West Visayas State University (WVSU) has officially welcomed two Spanish interns, Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, who will participate in a six-month internship from January 22 to July 21, 2025. The interns are recipients of the Basque Government’s Global Training Grant Programme, part of a collaborative effort between WVSU, Mondragon University, and the University of Deusto in Spain.
Dr. Antoniette Cortez, Director of WVSU’s Center for Teaching Excellence, expressed her enthusiasm upon their arrival, saying, “We’re looking forward to having them. We have already prepared a Program of Activities for the duration of their stay, such as going on cultural immersion activities in varied challenged areas in Western Visayas, learn more about Philippine History since they will be attending a class with BCAED students, do teaching assistantships in the ILS Kindergarten, College of Pescar, and College of Arts and Sciences. They will also be collaborating with College of Education students in creating a multilingual compendium. All in all, we’re excited to spend these six, productive and meaningful months with them.”
WVSU will take the lead in guiding the interns through a carefully designed six-month program aimed at enhancing their professional skills. The university is committed to providing a structured work plan that aligns with the interns’ individual profiles, helping them gain valuable hands-on experience while also contributing to WVSU’s academic community.
This collaboration will also offer significant opportunities for cultural immersion, allowing the interns to experience Filipino traditions, values, and work environments in Iloilo and the surrounding provinces. These interactions will enrich their understanding of local culture and provide a well-rounded, practical learning experience.
For WVSU, the arrival of Mendibe Lazaro and Arraiz Torre is an exciting opportunity to strengthen international ties and bring fresh global perspectives to its campus. The program is designed to benefit not only the interns but also the university community, as it fosters collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional growth across borders.
Story by Gladwyn Gustilo/ILLO
