Students from the American University in Dubai’s (AUD) Graduate School of Education (GSE) took part in immersive international learning experiences through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), engaging with peers from leading universities in the United States.

As part of the initiative, two graduate-level courses were embedded into global virtual collaborations, enabling students to explore teaching, curriculum, and cultural perspectives within diverse international contexts.

Students enrolled in Teaching in Multicultural Classes, led by Dr. Nadera Alborno, Dean of the Graduate School of Education, collaborated with peers from New Mexico University on a cross-cultural project titled Know Yourself to Know Others. The project encouraged participants to examine identity, cultural awareness, and pedagogical practices, fostering deeper self-reflection and intercultural understanding.

In parallel, students taking Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, led by Dr. Nader Ayish, Associate Professor of Education, partnered with Western Washington University in Bellingham, USA, on a project titled Reflecting on Teaching Across Cultures. The collaboration facilitated comparative discussions on teaching methodologies, classroom challenges, and educational priorities across different cultural settings.

Over a ten-week period, AUD graduate students worked closely with senior undergraduate education students through synchronous Zoom sessions and asynchronous online exchanges. These sustained interactions promoted meaningful dialogue, strengthened global competencies, and equipped students with the skills needed to navigate increasingly diverse and interconnected educational environments.