West Visayas State University (WVSU) concluded the six-month internship of two Spanish interns, Mertxe and Pilar, from the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Program through a culminating event titled “Education Without Borders: A Global Exchange of Basque and Filipino Insights and Bridging Cultures: Presentation of the Multilingual Compendium” today, July 15, at the Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE) Hall.
The two interns arrived on January 22, 2025, and were detailed at the Center for Teaching Excellence under the supervision of Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez, CTE Director. Throughout their deployment, Mertxe and Pilar actively engaged in teaching, research, and intercultural exchange activities that fostered academic collaboration and strengthened cultural understanding between the Philippines and the Basque Country.
WVSU President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz delivered the opening message, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in enhancing the quality of higher education and preparing students to become globally competent citizens. He acknowledged the role of programs like this in bridging cultures and enriching academic experiences.
Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs, provided an overview of the internship program and recognized the dedication and contributions of the interns to the university’s academic environment. She lauded their initiative in supporting faculty and engaging with students across various learning platforms.
One of the key highlights of the event was the presentation of the Multilingual Compendium—an academic output developed by the Interns together with the BSED 3A and BEED 2B students from the College of Education during their six-month stay. Mertxe and Pilar also showcased their individual research projects and e-portfolios, which reflected their growth and productivity during their internship. They shared insights on their experiences living and working in the Philippines and offered recommendations for enhancing future internship programs.
WVSU faculty members Dr. Aris C. Larroder and Dr. Joyce Colon also shared their impressions, noting how the interns contributed positively to their respective departments and helped advance the university’s internationalization agenda. They emphasized that the presence of international interns enriched the university’s academic landscape and brought fresh perspectives into classrooms and research discussions.
Prof. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort between WVSU and the Basque Government, reiterating the university’s firm commitment to fostering global linkages and advancing international learning opportunities for students and faculty alike.
In her closing message, Dr. Cortez stressed the importance of unity in driving internationalization forward. “As we continue to expand our international efforts, may we come together as a unified force rather than allowing divisions over program ownership to fragment our progress. The more avenues we open and the richer the diversity of programs we offer, the better prepared our students will be to thrive as true global citizens,” she said.
The internship program stands as a reflection of WVSU’s proactive response to global educational challenges and its commitment to cultivating a learning environment rooted in excellence, inclusion, and international collaboration.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
