The Strengthen and Promote Academic Agility, Resilience, and Knowledge Exchange through Collaborative Online International Learning (SPARK-COIL) project, co-funded by the European Union, held a five-day training at WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland, from 28 July to 1 August 2025. The event brought together representatives from the five Ateneo universities in the Philippines—Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Naga, Ateneo de Zamboanga, and Xavier University—along with European partners from WSB University and Spain's Universidad di Alicante.

Three key participants from Xavier University were Dr Edralin Manla (Dean of the School of Education), Ms Harriet Fernandez (Director of the Computing and Information Systems Office), and Dr Shiella Balbutin (Director of the Office of International Cooperation and Networking).

Training Highlights

The training was a deep dive into strengthening the partners’ capabilities in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Throughout the program, a variety of sessions covered the core elements needed to make these projects successful. Paweł Urgacz, the Deputy Dean for Internationalization, led the sessions on Project and Process Management, providing a solid framework for effective project execution.

The training also covered other crucial topics, including Student Support and Engagement, Assessment and Evaluation, Intercultural Competence, Pedagogical Design, Digital Literacy, and Partnership Development. On the final day, participants delved into the essential areas of Ethics, Inclusion, and Sustainability before officially wrapping up the COIL training.

Cultural and Networking Activities

Beyond the formal training, participants engaged in several cultural and social events to promote stronger partnerships. These included a visit to the Silesian Museum and Nikiszowiec in Katowice, a "Jam Session," and a final day of sightseeing in Krakow, which featured a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines and Ignatianum University.

About the SPARK-COIL Project

SPARK-COIL, an Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) project, marks a first for the Philippines. It is the only CBHE project proposed by a Philippine consortium, bringing together all five Ateneo Universities in the country: Ateneo de Manila University (Coordinator), Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Naga University, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University. European partners include the University of Alicante (Spain) and Akademia WSB (Poland).