Ethics & values in events, tourism & hospitality

Why a COIL about modern slavery in business?

Modern slavery, including forced labour, human trafficking, affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is not confined to any one region; it is a global problem that demands urgent attention. Governments and international organizations are increasingly recognizing the severity of modern slavery. The private sector is significantly impacted by modern slavery. Many companies fail to address modern slavery risks adequately. 

More awareness of and insight in the topic is needed in order to empower businesses to fight modern slavery.

Objectives of this COIL

This project aims to empower future professionals to recognize and tackle modern slavery in different international business environments. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the extent and impacts of modern slavery, particularly within a variety of industries. They will be invited to reflect on different perspectives on the topic, and challenged to contribute to creating solutions. 

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be introduced as a framework to monitor and measure positive contributions towards eradicating modern slavery. By integrating the SDGs, participants will be equipped to assess their impact and ensure their efforts align with global standards for sustainable and ethical business practices.

Date:

1st of October 2026 to 27th of November 2026

Language of instruction:

English

1 ECTS credit
Academic recognition:

To be defined by each higher education institution. Generally, most students will have this COIL certified in their diploma supplement as a minimal condition.

Eligible participants:

Only open to students enrolled in the designated courses in Howest, NHL Stenden & ULO. Your lecturers will invite you to enroll before the start of the programme.

How to apply:
Application is only possible through personal invitation.
Grant details:

No grants are available as this project entirely takes place online.

Programme at a glance

Home class: 1. Introducing the project - 2. Slavery: a relic of the past (in person)
01 Oct - 20 Oct 2026 :
Home institution
🎯 Understanding what the project is about, why and how it will be organized
🎯 Understanding the concept of modern slavery
⌛4 hours
Synchronous online session: Onboarding - Getting acquainted (online)
21 Oct 2026 :
🎯 Meeting all lecturers and students participating in the project, and getting to know your team members
⌛2 hours
Synchronous online session: 1. Crash course intercultural learning - 2. Fighting modern slavery: briefing group assignment (online)
28 Oct 2026 :
🎯 Getting familiar with the basics of intercultural communication
🎯 Reflect on intercultural differences with your team members
🎯Understanding the group assignment
⌛2 hours
Individual work - How modern slavery impacts supply chains ()
28 Oct - 25 Nov 2026 :
work@home
🎯 Understanding how modern slavery impacts supply chains and how this relates to the private sector
⌛4 hours
Group work 1. How modern slavery impacts supply chains - 2. Fighting modern slavery (online)
28 Oct - 25 Nov 2026 :
Online group work - not scheduled
🎯 Understanding how modern slavery impacts supply chains and how this relates to the private sector
🎯 Contributing to raising knowledge & awareness about modern slavery in business environments
⌛4 hours - 10 hours
Synchronous online session: Wrapping up: how do we empower change? (online)
25 Nov 2026 :
🎯 Integrating lessons learned across teams – wrapping up the project
⌛2 hours

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Collaborative Online International Learning, learners will be able to:

01. Understanding the concept of modern slavery and its impact on a variety of industries and identifying red flags.

02. Reflecting on the responsibility and possible actions of individual employees and consumers in fighting modern slavery.

03. Foster intercultural understanding by engaging in intercultural collaborative learning, gaining insights into how different cultures perceive and address modern slavery and fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Selection criteria

Only open to students from specific courses in Howest, NHL Stenden & ULO:

PartnerProgrammeCourse
HowestTourism & Leisure management Basiskennis toerisme
NHL StendenTourism managementPPD
IP LeiriaBachelor’s degree Restaurant & Catering ManagementFood & Beverage Management II

Involved organisations and persons

Howest University of Applied Sciences

Lead Organisation
  • Lieselot Vandamme (Instructor)
  • Vicky Van Den Heede (Lead Instructor)

Mekong club

  • Caterina Foti (Regional Stakeholder)

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Nuria Martínez Gimeno (Instructor)
  • Rainer Prasetya (Instructor)

University of Leiria and Oeste

Partner Organisation
  • Carla Bento (Instructor)
  • João Paulo Jorge (Instructor)
Product label: COI-ETHVALEH-01

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Grant Agreement Number: 101124674

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