In 2025, Â鶹´«Ã½ established the Office of International Collaborations within the Graduate School, appointing Dr. Patricia Schiaffini-Vedani to the position. The creation of this office furthers Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s global outreach and promotes high-impact learning practices on campus. Dr. Schiaffini-Vedani supports faculty participation in COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), a teaching strategy also promoted by the Center for Faculty Development. At the upcoming CFD Days of Teaching Mini-Conference (September 29–October 1), Dr. Schiaffini-Vedani will lead a panel of experts discussing COIL. We hope you can attend! Ahead of this event, the CFD interviewed Dr. Schiaffini-Vedani.
CFD: What is your background, how did you come to Â鶹´«Ã½?
PSV: I was born in Argentina, and I grew up in Italy and Spain. After pursuing a BA in World History at the Complutense University of Madrid, I was awarded a scholarship to study in China for 4 years at Peking University, where I specialized in Chinese language, literature, and history. After that I came to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s degree at Stanford University with concentration in Chinese history and literature and a Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania with the same concentration. My dissertation and most of my academic publications are in the field of Sinophone Tibetan literature. I have taught Asia-related courses and Mandarin language for over 25 years at Pomona College, Southwest University, and Texas State University. At those universities I was very much involved in Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), as well as in creating international partnerships and designing study and research abroad programs. In January 2024, I came to Â鶹´«Ã½ to work at the Perry Honors College as Director of Experiential Learning and Undergraduate Humanities Research, and in July 2024 I became the Director of International Collaborations at the Graduate School.
CFD: Can you tell us about the Office of International Collaborations and the resources you offer faculty?
The Office of International Collaborations (OIC) was created in summer 2025 and is housed within the Graduate School. OIC was created with the mission of furthering campus internationalization and fostering global partnerships across the Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½) community. OIC supports students, faculty, and staff through a wide range of international engagement opportunities, including:
- Facilitating International Partnerships
OIC oversees the signing of international Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to support collaborative research, virtual academic exchanges, and faculty and student mobility. - Supporting Visiting Scholars
We assist international scholars visiting Â鶹´«Ã½â€”whether as Fulbright recipients, sabbatical visitors, or short-term research collaborators—with their integration and academic engagement on campus. - Advising on International Funding Opportunities
OIC guides students, faculty, and administrators in applying for international funding, including experiential learning, service, and research abroad. This includes programs sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, such as Fulbright, as well as funding offered by foreign governments. - Advancing Curriculum Internationalization
OIC supports faculty in integrating global perspectives into their courses through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects. These initiatives connect Â鶹´«Ã½ classes with international partner institutions, allowing students to collaborate a joint class project with peers around the world. - Launching the Monarch Faculty Exchange Program
Through this initiative, Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty are offered the opportunity to teach intensive one-week courses at our partner institutions abroad. Current exchange programs are active in Japan, Colombia, India, and Peru. - Enhancing Global Teaching Experience for Graduate Students
OIC provides paid teaching opportunities for Â鶹´«Ã½ Ph.D. students through the BRIDGE Program—short, virtual, non-credit classes offered free to our international partners. These courses give graduate students experience teaching a diverse international audience while showcasing Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s strengths as an R1 institution. - Funding International Experiential Learning
The Trailblazing Scholars Grant, established by OIC, supports Â鶹´«Ã½ students seeking travel funds to engage in faculty-led, non-credit international experiential learning programs.
Through these initiatives, OIC plays a vital role in strengthening Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s global engagement, expanding international opportunities for the campus community, and positioning the university as a hub for cross-cultural academic collaboration.
CFD: What are COIL courses and why are you excited about offering them to our students?
PSV: Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) is a class activity that can be added to any existing course by which for a few weeks, Â鶹´«Ã½ students can interact with peers abroad and work collaboratively in a class project. It is a high impact practice that offers our students the opportunity to hone their intercultural communication skills and receive LeADERS points. Our faculty receive a small $400 stipend but, more importantly, COIL provides good opportunities for international networking which may lead to collaborative research.
CFD: How can graduate students get involved with your office?
PSV: Graduate students are welcome to apply to teach BRDIGE classes or to go abroad with their professors via the Trailblazing Scholars Grants.
CFD: Is there anything else you'd like to emphasize about opportunities for faculty and/or students?
OIC is here to assist the Â鶹´«Ã½ community in any internationally oriented programming. We always welcome suggestions and collaborations with other Â鶹´«Ã½ offices.
CFD: Find out more.
From 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on September 29 the CFD will host a pre-Days of Teaching panel entitled "COIL and International Education: High-Impact Learning Builds Global Mindsets."
The panelists are Patricia Schiaffini-Vedani (Director of International Collaborations), Mindy Gumpert (Adjunct Assistant Professor of Human Movement Studies and Special Education), Nicole Willock (Professor and Chair of Philosophy and Religious Studies), Agnieszka Whelan (Master Lecturer of Art), and Angela Wilson (Clinical Assistant Professor of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences).
The panelists will introduce high-impact instruction using the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) method and virtual exchange programs with faculty and universities abroad developed at Â鶹´«Ã½. Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty who have taught COIL courses will share their experiences.
The session will be held on Zoom: .
Please register for the CFD Days of Teaching events here: .