The “Strengthen and Promote Academic Agility, Resilience, and Knowledge Exchange through Collaborative Online International Learning” (SPARK-COIL) project is at the forefront of a new era of global education, bringing together academic institutions from the Philippines and Europe to promote innovative learning partnerships. Co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) program, this initiative is the first of its kind to be proposed by a Philippine consortium. The project aims to integrate Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into the curricula of participating universities, providing students with unique intercultural experiences and essential 21st-century skills.
The SPARK-COIL team
Training Highlights in Poland
The project recently marked a significant milestone with a five-day training workshop held from July 28 to August 1, 2025, at WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland. This training focused on strengthening the participants’ capabilities in designing and implementing COIL projects.
Participants from the five Ateneo universities in the Philippines— Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Xavier University—joined their European counterparts from WSB University (Poland) and the Universidad de Alicante (Spain).
The training sessions were comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics crucial for successful project execution:
- Project and Process Management: Led by Paweł Urgacz, Deputy Dean for Internationalization at WSB University, these sessions provided a solid framework for effective project execution.
- Pedagogical Design and Digital Literacy: Participants explored how to create engaging and effective COIL modules using digital tools.
- cultural contexts in collaborative online settings.
- Student Support and Engagement: The workshop highlighted strategies to ensure students are fully supported and actively participate in COIL initiatives.
- Assessment and Evaluation: Participants learned methods for effectively evaluating the outcomes of COIL projects.
- Ethics, Inclusion, and Sustainability: The final day of training emphasized the essential principles of creating responsible, inclusive, and sustainable educational partnerships.
A Meaningful Start to Day Four
Day four of the workshop, July 31st, began with a particularly meaningful event. Participants celebrated the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, by attending a Holy Mass. The Mass was presided over by Fr. Johnny Go, SJ, and served as a powerful reminder of the mission and shared values that unite the Ateneo universities. This spiritual gathering not only provided a moment of reflection and blessing but also reinforced the deep-rooted identity and purpose of the institutions involved, setting an inspired tone for the day’s training sessions.
Celebrated the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola
SPARK-COIL: A Network of Dedicated Partners
The success of the SPARK-COIL project rests on the strong collaboration between its partner institutions. Representatives from each university played a vital role in the training and are instrumental to the project’s implementation. Their diverse expertise and commitment are key to building a robust and comprehensive network for global education.
The SPARK-COIL partners with their certificates of training completion
The representatives from each university that participated in the SPARK-COIL project training are the following:
- Ateneo de Manila University (Project Coordinator): Fr. Johnny C. Go, SJ (Dean, Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design); Ms. Karen C. Sunico (Director for Partnerships and Engagement); Dr. John Luis D. Lagdameo (Asst. Professor, John Gokongwei School of Management); Mr. Galvin Radley L. Ngo (Director, Ateneo Institute for the Science and Art of Learning and Teaching); and Mr. Manuel Enverga III (Director, European Studies Program).
- Ateneo de Davao University: Mr. Romulo Vinci R. Bueza (Executive Assistant to the President and Director, Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office); Ms. Lyd Ejira C. Ducusin (Asst. Director, Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao Office); and Dr. Roawie L. Quimba (Chairperson, Theology Department).
- Ateneo de Naga University: Dr. Maria Luz T. Badiola (Dean, College of Education); Mr. Paolo Jose R. Silang (Supervisor for Field Study and Teaching Internship, College of Education); and Ms. Marianne A. Permale (Chair, Elementary and Secondary Education Department).
- Ateneo de Zamboanga University: Dr. Dorothy Joann Lei L. Rabajante (Dean, School of Education); Dr. Pilar C. Agraviador (Chair, Professional Education Department); and Dr. Perla S. Ledesma (Director, University Research Office).
- Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan: Dr. Edralin C. Manla (Dean, School of Education); Ms. Harriet B. Fernandez (Director, Computing and Information Services Office); and Dr. Shiella C. Balbutin (Director, Office of International Cooperation and Networking)
- Akademia WSB (Poland): Dr. Paweł Urgacz (Deputy Dean for Internationalization); Dr. Karol Kujawa (Asst. Professor, Security Department); and Denis Spahija (Deputy Director of International Relations Office).
- Universidad de Alicante (Spain): Maria Soledad Villarrubia Zúñiga (Tenured Professor) and Veronica Onrubia Martinez (Senior Technologist and Predoctoral Researcher in Training).
Building Connections and Cultural Exchange
In addition to the formal training sessions, WSB University organized a series of cultural and social activities to build stronger partnerships and mutual understanding. These events provided a relaxed setting for participants to sustain personal connections, which are crucial for effective international collaboration.
Highlights of the social program included:
- Welcome dinner, featuring traditional Polish cuisine was held to officially kick off the training. Participants had the opportunity to sample regional specialties, promoting a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange.
- Cultural excursion: visit to the Silesian Museum and Nikiszowiec in Katowice, offering participants insight into the region’s rich history and industrial heritage.
- Socials night: “Jam Session” that allowed participants to unwind and connect informally, creating a space for more relaxed conversation and networking outside the training sessions.
- Sightseeing in Krakow was a highlight of the cultural program, providing a deeper appreciation for Polish history and culture. The day’s itinerary included:
- Wieliczka Salt Mines: A visit to the historic Wieliczka Salt Mines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which offers a fascinating journey through centuries of mining history and art carved entirely from salt.
- Ignatianum University: A stop at Ignatianum University, providing an opportunity to see a modern Jesuit educational institution with deep historical roots in the heart of Krakow.
These cultural and social events complemented the intensive training, making the experience both educational and personally enriching for all participants.
Group photo in the beautiful chapel inside the Wieliczka Salt Mines
At the Ignatianum University, Krakow
The success of the SPARK-COIL training in Poland serves as a powerful testament to the project’s potential. By cultivating deep partnerships and equipping faculty with the skills and mindset for Collaborative Online International Learning, the initiative is not just adapting to the future of education—it’s actively shaping it. This pioneering Erasmus+ project is set to empower a new generation of students, bridging geographical divides and cultivating the intercultural competence essential for global citizenship. This collaborative effort hopes to yield a rich harvest of innovative academic programs and lasting international relationships, putting the Ateneo universities as leaders in globalized education.
About SPARK-COIL
SPARK-COIL, an Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Higher Education (CBHE) project, marks a first for the Philippines. It’s 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).