In March 2026 we welcomed three visitors from Elon University (North Carolina, USA) as part of the University’s Global Challenges Teaching Award funded by the US-UK Fulbright Commission. Elon University is consistently ranked ‘#1 in the nation for excellence in undergraduate teaching’ by the U.S. News & World Report rankings and has a comprehensive focus on experiential learning and global engagement.

During the visit, Fulbright award recipients Dr Peter Manning (Social & Policy Sciences, UoB) and Dr Sandy Marshall (Human Geography, Elon University) co-presented an ‘Introduction to Virtual Exchange/ Collaborative Online International Learning (VE/COIL)’ seminar to colleagues to discuss the use of this innovative, embedded-curriculum approach to global teaching. Dr Marshall also delivered a guest lecture on the ‘Race’ and Racism unit in Social & Policy Sciences to share his experiences of teaching on issues of ‘race’ and inequality in US contexts for our students.

Together with Marie Salter (Head of Technology Enhanced Learning, UoB) and Becky Kloepfer (Instructional Technologist, Elon University) Pete and Sandy are finalising their VE/COIL entitled ‘Framing the Future of Conflict & Peace’ to be introduced to their students collectively during Semester One 2026-27. The two cohorts of undergraduate students will collaborate on a six-week VE/COIL focusing on AI and social media in conflict and peace, which offers a platform to learn with and from each other, encouraging mutual understanding, while equipping students to tackle issues of conflict, peace and justice with a greater empathy and respect for difference.

During the visit, Sandy, Becky and Nick Gozik, Dean of Global Education, met with UoB colleagues in the Faculties of Humanities & Social Sciences; Science, and the International Relations Office to explore partnership opportunities, including further VE/COILs, Fulbright-funded staff mobility and potential transnational education. They also attended One Young World Bath and met with employability staff to share best practice in applied learning.

Moving forward, Pete, Marie, Emily and PhD student Mahnoor Ali are carrying out a Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences TDF project ‘Developing VE/COIL approaches for internationalisation at University of Bath’ to support other colleagues through workshops and resources. For details please contact Pete Manning.