: WRS 106 - First-Year Writing: Civic Engagement and Social Issues
Ideal Partner Disciplines: Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy, Communication Studies, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Gender Studies
Preferred Timeframe: Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Project Summary

This COIL project connects students from the U.S. with an international partner university to examine youth civic engagement and social activism in different cultural contexts. Through cross-cultural collaboration, students will research, discuss, and compare how young people worldwide address community challenges, advocate for policy changes, and influence social justice movements.

Key topics include racial inequality, climate change activism, and access to education, with students co-developing actionable ideas to increase youth participation in civic life. The project fosters critical thinking, intercultural communication, and research skills while providing an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful global collaboration.

Project Structure & Activities

✔ Week 1: Virtual meet-and-greet, cultural exchange, and discussion on civic engagement in different societies
✔ Weeks 2-3: Individual research on youth activism in each country, compiling findings in a shared digital hub
✔ Weeks 3-4: Group-based comparative research on a chosen social issue, co-writing a report analyzing challenges, solutions, and advocacy strategies
✔ Week 5: Final Virtual Presentation—students showcase their findings and propose strategies to enhance youth involvement in civic action

Technology & Tools: Zoom, Google Docs, Padlet, WhatsApp, Google Forms

Final Outcomes

Joint Research Report (6-8 pages) comparing youth activism across cultures
Virtual Presentation summarizing findings and proposing civic engagement strategies
Reflection Essay (1-2 pages) exploring students' learning experiences and perspectives on global social issues

Why Partner with Us?

This project offers a unique opportunity to engage students in global civic action, helping them analyze activism across borders, develop valuable cross-cultural collaboration skills, and foster social responsibility. By working together, students will not only gain academic knowledge but also contribute to real-world conversations on youth-led change.

Instructor: Claudia E. Rodriguez M.
Institution: Miami Herbert Business School, Department of Accounting
Contact: cer257@miami.edu
Course: ACC211 – Introduction to Financial Accounting
Confirmed Partner Universities:

• Tec de Monterrey, Mexico
• Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador
• University of Girona, Spain
• University of Miami, USA

Project Summary

This COIL project brings together students from Mexico, Spain, Ecuador, Chile, and the USA to explore the global phenomenon of migration. By analyzing migration through statistical and business perspectives, students will develop an evidence-based understanding of migration’s social and economic impact. Through collaborative research and interviews, participants will examine migration trends, compare international experiences, and propose solutions that contribute to a more orderly and safe immigration process.

Key topics include youth migration, labor opportunities, economic inequalities, and sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to migration. The project fosters critical thinking, cross-cultural collaboration, and the ability to apply statistical and financial analysis to real-world global issues.

Project Structure & Activities

✔ Week 1: Virtual meet-and-greet, icebreaker activities, and discussion on migration in different cultural contexts
✔ Weeks 2-3: Statistical analysis of migration trends—students examine migration data from partner countries and compare key variables
✔ Weeks 4-5: Qualitative research & business case study—students interview migrants and assess migration’s impact on businesses and employment
✔ Final Week: Student reflections & final presentations on migration solutions and responsible business practices

Technology & Tools: Zoom, Google Docs, Padlet, Slack, WhatsApp

Final Outcomes

Comparative Statistical Report analyzing migration trends across partner countries
Virtual Group Presentation proposing solutions to improve migration policies and labor inclusion
Final Reflection Essay—students reflect on their experience working in an international team and how migration affects societies globally
Final Poster Presentation—students summarize findings in a visually engaging format

Why Partner with Us?

This project provides a unique opportunity to analyze migration from an economic, social, and business perspective, allowing students to gain real-world insights into migration policies and workforce integration. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students develop skills in data analysis, research, business case evaluation, and cross-cultural collaboration, equipping them with essential 21st-century competencies for a globalized workforce.

✔ Interested in learning more? Contact Claudia E. Rodriguez M. at cer257@miami.edu.

Instructor: Dr. Stephen Zdzinski
Institution: Frost School of Music, University of Miami, Department of Music Education
Contact: szdzinski@miami.edu
Course: MED 720 – International Music Education (Graduate Level, Undergraduate by Petition)
Ideal Partner Disciplines: Music Education (Faculty), Music Teachers (American International Schools)

 Preferred Timeframe: Spring 2025, Spring 2027 (offered every two years)

Project Summary

This COIL project brings together graduate students in music education with international faculty and music educators to explore music teaching systems worldwide. Students will compare formal and informal music instruction, community music programs, conservatory training, and music teacher education in different regions.

Topics include colonial influences on curricula, the use of aural vs. notational teaching methods, the role of folk, popular, and classical music in education, and the challenges of teaching expatriate students in American Curriculum International Schools. By engaging in live discussions with international informants, students will develop a deeper understanding of global music education practices and critically reflect on their own teaching approaches.

Project Structure & Activities

✔ Week 1: Orientation, introduction to international faculty and music educators
✔ Week 2: Overview of North American music education systems and IB Music Programs
✔ Weeks 3-12: Live Zoom sessions with informants from 1-2 countries per week
✔ Weeks 13-14: Asynchronous collaboration with expatriate students in American International Schools
✔ Final Week: Presentation of findings and comparative reports

Technology & Tools: Zoom, Google Docs (for interactive data collection), asynchronous discussion boards

Final Outcomes

Comprehensive Course Notebook—student reflections on readings and informant insights
International Student Report—comparative analysis of expatriate students in music education
Participation & Interaction Evaluations during live informant discussions
Final Take-Home Exam using guiding questions to synthesize learnings

Why Partner with Us?

This course provides a unique and rarely taught experience in North American graduate music education programs, offering faculty and students an opportunity to compare global music education systems. By collaborating with faculty and international school music teachers worldwide, participants will gain cross-cultural perspectives that challenge and enrich their understanding of music teaching practices.

✔ Interested in collaborating? Contact Dr. Stephen Zdzinski at szdzinski@miami.edu to explore partnership opportunities!

Instructor: Dr. Derin Ural
Institution: University of Miami, College of Engineering, Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering
Contact: dnu3@miami.edu
Course: EGN 114 – Global Challenges Addressed by Engineering and Technology
Ideal Partner Disciplines: Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering (Open to all engineering students)
Preferred Timeframe: Fall 2025 or Spring 2026

Project Summary

This COIL project introduces first-year engineering students to real-world global challenges and fosters cross-cultural discussions on how engineering and technology can address them. Students from different countries will collaborate in multinational teams to research, analyze, and propose innovative solutions to societal and environmental challenges in their respective communities.

Through simulations, discussions, and fieldwork collaborations, students will explore engineering’s role in tackling pressing global issues, gaining hands-on experience in problem-solving and international teamwork. The project will culminate in a jointly developed poster presentation, with the possibility of a hybrid study abroad component, where students can visit their international partners and work on-site.

Project Structure & Activities

✔ Week 1: Research & data collection on global engineering challenges relevant to each participating country
✔ Week 2: International teams analyze findings and discuss engineering solutions
✔ Week 3: Students collaborate on a poster presentation summarizing their work
✔ Optional: A hybrid study abroad experience where students travel to collaborate in person

💡 Technology & Tools: Zoom, Google Docs, and additional platforms determined in collaboration with partner institutions

Final Outcomes

Joint Poster Presentation showcasing innovative solutions to global engineering challenges
Reflective Essay or Journal on the impact of cross-cultural teamwork in engineering problem-solving
Hybrid Study Abroad Option for students to visit partner institutions and implement project ideas

Why Partner with Us?

This Global Challenges COIL Project provides a unique opportunity for students to collaborate internationally, apply engineering concepts to real-world issues, and develop essential skills in cross-cultural communication, teamwork, and innovation. At the University of Miami’s College of Engineering, we are committed to reimagining first-year experiences, ensuring that our students engage in meaningful projects that prepare them to transform lives as global engineers. This COIL collaboration will be an exciting and mutually enriching experience for both UM and partner institution students.

Interested in collaborating? Contact Dr. Derin Ural at dnu3@miami.edu to discuss partnership opportunities!