Mapping the Global Knowledge Structure of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Bibliometric Trends and Implications for Internationalization at Home

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital internationalization has positioned Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) as a key strategy for internationalization at home in higher education. However, COIL research remains conceptually fragmented, limiting understanding of its intellectual and thematic development. This bibliometric study examined global COIL research trends from 2016–2025 using 1,083 Scopus-indexed publications guided by the PRISMA 2020 protocol. Data were analyzed through Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer for performance analysis, co-authorship mapping, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. Findings reveal a rapidly expanding and globally connected research field, with the United States, Spain, China, and the United Kingdom as leading contributors. Themes evolved from communication-focused telecollaboration toward interdisciplinary, learner-centered frameworks emphasizing intercultural competence, virtual exchange, and global mindset development.