School of Social Work Assistant Professor of Instruction Khalilah Caines, PhD, LCSW, is helping students expand their understanding of global social issues — without ever leaving the classroom.
Through USF's Virtual Global Exchange Academy, Caines is developing an international collaboration that will connect School of Social Work students with their peers in the Philippines to explore how communities across the world address social challenges and create change.
Caines recently completed the the Virtual Global Exchange Academy, a professional learning community designed to help faculty integrate global engagement into their courses through collaborative online learning experiences, as part of the Spring 2026 cohort. The academy included four virtual sessions focused on developing international teaching partnerships, fostering intercultural learning and designing virtual exchange activities that connect students across borders.
As part of the initiative, Caines partnered with Davao del Norte State College, a public college in the Philippines that also offers an undergraduate social work program. Together, the institutions are developing a collaborative module centered on community engagement, social issues and social change. Beginning in Fall 2026, Caines plans to incorporate the exchange into her asynchronous undergraduate course, Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities.
For Caines, the opportunity aligns closely with her goals as a social work educator.
"I believe it is essential for students to understand issues that affect communities both locally and globally," she said. "Experiences like the Virtual Global Exchange help prepare students to engage thoughtfully with diverse communities and better equip them to address complex social needs in their future roles as social workers."
Caines was inspired to apply after previously participating in a similar exchange program with a school in Mexico, where she witnessed firsthand how meaningful cross-cultural collaboration can be for students. When she learned USF offered a virtual exchange opportunity, she saw it as a way to provide global learning experiences without the financial and logistical barriers that can be associated with study abroad programs.
Although there are no current plans for international travel, Caines said a future study abroad component could eventually be explored.
The virtual format allows students in both online and in-person classes to participate, expanding access to international engagement opportunities for those who may not otherwise be able to travel abroad. Through discussions and collaborative projects with students overseas, participants will examine how social issues impact communities differently around the world while learning to work collectively toward solutions.
"Students gain so much from participating in a virtual exchange," Caines said. "It gives them the opportunity to connect with peers from other countries and explore social issues through perspectives they may not encounter in their everyday lives."
The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on global learning in higher education and highlights how technology can foster meaningful intercultural dialogue. For future social workers, Caines believes these experiences are critical in building cultural awareness, empathy and professional readiness.
By connecting classrooms across continents, Caines hopes to give students a broader understanding of social justice issues and the collaborative work required to create lasting community impact.