The Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at the University of Iceland and the University of Minnesota School of Nursing have collaborated successfully for the past 12 years on joint master’s and doctoral courses. The collaboration involves, on the one hand, online courses using the COIL method (Collaborative Online International Learning), where students and teachers from both universities work together over the course of the spring semester, and on the other hand, a joint course conducted in-person and held annually at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík in May. The courses focus on management and leadership in nursing and health care, with a global perspective and cultural literacy.
The universities’ first COIL courses were held in spring 2016, but the first in-person course was held at the University of Iceland in May 2014. The course Leadership in nursing – a global approach, was held for the 10th time in 12 years at the University of Iceland last month and has only been cancelled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, 45 students from Iceland and the US took part in the in-person course, taught by teachers from both countries and a teacher from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda, which broadened the students’ horizons and enriched discussions.
It is safe to say that the collaboration adds value to studies at both universities, enhances their significance, and offers teachers opportunities for reflection and professional development. The collaboration is highly valued and has proven to be both strong and rewarding. Both students and teachers have described the teaching, teaching methods, and course components as very useful and, in some instances, even transformative in both their lives and their studies. The collaboration has not only led to the successful professional development of teachers and students, but has also led to the publication of numerous scientific articles.
The Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery at UI is proud to play such a large role in fulfilling the University of Iceland’s oldest partnership agreement with another university.
