Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the benefits of online academic collaborations between universities known as COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning). These activities also contribute to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially objective 4 “Education” because education provides people with the necessary tools to get out of poverty and have a better future and objective 17 “alliances” linked to the collaborations between university and organizations. It is important to highlight the relevance to get in touch with real business and organizations to incentivize students to offer real solutions to problems. The project is a case study centered around the NGO Reinserta to which the students had to participate and develop a business strategic proposal related with consumers’ behavior.
Method: The study is based on qualitative analysis conducted during one semester (August to December, 2021). The qualitative analysis was used interviews and observation techniques were applied to students from the subject of consumer behavior from two universities located in Mexico (27 students) and Spain (31 students).
Findings: The results show that through COIL activities, students have an approach to companies and their problems based in real business world operations. Working in international teams, they need to apply theory into practice, learn to work with different cultures and improve soft skills through teamwork. This study highlights the use of different tools and technological platforms to communicate between teams and to be able develop a project that will later be implemented by the company.
Implications for Research and Practice: The use of COIL in education can improve learning and immerse students in a context that the business and organizations are demanding. There is a market need for more global professionals that comprehend and incorporate the usage of technological tools and are able to deal with real companies and solve real business life problems.