Demonstrating its growing role in international education, West Visayas State University (WVSU) took part in the US–PH Global Partnership Level II Workshop: Creating Transformative Learning Experiences for U.S. Students in the Philippines, held on November 18–19, 2025.
Representing WVSU were Ms. Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, and Ms. Alisa Mei Locsin, Information Officer I. WVSU was among the 16 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) from across the country that participated in this national capacity-building initiative.
Organized by the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), the workshop strengthened the ongoing collaboration between the United States and the Philippines in expanding international education opportunities. The program forms part of PAEF’s efforts to advance student mobility and support the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines, a new initiative designed to streamline processes, enhance on-the-ground support, and encourage more U.S. students to pursue academic and cultural immersion in the country.
The two-day workshop focused on equipping Philippine HEIs with the knowledge and competencies needed to design, host, and implement culturally grounded and academically rigorous study abroad programs. Dr. Nick J. Gozik, Dean of Global Education at Elon University, facilitated the sessions and provided expert insights on best practices for preparing institutions to welcome U.S. students. Key discussions touched on the rebound of global study abroad participation, the continued underrepresentation of Asia in international mobility trends, and the emerging opportunities for the Philippines as a study-abroad destination.
The workshop emphasized the Standards of Good Practice for Education Abroad, recognized as the global framework for program quality and assessment. These standards guide institutions in program development, stakeholder communication, resource allocation, safety protocols, and the cultivation of respectful and sustainable international partnerships.
Throughout the sessions, participants examined strategies for strong institutional coordination, highlighting the importance of clear communication channels, designated points of contact, and alignment among key units such as the registrar, housing services, and international offices. The workshop also underscored the critical role of faculty engagement, academic resource support, and student involvement in creating enriching study-abroad experiences.
Student support and integration were central themes, with discussions emphasizing the need for well-planned orientation programs, accessible campus facilities, peer networks, and holistic safety and wellness measures. Institutions were encouraged to adopt proactive, empathetic, and collaborative approaches in addressing the diverse needs of visiting students.
During the networking session, WVSU engaged with other institutions and organizations, exploring collaborative opportunities in joint program development, faculty exchange, and future student mobility initiatives. These conversations strengthened the University’s linkages and opened new prospects for international partnerships aligned with its growing internationalization agenda.
With its active participation in this national initiative, WVSU reaffirmed its commitment to expanding global engagement and enhancing international academic collaboration.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
