Successful intercultural dialogue requires preparation between collaborating faculty and among collaborating students.

Tips for Communication between Faculty:

Faculty who are collaborating on the shared syllabus, should discuss:

• Modes faculty will use to communicate with each other.
• Schedule to meet before and during project.
• Time and effort each faculty will dedicate to preparation and monitoring of the student activities.
• Interest in monitoring communication among students in binational teams
• Teaching styles
• Respective expectations of the COIL project for students: benefits; how much time students should spend on activities; mandatory nature, etc.
• If a misunderstanding arises, create a protocol for faculty to follow.

Tips for Communication among students:

Faculty should:

• Identify content and undertake discussions at beginning of project to teach about best practices of cross-culture dialogue.
• Incorporate readings etc. concerning cultures of each country.
• Create ground rules for communication for class to prevent misunderstandings.
• Provide support system for students should misunderstandings arise.
• Turn negative moments of misunderstanding into teaching moments.
• Require critical reflection throughout the project to enable students to internalize cross-cultural awareness-discussion questions or discussions; surveys; essays etc.