Enhancing Intercultural Competence through Collaborative OnlineInternational Learning: A Case Studyfrom Albania and Lithuania

Abstract

This paper contains a case study of the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana (FEUT) and Kauno Kolegija's use of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in Lithuania. The program lasted five weeks in late 2024. Students collaborated across borders on virtual platforms and undertook assignments that were integrated into both institutions' curricula. The study used a mixed-methods approach involving pre- and post-surveys and qualitative introspection. It examines the effects of COIL on students' intercultural skills, online collaboration, and teamwork in international groups. The results show that COIL enhances students' sensitivity to cultural differences, increases their confidence when collaborating with peers from other countries, and improves online communication and problem-solving skills. The research also highlights the potential of COIL to offer inclusive and sustainable alternatives to classical physical mobility. By presenting an applied model of virtual collaboration, this study contributes to the existing literature on the internationalization of higher education through online teaching modalities.