| Faculty image | Faculty Name | Department | University/college |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Marta Ramos |
Language and Literature |
FGCU/College of Arts and Sciences, |
| Brenda Herrera | Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán (UPNFM), Tegucigalpa, Honduras |
TITLE: Intercultural Connections: Exploring Central America
This COIL project was integrated into SPN 3000 (Spanish Advanced Writing) course, and its main purpose was to encourage student’s participation in a cross-cultural dialogue with international peers, and to promote the enhancement of their intercultural communication skills. We partnered with Universidad Pedagógica Nacional Francisco Morazán (UPNFM) in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Participants engaged in diverse tasks including creating introductory videos, virtual communication with their partners, and eventually collaborating on the final task, a multimedia project about a cultural topic of their choice. Students were asked also, to write a “thank you note” to their partners as a reflection about the experience. Despite the language barrier and other challenges, the COIL project facilitated deep cross-cultural understanding and meaningful collaboration among the participants, reinforcing its potential to enhance students’ intercultural competence while cultivating globally connected learners.
Resulting Scholarship:
N/A
Student Learning Outcomes:
This project aimed to spark students' interest in the Central America region and encourage meaningful dialogue, thereby enhancing their critical thinking and intercultural communication skills. The COIL project aimed to enhance students' cultural awareness and foster their appreciation for lifelong learning. Through the COIL project, students were expected to:
- develop a cross-cultural dialogue with international peers and work collaboratively on a multidisciplinary project.
- Identify cultural differences and similarities between American and Honduran societies.
- demonstrate an enhancement of their inter-cultural communication competence.
- develop and demonstrate an appreciation and better understanding Honduras’ culture.
- gain a broader perspective on the world while enhancing their self-awareness and understanding of their own culture.
Participating Countries: USA, Honduras
Number of FGCU and Partner Institution Student Participants:
FGCU-6 students
UPNFM- 9 students
Discipline: Spanish/ Hispanic American Literature
FGCU Course Code & Name: SPN 3000 Spanish Advanced Writing
Project Duration: 1 semester/ Spring 2025
