Saint Louis University (SLU) held the opening ceremony of the four-day Internationalization Week organized by the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs (OGRAA) on 23 April 2024 at the Fr. Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, SLU Main Campus. With the theme, “Celebrating Diversity, Connecting Cultures,” international students, school administrators, faculty members and promoters of internationalization took part in the celebration of the pursuit and accomplishments of internationalization.
Kickstarting the ceremony, the SLU Center for Culture and the Arts (CCA) Glee Club led the opening prayer and the National Anthem followed by the warm welcome of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, University President. Fr. Sales emphasized the pursuit of SLU in the Missio et Excellentia, to continue enriching the Louisian community and to build internationalization through understanding and linkages. “Many of our students are part of our internationalization programs, with some even taking their share in different exchange programs which we facilitate to foster exchange of knowledge and culture, as well as the promotion of peace. We are also happy to have our international students continue their higher pursuits of learning in our University. As they learn academic lessons, they certainly gain an understanding of our culture, ” Fr. Sales said.
Showcasing internationalization guided by the theme, videos prepared by the SLU Communication students, winners of the Global Citizenship Award in CHED (Commission on Higher Education) Icons 2023, were then presented. Dr. Felina Espique, SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), then introduced the guest speaker Dr. Demetrio Anduyan Jr., Regional Director of the Commision on Higher Education Regional Office (CHEDRO) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
In his speech, Dr. Anduyan proudly announced that CAR is the first region to be awarded nationwide for having the best initiatives and practices in internationalization. He also thanked the international students for placing their trust and hoped that the knowledge they have acquired they can share once they return home.
“In the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, we stand at the threshold of an era where borders fade and cultures merge in the shared quest of enlightenment, just like our theme today, “Celebrating Diversity, Fostering Understanding of Cultures”. The internationalization of Higher Education is not merely a trend, it is a testament to our collective commitment to foster global citizenship and cultivate a deeper appreciation for diversity… As we embrace this interconnected world we must recognize that education knows no bounds and it is through collaboration and exchange that we truly unlock its transformative potential, ” Dr. Anduyan noted.
Dr. Espique, Vice President for Finance Dr. Roberto M. Arguelles, and Vice President for Administration Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced then presented a token of appreciation to Dr. Anduyan. Thereafter, Prof. Andrew Macalma, the University Registrar and a Member of the Internationalization (IZN) Committee, led the anticipated Internationalization Awards.
The following is the list of Outstanding International Students in their respective categories:
Academically Outstanding International Students
- Blesslove Pinamang Nimako (School of Advanced Studies)
- Wenyie Qiu Zheng (SAMCIS)
- Karen Chua Chua (SONAHBS)
- Thi Hoai Nhi Tran (STELA)
- Andy (Wenhan) Qiu Zheng (SEA)
- Sae Yong Chung (SOM)
Most Outstanding International Students
- Josh Haruhide Tsunezumi (SAMCIS)
- Jiamin Guo (STELA)
- Yangchen Shen (STELA)
- Kikuo Jr. Martin Ikusawa (STELA)
- Marzook Oladapo Oladeji (SONAHBS)
The following is the list of Internationalization Awardees:
Asian International Mobility for Students
Outbound Students
- Francezka Mikhaela R. Dela Cruz (King Mongkut University Thailand)
- Elan Miguel D. Macaraeg (King Mongkut University Thailand)
- Jellien Rachel Culi Siloy (Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), Surabaya Indonesia)
Student Exchange/ Training at Atmajaya Jogjakarta University
Outbound Students:
- John Erik Z. Cortez
- Emmanuel A. Gonzales
Winners of the Global Citizenship Award in CHED (Commission on Higher Education)
Internationalization Champions of Nation Building and Sustainability (ICONS) 2023
- Khryss Noelle L. Arellano (STELA)
- Shem Raziel M. Angelo (STELA)
- Erika Dyane A. Corsino (STELA
- Paolo Gabriel N. Bambalan (STELA)
- Emmanuel Z. Gregorio (STELA)
- Kristine Ingrid N. Rivera (STELA)
University Libraries – American Corner in their Collaboration with the U.S. Embassy
University Research Innovation Center (UnRIC) for their collaboration as Co-host with Huachiew Chelermprkiet University (HCU) at the Research Conference
Academic Forum on the Promotion of Refugee Law for the CPath Scholars
- Atty Jerico G. Gay-ya, Dean of the School of Law
SAS
- International Exchange Lectures at Fullbright, American Embassy
- Most number of International Students
- Student mobility in Varna University of Management (VUM), Bulgaria
SAMCIS
- Student mobility in Bulgaria
- Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Contemporary World and Virtual Exchange (Internationalization at Home)
- International Webinar Lectures
- Contemporary Pathways– Department of Justice and United Nations (UN) Human Commission on Refugees
SEA
- Asian International Mobility for Students
- International WeBinar Lecturer
- MOOC on Contemporary World and Virtual Exchange (Internationalization at Home)
- International Conferences
- Contemporary Pathways– Department of Justice and United Nations (UN) Human Commission on Refugees
SOM
- Student mobility at KU Leuven, Belgium
SONAHBS
- MOOC on Virtual Exchange (Internationalization at Home)
- Student Trainings on Medical Laboratory Science and Pharmacy at HCU, Thailand
STELA
- SEA-Teacher Project in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia
- MOOC on Contemporary World and Virtual Exchange (Internationalization at Home)
- Exchange Professors to the American Embassy and English Language Fellow
- Student and faculty Exchange with Atmajaya Jogjakarta University
- Student and faculty Exchange with the Widja Mandala Catholic University, Surabaya
The performance of the International students showcasing their culture and talent followed by the induction of the officers of the Cordillera Association of International Relations Officers (CAIRO). The members of CAIRO’s focus on enhancing the Higher Education Institutions in CAR on a global stage by forming programs and activities for internationalization.
The following is the list of the newly inducted officers of the 2024 CAIRO:
President: Mary Grace P. Carrido (SLU)
Vice President: Melanie Rulla-Saro (University of Baguio)
Secretary: Christian T. Pascual (University of the Cordilleras)
Treasurer: Jeng Jeng M. Bolintao (Ifugao State University)
Business Manager: Karen B. Cue (Mountain Province State Polytechnic College)
PIO: Patrick A. Benedito (Abra State Institute of Science and Technology)
Members of the Board of Directors:
- Philip Constantine L. Mandac (Director of International Affairs and Linkages, Apayao State College)
- Genevieve Balance Kupang, PhD (Dean of Graduate School & Representative for Internationalization, Baguio Central University)
- Rex John G. Bawang, PhD (Director of the International Relations Office, Benguet State University)
- Corazon L. Ocden, PhD (Director of the Research and External Quality Assurance, Cordillera Career Development College)
- Dr. Cleofe P. Kollin (President of Easter College)
- Clyde B. Pumihic (International Relations Officer of the International Affairs and Linkages Office, Ifugao State University)
- Pinky Larcelle L. Gas-ib, PhD (Director of the Distance Education, Transnational Education, and International Linkages Kalinga State University)
- Steve A. Solano (Director of Internal Quality Assurance King’s College of the Philippines)
- Romnick A. Danao (Director, St. Louis College of Bulanao)
- Pearl Angeli F. Vicente (Quality Assurance Officer, Pines City College)
- Dr. Annabelle Maria Alasas (VPAA and Director of International Affairs, Star Colleges), and
- Quennie L. Rumbaoa (Project Technical Staff III for Internationalization, CHED-CAR)
The SLU CCA Dance Troupe then performed an ethnic dance which was then followed by the closing remarks of Dr. Mary Grace P. Carrido, Director of GRAA. Dr. Carrido acknowledged the attendees and invited guests as she mentioned the activities scheduled for Internationalization Week. “Your presence and commitment to foster global exchange and understanding are invaluable as we embark on this journey together. Let’s embrace diversity, forge new connections, and celebrate the richness of international collaboration throughout this meaningful week,” she stated.
The booths from the Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES) at the front of the SLU Giant Steps, SLU Main Campus featured various foods from different countries.
In the afternoon, International students gathered at the International Teahouse for the talk International Student Coping in SLU with Ms. Rosario M. Marzo, former Director of the Office for Linkages and Exchange Program, at the Fr. Jose Burgos Administrative Building. In the meeting of the CAIRO officers led by Dr. Dominick Güss, Professor of Psychology at the University of North Florida, discussed culture, decision making, and the challenges of cross-cultural education at the Alejandro Roces Boardroom, Administrative Center, Fr. Burgos Building, SLU Main Campus.
On 24 April 2024, the second day of the Internationalization Week, the activities scheduled include a hybrid-webinar hosted by the SLU Student Supreme Council (SSC) at the Audio-Visual Room (P700), Dr. Waldo Perfecto Building, SLU Main Campus, that covers the talks entitled “What to do with being Triggered: Trauma Informed Approaches to Everyday Relief of Stress” to be tackled by Dr. Teresa Tuason, Director of the Clinical Mental Health Program, Professor at the University of North Florida, United States of America, and the topic “Profiling Psychological Characteristics of Individual Experiencing Spirit Possession” by Michael Seno Raharanto, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University from Indonesia. The hybrid-webinar will be broadcasted on the GRAA and SSC Facebook pages.
On the third day, 25 April 2024, info-sessions from different speakers from various countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and many more would be conducted to guide interested students on requirements and to be expected if they study abroad, be part of the exchange students, or for furthering their education.
The final day of Internationalization Week will launch the On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Career Coaching Fair 2024, the very first in the Philippines, to aid students from SAMCIS and SEA to discover organizations and institutions they could consider applying to.
In fostering international understanding and cooperation, the Internationalization Week is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (Article by Sarah Navalta, UIO Intern | Photos by Khryss Arellano and Keen Oviedo, UIO Interns)
