Students, faculty, and members of the community explored opportunities for international education and cultural exchange during the forum “Spain Today: Culture, Language and Opportunities for Global Education,” held June 25 at West Visayas State University (WVSU).
The session featured Ms. Beatriz Jimeno Ortas, education advisor of the Embassy of Spain in Manila, who shared insights on Spain’s geography, languages, education system, and pathways for Filipinos interested in studying or working in the country.
Organized by the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages (CFL) in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Department of Language Studies (DELS), the forum forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement and promote Spanish language and culture within the University community.
Ms. Ortas also discussed programs and opportunities available to Filipino students and graduates, highlighting the benefits of language learning and international exposure in an increasingly interconnected world.
The forum was joined by six former participants of Spain’s Language and Culture Assistants Program, who shared their experiences living and working in Spain. WVSU helps facilitate the program for qualified students and alumni interested in pursuing the opportunity abroad.
Prior to the forum, Ms. Ortas met with CAS Associate Dean Dr. Saturnino Luke Sobrevega, DELS Chair Dr. Joy H. Pantino, and Señora Lourdes Nocera-Villanueva, Spanish teacher at the WVSU Center for Foreign Languages.
During the meeting, discussions focused on Spanish language offerings at WVSU and possible areas for continued collaboration between the University and the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. Ms. Ortas also noted the strong Spanish influence on Iloilo’s heritage architecture and highlighted the province’s tourism potential. Visiting Iloilo for the first time, she likewise expressed appreciation for the city’s open spaces and the University’s campus environment.
The visit reflects WVSU’s continuing commitment to internationalization by providing students and faculty with opportunities for global learning, cultural exchange, and academic engagement beyond national borders.
