A group of North-West University (NWU) social work students recently participated in an international Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme aimed at strengthening ethical, intercultural and professional competence in social work practice.
The initiative focused on understanding and responding to sexually transgressive behaviour through global collaboration and applied learning. Held from 26 to 30 January 2026, the programme brought together social work students from South Africa, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. The intensive collaboration exposed students to international perspectives, ethical frameworks and real-world practice dilemmas.
The COIL initiative moved beyond traditional content delivery, placing strong emphasis on professional identity, ethical responsibility and the role of social work as a change-driven profession. Through guided discussions, case-based learning and group problem-solving activities, students explored how sexually transgressive behaviour is defined, prevented and addressed across different legal, cultural and welfare systems – and what this means for practice in South Africa.
According to Dr Luce Pretorius, senior lecturer and deputy leader of the subject group Social Work, the programme was intentionally designed to challenge students both professionally and personally.
“Sexually transgressive behaviour is a deeply complex area of practice that requires ethical sensitivity, self-reflection and strong professional boundaries,” said Dr Pretorius. “By engaging with international peers, our students were able to see how social work values are shared globally, while practice responses are shaped by context, policy, and culture.”
For many students, the experience proved transformative. One participant reflected that the COIL workshop expanded both their professional knowledge and their sense of responsibility as future social workers. “The COIL workshop gave us exposure that expanded our knowledge and helped us grow as individuals and aspiring social workers. It challenged us to continue being agents of change while still upholding the integrity of our profession.”
A key outcome of the programme was the development of critical intercultural competence. Students learned how professional boundaries, ethical decision-making and intervention strategies vary across countries, and how collaboration enhances accountability and reflective practice.
Dr Pretorius highlighted that these skills are essential for contemporary social workers.
“Today’s social workers operate in an increasingly interconnected world,” she explained. “COIL creates a safe yet challenging space where students learn to navigate ethical uncertainty, engage respectfully with difference, and strengthen their professional voice.”
Interactive digital tools and collaborative group tasks further deepened student engagement, encouraging them to apply theory to realistic practice scenarios. The programme also fostered confidence, as students realised their perspectives were valued alongside those of international peers.
This COIL experience forms part of the broader commitment of the NWU to innovative, globally connected teaching and learning, preparing graduates who are ethically grounded, socially responsive and professionally resilient.
“What makes this initiative powerful is that it does not just transfer knowledge – it shapes how students see themselves as professionals. Experiences like this lay the foundation for ethical, reflective and courageous social work practice long after graduation,” Dr Pretorius concluded.
For the students involved, the impact extended well beyond the week itself. As one participant noted: “It did not just teach us content – it changed how we see our role in the profession.”
