ABSTRACT VIEW
Abstract NUM 1993

COLLABORATIVE ONLINE INTERNATIONAL LEARNING (COIL) EXPERIENCE TO BUILDING BRIDGES: PORTUGAL-GERMANY
M. Ferreira Dias1, V. Kryvohubchenko2, J. Carrilho2
1 University of Aveiro, GOVCOPP, DEGEIT (PORTUGAL)
2 University of Aveiro (PORTUGAL)
International Learning project, titled "Building Bridges: Portugal-Germany Edition", was an innovative academic collaboration between Portuguese and German university students included in the Master´s Curricular unit “Microeconomic Analysis”. The aim of the collaboration was to explore the viability of the German market for Portuguese companies through intercultural teamwork and virtual research.

Structured in two stages, the initiative began with Portuguese students selecting companies with potential for international expansion. German students then conducted detailed market research, analyzing key aspects such as consumer behavior, regulatory environments, and cultural expectations. Using collaborative tools like Padlet and regular virtual meetings, the international teams exchanged insights and developed strategic recommendations for market entry in Germany.

This cross-border initiative provided students with a unique opportunity to strengthen their linguistic, digital, and intercultural competences, while applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. The project not only enhanced academic learning but also fostered global awareness, professional networking, and critical thinking skills. Feedback from both Portuguese and German participants was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the project’s value as a practical and transformative educational experience.

Keywords: Pedagogical innovation, education, COIL.

Event: ICERI2025
Track: Active & Student-Centered Learning
Session: Pedagogical Innovations
Session type: VIRTUAL