The University of Saint Louis (USL) has been continuously reinforcing its internationalization endeavors in its bid to open the campus and city up to the world amid the increasing global academic landscape. With the establishment of the University Internationalization Office last school year, internationalization efforts have been further fortified to strengthen academic synergies and open more opportunities for collaborative endeavors.
This school year, the university expanded its partnership with various educational institutions and agencies. On July 6, 2023, USL and AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines Foundation, Inc. explored potential collaboration. USL previously collaborated with ASF with the hosting of foreign exchange students during their mid-stay orientation in November 2022. This partnership was formalized on October 18, 2023, with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
USL and AFS conducted their first collaborative project, namely, the AFS Effect+ for the Classroom Program, which offered a full-scholarship virtual opportunity for secondary school teachers. Two faculty members from USL were fortunate recipients of this program.
Moreover, following exploratory discussions held with INTI International University in Malaysia on August 22, 2023, a formal partnership agreement was signed by both parties on December 15, 2023. To activate this collaboration, the universities have exchanged seminar invitations to facilitate active participation from both institutions.
In its latest efforts for international reach, USL has been holding a series of meetings with Beijing Wedu International Education Technology Co., Ltd. throughout the first quarter of 2024. These meetings aimed to explore and finalize partnership agreements for marketing and recruiting postgraduate students from China. As a result, USL signed a MOA with WEDU Company of China on April 5, 2024, and forged an academic partnership for faculty and students’ international mobility.
The university also prioritizes employee development, offering a range of training and workshops for faculty members and management personnel on a global scale.
In 2023, USL participated in the Whole Person Education Academy (WPEA) by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) from August 14 to October 20. This transformative program brought together educators from 12 Asian institutions, including three from the Philippines, two from Taiwan, four from Indonesia, and three from India.
USL also delegated three faculty representatives to take part in the “Metrology in China” online exchange program organized by China Jiliang University from February 22 to March 15, 2024. This program aimed to equip participants with Chinese language skills, cultural experiences, and insights into China’s development through various learning formats, including live and recorded courses, online activities, and more.
Furthermore, USL was selected to participate in a three-month Chinese Mandarin language training program sponsored by the Provincial Government of Cagayan (PGC) in partnership with the Confucius Institute at the University of the Philippines. The program commenced on April 2, 2024, and brought in Chinese professors to teach trainers at the Cagayan Provincial Learning and Resource Center (CPLRC), which will prepare USL to accommodate Chinese students in the future.
In another exciting development, a USL representative has been selected to participate in the unique online course “Service-Learning for Faculty in Asia 2024.” Offered by the United Board in partnership with Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore, this program will run from April 1 to July 21, 2024.
USL also solidifies its global presence with the immersion and participation of its students in work exposure programs and international events.
Last year, 12 third-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT)/Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) students took on new perspectives and gained supplemental experience and knowledge during their international student exchange program at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU) in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand.
The exchange program, held on July 3-31, 2023, allowed the students to enhance their practical knowledge, laboratory skills, and work values in a multicultural environment, as well as promote their global competitiveness and provide significant education for them to share their learnings with their fellow students back home.
Likewise, 12 fourth-year Bachelor of Science majoring in Tourism Management students flew to Phuket, Thailand, on April 4, 2024, for their professional exposure abroad. The Professional Exposure Program serves as a transitional phase from the students’ role as full-time students to their future role as professionals in their respective fields. As part of the curriculum, they will render 300 hours of work at the Novotel Phuket Vintage Park Resort.
USL also demonstrated its global influence with the active participation of two outstanding students, Zach Xavier G. Singson and Thadd Julius Anthon Gacias, at the 13th Asia Youth International Models United Nations (AYIMUN) from January 26 to 29, 2024. The event took place at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which provided a platform for young leaders from around the world to foster international discourse on global issues and affairs, and diplomacy.
One of USL’s research entries, titled “EcoCharge: Innovative Solar and Wind Charging Station Enabled by Solid Waste Contributions,” won the “Best Paper” Award at the 8th International Conference on Recent Advances and Innovations in Engineering (ICRAIE), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 2, 2023.
The research team, consisting of students Jan Piolo Guiao, Mark Francis Pera, Reel Jerin Ignacio, Noel Malana, Jon Michael Magat, along with faculty members, Engr. Norman Bob Gomez and Mr. Ertie Abaña developed and implemented a waste management system that utilizes solar and wind energy for charging small electronic devices, with the ability to detect waste and provide free electrical charging based on the disposed waste type.
Expanding its global presence further, the institution continues to explore potential global academic partners through exploratory and informational sessions.
On November 10, 2023, USL hosted an exploratory session with Pacific Link College (PLC) to explore the Canadian Internship Proposal for Hospitality and Tourism Management students. This session provided USL with valuable insights into the program’s requirements, benefits for students, and potential fit for their curriculum.
USL also held a series of exploratory talks with representatives from Australian institutions. On March 15, 2024, USL engaged in exploratory discussions with Philippines Marketing, representing Western Sydney College, regarding potential collaborations in health sciences, banking, business and management, accounting, culinary and hospitality, and early childhood education programs. Similarly, on March 18, 2024, USL held talks with Training for Knowledge and Livelihood College (TKL) to further explore partnerships for Teacher Education programs.
In partnership with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), USL held a virtual information session on January 20, 2024, for students across Region 2 in the Philippines. The session focused on various global education programs offered between the Philippines and the United States, fostering cross-cultural learning and academic growth through international exchange.
Further, USL’s participation in the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) conference on February 28, 2024, yielded valuable insights and connections that will strengthen its student mobility programs. Recognizing the long-term benefits of UMAP membership, the university upgraded its status to that of a lifetime member. This increased commitment will allow USL to continuously leverage UMAP’s resources and network to create even more enriching international opportunities for its students.
Through its steadfast commitment to internationalization, USL fosters a dynamic learning environment that equips students and faculty with the essential skills and a comprehensive global perspective, including mastery of intercultural communication. This robust foundation empowers them to not only thrive but also excel in the increasingly interconnected world of today.
These numerous initiatives reflect USL’s strong commitment to expanding its global presence for the benefit of research, knowledge exchange, and higher education.
