🌍 COIL
Collaborative Online International Learning
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), also known as
Virtual Exchange (VE), is a high-impact educational practice that integrates global collaboration into existing college courses—offering students the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural real-world
learning experiences without the need for travel or additional tuition.
Connecting Classrooms, Cultures & Real-World Collaboration
I am a COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) instructor, facilitator, coach — and lifelong learner. I'm proud to serve as the current COIL Coordinator at Front Range Community College, helping to lead a movement that brings global learning experiences directly into our classrooms.
Real-World Impact, Global Reach
I’ve collaborated with three international partners to co-design immersive, project-based courses that give CTE students access to real-world, cross-cultural collaboration. These global partnerships allow students to apply 21st-century skills, design thinking, and cultural awareness to real challenges — preparing them not just for industry, but for a global workforce.
Honors Recognition & Curriculum Innovation
Because COIL courses are grounded in reflection, rigor, and collaboration, I successfully advocated for them to be recognized within our Honors Program. These courses align with every value of the Honors experience — including academic excellence, cultural competency, and leadership — providing students with opportunities that go beyond the traditional classroom.
Building the Framework for Success
In addition to teaching, I’ve helped develop in-house instructor training for co-teaching partnerships and COIL project development. My contributions include:
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Instructor onboarding & training
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Project development support
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COIL Coaching
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Student orientation design
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Marketing strategies & outreach
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Guided learning activities
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Faculty recruitment resources
This work builds a consistent, high-quality experience for students and faculty alike.
A Team-Driven Vision
This program would not be what it is without our incredible, diverse team. Under the foundational leadership of Liliana Castro, our first COIL Coordinator who created the initial handbook and our very first connections, we’ve continued to refine and expand our offerings each term and continue to develop a strategic plan and enhance the handbook and program to align with institutional goals.
I’m honored to collaborate with:
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🎓 Coach Matt Stilwell – COIL strategies, training, faculty development & support
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🤝 Coordinator Kelli Cole – COIL strategies, processes, training, Implementation & outreach
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🤝 Coordinator Kristina Robbins - COIL strategies, processes, connections, outreach, training, promotions
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🌐 Advisor Miriam Carrasquel-Nagy – Cultural sensitivity, International support & equity
Together, we are redefining what's possible in global education — and we’re doing it on a national level.
COIL Leadership & Global Learning
The Original COIL
Where we started
Liliana front left of image was our first COIL Coordination and is recognized for her foundational work bringing a diverse team together along with Hector Garza and Kelli Cole. From there they recruit Kristina Robbins, Miriam Carrasquel-Nagy, and Matthew Stilwell, all who bring their passion and experience together to build a team that would develop global engagement for Front Range community College. After retirement, Kristina stepped up to be the next Coordinator serving with her team of amazing people to strengthen international partnerships and grow a scalable sustainable and culturally rich and skillfully rich high impact practice in Denver Colorado.
Additionally, we are honored to host our first international co-teacher visiting from Honduras through a grant from the U.S. Embassy. Sandra Alvarado, (right of banner) a valued friend, partner of Matt Stilwell, and dedicated international colleague, is a true champion of COIL in her country—helping to advance virtual exchange and global collaboration in meaningful ways.
Kelli Cole
COIL Coordinator
COIL Coordinator, Instructor, Facilitator, Coach, and Lifelong Learner
Kelli is an exceptional COIL leader whose dedication and vision have been instrumental in the program’s success. A true pioneer, Kelli helped establish many of the foundational processes that keep the program thriving today—including collaboration frameworks, assessment tools, IRB compliance, and instructor training. As Process Lead and Chair of Literature and Writing, she brings thoughtful precision, attention to detail, and big-picture strategy to everything she does. Kelli plays a central role in program assessment, storytelling, and strategic planning, while also contributing to grant writing, crafting letters of recognition, maintaining clear documentation, and ensuring strong faculty connections. Her behind-the-scenes work has been vital to COIL’s growth and sustainability, making her an irreplaceable part of the team
Kristina Robbins
COIL Coordinator
As a COIL instructor, facilitator, coach, and lifelong learner myself, I am honored to be part of the pioneering team bringing Virtual Exchange to life at Front Range Community College. Serving as the current COIL Coordinator, I am proud to help shape and strengthen international partnerships that open doors for both faculty and students. It’s a privilege to help design a program that delivers global experiences and meaningful connections directly into our classrooms—empowering students to engage with the world without leaving campus. This work not only enriches learning but also expands the possibilities of education in exciting new ways. Together, our team is helping build a model for COIL that is gaining national attention and impact.
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Miriam Carrsquel-Nagy
COIL Advisor / Facilitator
Miriam is a COIL Advisor & Facilitator World Languages Chair. She is fluent in Spanish and French, and brings a global lens to every collaboration. As a COIL Advisor and Facilitator, she has played a key role in recruiting international partners she has worked with directly, helping expand our global network. Her expertise in world languages and cross-cultural communication informs essential elements of our program—from co-developing student orientation to ensuring cultural sensitivity is embedded throughout the experience.
Matthew Stilwell
COIL Coach / Facilitator
Instructional Coach & “Super COILer,” Gen Ed Faculty
Matt joined the COIL team with energy, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to building a strong, sustainable program. As a co-designer of FRCC’s in-house COIL training model, he has played a key role in shaping the faculty preparation process and now leads its evolution into a dynamic coaching model. Matt was also the first to participate in COIL & Go, traveling to Honduras after hosting his international teaching partner—an experience that deepened his understanding of global collaboration both funded by the US Embassy. His hands-on, approachable style makes him an invaluable resource for faculty mentoring, training development, and the creation of strategies that ensure each new COIL partnership is set up for success.
Dr. Hector Garza
COIL Champion and Visionary Leader
Hector Garza - As our former Dean and true COIL Champion, Hector was the driving force behind bringing Collaborative Online International Learning to Front Range Community College. His vision for global education and belief in the power of virtual exchange laid the foundation for what has become a thriving, innovative program. Hector trusted in the creativity, dedication, and potential of our team to shape COIL into a meaningful, sustainable initiative that opens international doors for both students and faculty. His leadership and support gave us the confidence and opportunity to build something that continues to grow and make an impact today.
Erin Farb
New Dean and COIL Leader
As our new Dean, Erin Farb has quickly become a valued supporter of the COIL program and the next phase of its growth at Front Range Community College. With a forward-thinking leadership style, Erin recognizes the importance of aligning COIL with the college’s broader institutional goals to ensure its sustainability and impact. She has shown full support for our work, encouraging the development of a comprehensive strategic plan that will integrate virtual exchange into the fabric of FRCC’s educational mission. Her openness, guidance, and belief in the potential of global learning are helping to shape the future direction of COIL and empower our team to take bold, intentional steps forward.
About me
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
at Front Range Community College: A Foundation of Flexibility, Flourishing Through Collaboration
From the beginning, our team understood that a successful COIL program is shaped not only by faculty and students but also by institutional goals, shifting global landscapes, and the willingness to adapt and grow. What began as an exploratory effort has flourished into a structured, sustainable, and forward-thinking initiative—rooted in collaboration, creativity, and strategic vision.
The seeds of our COIL journey were planted by Dean Hector Garza, whose belief in global education and innovation led to the creation of this pioneering program at FRCC. Under his leadership, the vision for COIL came to life. Liliana Castro was the first to step into the role of COIL Coordinator, where she laid the groundwork for our first connections, fostering relationships, and recruiting early faculty champions. Liliana’s foundational leadership allowed us to define team roles, clarify needs.
As the program expanded, new talent joined the effort. Kelli Cole, our Co-Coordinator and strategic process lead, brought her expertise in IRB compliance, assessment, storytelling, and faculty engagement. She recruited Kristina Robbins to work alongside her with several of these tasks and additional work in her own wheelhouse. Their teamwork and collaboration, precision and big-picture thinking have been vital in developing an in-house COIL Academy training and coaching model alongside another recruit, Matt Stilwell.
Miriam Carrasquel-Nagy, Chair of World Languages and a skilled COIL facilitator, added depth through her intercultural expertise and global connections. She has directly contributed to recruiting international partners, building language bridges, and co-developing orientation tools that ensure cultural empathy is central to the COIL experience.
Matthew Stilwell, Instructional Coach and "Super COILer," was the first faculty member to engage in COIL & Go—traveling to Honduras and hosting international colleagues. His energy, creativity, and hands-on coaching style have enriched our faculty training model and built confidence among instructors preparing for virtual exchange.
After Liliana’s retirement, Kristina Robbins, Program Director for Multimedia Graphic Design and Creative Director by trade, stepped into the role of COIL Coordinator. With a background in design, multimedia, outreach, and instructional development, Kristina has helped shape the program’s visual identity, training systems, digital infrastructure, and strategic growth. She co-led the creation of FRCC’s in-house COIL training and coaching model, promotional media, budget planning, orientation tools, and event coordination alongside Kelli. Together, they continue to refine the program’s structure and expand its reach across both General Education and CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways.
Supporting the team is Anna Steinmetz, whose behind-the-scenes administrative expertise ensures seamless processing of payments, event coordination, and purchasing—critical to the program’s operational success.
