About
The International Affairs Division (IAD), under the supervision of the Office of the President, is responsible to carry out the following duties and responsibilities:
- Strengthen the University’s international relations;
- Recommend policies and guidelines on international relations;
- Manage affairs of international students, faculty, and staff;
- Develop plans and implement strategies to achieve the university’s targets on internationalization;
- Coordinate with the Public Affairs Division in establishing an effective public relations and marketing management system for our international partners and clients.
With the unrelenting efforts of the University of Southeastern Philippines to reach academic excellence by producing globally competitive graduates and professionals, the International Affairs Division was established to ensure that the university is in-the-know of the emerging trends in internationalization.
Hence, IAD functions to recommend policies and guidelines; strengthen the university’s international relations and collaborations; and as well as manage the affairs of international students, faculty, and staff.
Guided by the university’s core values: Collaboration, Accountability, Resilience, Excellence, and Service-Oriented, we aim to put the University of Southeastern Philippines on the pedestal of high-ranking institutions and be known for being an internationalized university.
It is the honor of the office, under the supervision of the University President, to help USeP strengthen its internationalization efforts and realize its duty of honing individuals to be globally competent and to build their dreams without limits.
The International Affairs Division was first established in 2017 as the Office of Public and International Affairs (OPIA).
Later that year, it opened an office to welcome the University's international partners and exchange students.
In 2019, the Office of Public and International Affairs was restructured and was then called the International Affairs Division (IAD), officially separating it from the Public Affairs Division (PAD). The amendment is approved per BOR Resolution No. 24, s. 2020 during the 180th BOR Meeting held on 13 July 2020.
Today, under the supervision of the Office of the President, IAD has become the gateway of USeP towards international partnerships and collaborations, opening up various opportunities for students, faculties, and other stakeholders for mobilities, exchange, research, and extension. With more than 30 partners from different parts of the globe – from Asia to Europe, the USeP quality of education will not only be experienced in the Philippines but also around the world.
A PREMIER UNIVERSITY IN THE ASEAN REGION.
By becoming a premier university in the ASEAN Region, the USEP shall be a center of excellence and development, responsive and adaptive to fast-changing environments, USEP shall also be known as the leading university in the country that fosters innovation and applies knowledge to create value towards social, economic, and technological developments.
USEP shall produce world-class graduates and relevant research and extension through quality education and sustainable resource management.
Particularly, we are committed to:
- Provide quality education for students to grow in knowledge, promote their well-rounded development, and make them globally competitive in the world of work;
- Engage in high impact research, not only for knowledge’s sake, but also for its practical benefits to society; and
- Promote entrepreneurship and industry collaboration.
- To produce technician graduates with marketable skills and potentials for growth to address the manpower needs of business and industry.
- To produce occupationally and professionally prepared teachers and specialists in vocational technical education.
- To engage in production activities that will enhance the development of knowledge, skills and capabilities for entrepreneurial endeavors or self-employment among graduates.
- To provide professional services to industries, technical and vocational schools, professional organizations and other agencies, in upgrading and developing existing technical and supervisory manpower.
- To integrate research and extension programs in collaboration with other institutions primarily for the development in the region.
Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) Outbound
The International Affairs Division has sent 122 students internationally as part of the Student Internship Abroad Program as of 2021. These students were immersed in their host universities and/or industrial firms for three (3) to twelve (12) months throughout their stay in China, Israel, Vietnam, and other ASEAN nations. With a total of 176 students and counting, this division is currently focusing on virtual mobilization due to travel constraints, where students can engage with and learn from international professionals remotely.
Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) Inbound
Way back in 2018, OPIA was able to invite students from Tan Trao University, Vietnam who stayed for a one (1) month in Davao City. These Vietnamese delegates conducted Team Teaching in different partner schools in this city. At the present, this division continues to facilitate initiatives such as this through virtual international engagements. Virtual programs with international partners in Japan, Malaysia and others (through DACUN) in order to provide our University students with cultural immersion opportunities.
International Educational Tour
In 2018 and 2019, this division has facilitated international educational tour in Malaysia, Hongkong, Thailand and Vietnam. This international educational tour is open to all students enrolled at this University, undergraduate and post graduate. These students participated on a study tour and gained exposure to various institutions in order to observe and learn about best practices that they can bring back to their home institution.
Semester Abroad Program
The International Affairs Division was instrumental in the establishment of the first semester abroad program in China. It is a full-credit course in which students spend their first semester at Jin Ling Institute of Technology (JIT). Three (3) students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) program completed this program. They participated in JIT-design trainings and comprehensive Chinese courses during their time at the host University.
Faculty Exchange Program (Outbound)
This division was able to send faculty to Vietnam as part of a Faculty Exchange Program. It was a joint training workshop between University of Southeastern Philippines and Tan Trao University. Professors Lilibeth Cenojas and Rioliza Molina were able to teach as a Training Facilitator in the "English for Teaching Purposes" program.
Faculty Exchange Program (Inbound)
This division was able to host representatives from Tan Trao University in Vietnam and Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University in Thailand as part of the University's active exchange with international partners. The educators attended a two-week Summer Camp that provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the English language with an emphasis on English as a medium of education. Aditionally, it provided an opportunity to learn about Philippine culture while spending the summer at USeP.
International Continuing Professional Education
In pursuant to "Guidelines for International Continuing Professional Education (ICPE) Grants as an additional component of CMO No. 25, series of 2016" amending CMO No. 25, s. 2016 through Commission en Banc (CEB) Resolution No. 784-2020, this ICPE program aims to support lifelong learning by providing short-term trainings to higher education faculty and staff, provided by local and international institutions/organizations. Currently, the University through the International Affairs Division has facilitated this training through CHED and British Council UK with three (3) grantees from College of Agriculture and Related Sciences.
