How Literature Supports Young People During Difficult Times: The Concept and Results of COIL Projects on Literary and Cultural Studies among Students of Ukrainian and Japanese Universities

Abstract

The study guide presents the educational technology COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) and features of its application by three universities in Ukraine and Japan. During 2020-2025, professors and students of Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Saitama University conducted online seminars on world literature. This experience of intercultural communication in English was very useful for the development of students’ academic, professional and personal skills, as well as for the formation of their worldview and ability to work in an international context. This proved particularly important during COVID, as well as during the difficult time of war in Ukraine (2022-2025). The authors described forms of the organization and methodology of student seminars. The study guide also presents questionnaires and results of student surveys about seminars in 2024–2025, which provide directions for further development of COIL. As student surveys have shown, the seminars are of great importance not only for developing communication skills and improving English language proficiency, but also by providing a great social and psychological effect through introducing students to world literature and culture. The authors plan to continue student seminars with the participation of not only universities of Japan and Ukraine, but also other countries.