MHDM Students Connected Globally through COIL Learning
This semester, students in the Mental Health & Disability Management (MHDM) post-graduate certificate program expanded their perspectives beyond the classroom through Reflections Across Borders, an innovative Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experience.
Partnering with Faculty and Psychology students from Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH) in Costa Rica, this initiative created a dynamic space for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue on mental health. Through discussion boards, live chats, and presentations, students shared personal insights, compared approaches, and deepened their understanding of how cultural, social, and community contexts shape mental health experiences across countries.
This student-centred experience strengthened global awareness while highlighting the MHDM program’s commitment to preparing students for diverse and inclusive mental health and disability management practice.
As students collaborated on a final infographic highlighting their shared learning, they built critical skills in communication, cultural humility, and knowledge translation skills. Reflections Across Borders stood as a powerful example of how international partnerships enriched learning, elevated diverse voices, and prepared students to support diverse mental health and disability needs both within Canada and in an increasingly interconnected global community.
Faculty interested in bringing a global perspective into their classroom through COIL are encouraged to connect with Mohawk College’s Beyond Borders team at BeyondBorders@mohawkcollege.ca. The team supports accessible and inclusive global learning by helping identify international partners and providing access to experienced faculty champions and key resources for success