The Department of International Economic Relations at Sumy State University has launched an international educational project titled “Enhancing Global Competence Through COIL: Integrating Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into Curriculum and Informal Learning.” The project is implemented in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) format and brings together students and lecturers from three universities – Sumy State University (Ukraine), Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (China), and Durban University of Technology (South Africa).
From Sumy State University, the project involves lecturers of the Department of International Economic Relations – Assoc. Prof. Maryna Domashenko, PhD, and Assoc. Prof. Viktoriia Dudchenko, DSc as well as students of the programmes Economics (Economics and Business; Economics / Economic Cybernetics) and International Economic Relations.
The project aims to develop students’ global competences through intercultural collaboration and the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) topics into academic courses and informal learning activities. Within the project, students work in international teams, analyze how different countries approach disaster risk management, and design innovative educational tools and mini-curricula aimed at raising public awareness about DRR.
A distinctive feature of SumDU students’ participation is the economic perspective they bring to the evaluation of disaster risk reduction initiatives. In particular, they are developing approaches for defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to assess the economic feasibility of DRR initiatives. This allows students to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures, their potential market value, and their contribution to economic development.
The project will run from March to June 2026 and includes a series of online meetings, seminars, and collaborative teamwork sessions. Participants use modern digital tools such as MS Teams, Padlet, and AI tools to facilitate communication, idea exchange, and the development of final project outcomes.
As a result of the collaboration, international student teams are expected to develop educational solutions and learning modules aimed at promoting a culture of disaster prevention, while also strengthening intercultural communication and global thinking.
Participation in the COIL project provides SumDU students with a valuable international learning experience, enabling them to work in global teams and develop competencies essential for future professionals in an interconnected world.
