The international partnership between the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and Howest University of Applied Sciences in Belgium was formally established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2024, which will remain in effect for five years. This collaboration is centred on the development and implementation of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme with a strong focus on Sustainable Development Education (SDE). Since its inception, the partnership has successfully completed two COIL cycles in 2024 and 2025, supported by co‑developed curricula, student development workshops, and interactive lectures.
“We greatly appreciate this opportunity, particularly as an institution and through the International Office. It is important to us because it aligns with our 2027 strategic vision, specifically Goal 2 which speaks to becoming a smart university. Participating in this programme contributes to advancing that goal while also supporting Goal 3 which emphasises internationalisation,” stated Zenzele Mdletshe, Manager of the International Office.
The communications session for this prestigious workshop was held at the KwaDlangezwa Campus in the Resource Centre within the Faculty of Education (FEDU). Attendees included academic staff from FEDU, International Office personnel, representatives from Howest University of Applied Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, a WESSA representative, and other interested colleagues from UNIZULU.
Professor Samantha Govender, together with Leen Van Der Stock and Prof Angela James, delivered a presentation on the fundamentals of COIL, the programmes offered, key insights, participant experiences, and reflections on the initiative.
Professor Samantha Govender, FEDU Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning, emphasised that COIL refers to the ability to function effectively across cultures, thinking and acting appropriately, while communicating and collaborating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, both locally and globally. She further clarified that COIL fosters equitable, collaboratively taught learning environments rather than simply placing students from different countries in a shared online classroom.
“The next phase of the partnership aims to expand the programme’s reach, deepen its pedagogical impact, and culminate in a collaborative academic publication that documents the insights and innovations emerging from the COIL initiative,” Prof Govender added.
During the workshop, Prof Leen van Der Stock, Howest University of Applied Sciences, shared feedback from a UNIZULU student participating in the programme, who stated that during the project, they experienced great teamwork and cultural exchange. The student also shared how they especially enjoyed collaborating with students from Belgium during group discussions.
Prof Stock explained that the student’s positive experience stemmed from the programme’s structure, which is deliberately designed to facilitate meaningful interaction and dialogue among students.
- Sbahle Dumakude
