Abstract:

This work presents a pedagogical internationalization strategy implemented in a Biomedical Engineering program to ensure that all students experience sustained, meaningful global engagement throughout their studies. Rather than concentrating mobility in a single period, the approach distributes international exposure across the curriculum through coordinated academic design, digital collaboration, and flexible mobility pathways.

A core element of the strategy is the inclusion, in every academic year, of at least one course delivered through synchronous virtual international co-teaching. These courses are jointly taught by local faculty and international partners, enabling students to interact in real time with peers, researchers, and lecturers from other countries. This model promotes intercultural teamwork, exposure to diverse scientific perspectives, and the development of communication skills in an authentic global context, without requiring physical mobility. The synchronous format preserves academic rigor while fostering a shared classroom experience across institutions.

In the final year, the strategy evolves into a fully immersive international pathway. Students can spend the entire academic year abroad through a two-semester structure designed to maximize flexibility and continuity. During the first semester, they choose between two modalities totalling 30 ECTS: undertaking international internships in research, clinical, or technological centres, or enrolling in academic courses at a foreign institution. This choice allows alignment with individual interests, professional goals, and host opportunities.

The second semester is supported by an asynchronous online academic offer provided by the home institution. This design enables students to remain abroad and extend their international experience while completing their degree requirements remotely. By decoupling learning from location, students can continue collaborating with prestigious centres, research groups, or companies without interrupting their academic progression.

This multi-layered strategy integrates virtual internationalization, physical mobility, and digital flexibility into a coherent pedagogical model. It enhances global competence, professional readiness, and intercultural awareness, while ensuring equal access to international experiences for all students in Biomedical Engineering.

Keywords:

COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning), Hybrid Mobility, Curricular Integration.