To orient faculty members on internationalization opportunities for graduate programs, the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Graduate School, in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, conducted the Seminar-Workshop on Internationalization of Graduate Programs on 25 January 2023 at the GCEB Training Rooms, UPV Iloilo City Campus.
The activity featured two speakers. Dr. Imee Su Martinez, assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and director of the Office of the International Linkages (OIL), talked about the internationalization opportunities from the UP System. Meanwhile, Prof. Anna Floresca F. Firmalino, OIL director from UP Los Baños, shared the experiences of UP Los Banos on the internationalization of graduate programs.
Twelve graduate programs participated in the seminar-workshop including two graduate programs from UPV Tacloban who were in attendance via Zoom. The afternoon session of the activity was dedicated to the presentation of action plans for curricular revision in relation to internationalization. Dr. Martinez and Prof. Firmalino provided insights and suggestions on the improvement of the action plans.
In her opening remarks, UPV Graduate School dean Dr. Rowena Paz Gelvezon expressed her excitement on hosting the activity as she believes that internationalization is a way forward to bring education in UPV to a higher level of excellence.
“Internationalization is not an end in itself, but a driver for change and improvement. It should help us produce graduates who possess the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and aptitudes required in the 21st century. I hope this activity will spark ideas and conversations about how to integrate international or intercultural dimensions into the teaching and learning process, as well as in research and other scholarly activities,” she said.
On the other hand, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Philip Ian Padilla shared his experience as an international student during his post-graduate years. He further emphasized the importance of internationalization among graduate students, adding that since there are opportunities to study abroad, students should be encouraged to apply and do their undergraduate or graduate studies in a foreign university.
Meanwhile, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs on International Linkages Dr. Hanny John Mediodia underscored the need to integrate UPV into the emerging global knowledge and learning network. He added that internationalization is important in the creation of an inclusive society that embraces racial, cultural and religious diversity.
