Challenges and lessons learned in implementing COIL projects: a perspective from teaching experience

Abstract

This article reflects on the challenges, lessons learned, and best practices derived from the implementation of two COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) projects carried out in the Introduction to Economics course at Universidad Diego Portales (Chile), in collaboration with Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla and Universidad de Guadalajara (Mexico). Through the planning, implementation, and evaluation stages, the study identified key challenges related to curricular alignment, faculty coordination, academic calendars, and technological conditions. Additional difficulties emerged concerning connectivity, unequal participation, and the management of intercultural teamwork. From a teaching perspective, the experience required adopting new roles as an intercultural facilitator, technological mediator, and evaluator of collaborative learning processes. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen faculty training, foster curricular flexibility, and institutionalize sustainable COIL practices as part of the curriculum internationalization process.