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:

29th of September 2025 to 9th of November 2025

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 & TUS.

How to apply:

Login to apply for this product.

Deadline for applications: 20th of September 2025

Programme at a glance

1. Introducing the project - Live session at home institution ()
29 Sep - 03 Oct 2025 :
At your home institution
🎯 Understanding what the project is about, why and how it will be organized
⌛2 hours
3. Slavery: a relic of the past? - Live session at home institution ()
29 Sep - 08 Oct 2025 :
At your home institution
🎯 Understanding the concept of modern slavery
⌛⌛2 hours
2. Getting acquainted - Online class: plenary & breakout sessions (online)
06 Oct 2025 :
Online on Teams
🎯 Meeting all lecturers and students participating in the project, and getting to know your team members - beware: exact date may change due to timetable issues of participating institutions
⌛2 hours
4. Intercultural learning - Online session: plenary & breakout sessions (online)
08 Oct 2025 :
Online on Teams
🎯 Getting familiar with the basics of intercultural communication
🎯 Reflect on intercultural differences with your team members
⌛2 hours
Beware: exact date may change due to timetable issues of participating institutions
5. Fighting modern slavery - Online session: plenary & breakout sessions (online)
08 Oct 2025 :
Online on Teams
🎯Understanding how we can empower change in fighting modern slavery in business environments
⌛1 hour
Beware: exact date may change due to timetable issues of participating institutions
6. How modern slavery impacts supply chains - Individual homework ()
08 Oct - 03 Nov 2025 :
work@home
🎯 Understanding how modern slavery impacts supply chains and how this relates to the private sector
⌛4 hours
7. How modern slavery impacts supply chains - team session(s) (online)
08 Oct - 03 Nov 2025 :
Online group work - not scheduled
🎯 Understanding how modern slavery impacts supply chains and how this relates to the private sector
⌛4 hours
8. Fighting modern slavery - team session(s) (online)
08 Oct - 03 Nov 2025 :
Online group work - not scheduled
🎯 Contributing to raising knowledge & awareness about modern slavery in business environments
⌛10 hours
9. Wrapping up: how do we empower change? - Online class: plenary session (online)
03 Nov 2025 :
Online on Teams
🎯 Integrating lessons learned across teams – wrapping up the project
⌛1 hour

Learning outcomes

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

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

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

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 & TUS. 

Involved organisations and persons

Howest University of Applied Sciences

Lead Organisation
  • Vicky Van Den Heede (Lead Instructor)

Mekong club

  • Caterina Foti (Regional Stakeholder)

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Partner Organisation
  • Jildau Tuinhof (Instructor)
  • Rainer Prasetya (Instructor)
  • Roobin Dijkstra (Instructor)

Technological University of the Shannon

Partner Organisation
  • Nicola Ryan (Instructor)
  • Sean Connell (Instructor)
Product label: COI-ETHVETHO-01