The initiatives in English Didactics aim to establish a long-term and continuous COIL partnership with faculty members at SUNY Cortland (USA) and La Trobe University (Australia).

The target group consists of master’s students in English teacher education (primary and secondary levels) at the University of Potsdam. Through participation in COIL activities, students develop intercultural competencies and skills in the field of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Topics such as cultural diversity, critical literacy through literature, and migration are addressed.

In addition to COIL activities, co-teaching takes place both virtually and through guest lectureships in Potsdam, Cortland, and Melbourne. By integrating the COIL-based seminar as an elective requirement within the English teacher education program, these learning opportunities can be offered regularly, strengthening international partnerships.

This promotes both faculty and student mobility and provides long-term opportunities for sustainable development. The project builds on the positive outcomes of the first project cycle, utilizing existing structures and communication channels. Furthermore, regular scholarships and the promotion of student exchange with SUNY Cortland support the project’s goals.

By engaging in these activities, students acquire essential skills for designing intercultural learning environments and fostering cultural sensitivity in the classroom. They act as agents of change, initiating learning and development processes by supporting learners in building intercultural and sustainability-related competencies. Project activities and guided reflection further support this development.