ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) as an optimal way of promoting global thinking skills and cultural competence in nursing. In order for nurses to lead global health initiatives, they must first have a shared definition of global health and global nursing. Global perspective and intercultural competence should be required competencies for all levels of nursing education. The sustainability and quality of nursing and healthcare services are dependent on healthcare professionals being culturally skilled global thinkers. There are at least three main components to COIL: the course material being taught, the process of transcultural collaboration, and the method of using online computer technology for creating a learning community. COIL allows nursing faculty to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to engage and learn from global faculty and students. Prior to COIL, students with financial challenges, family or work commitments, or travel restrictions were not able to participate in a global experience.
