QSU International Relations Office

4 days ago

The International Relations Officer of Quirino State University shared the university’s initiatives on Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) during the COIL Conference hosted by the University of Cagayan Valley held on February 23-24, 2026. The event gathered representatives from various higher education institutions from Region II and beyond to discuss strategies for strengthening internationalization through digital and collaborative learning platforms.

This engagement highlighted QSU’s experiences in implementing COIL as a pathway toward expanding global classroom engagement. He emphasized how the model enables faculty and students to participate in joint learning activities with partner institutions abroad, fostering intercultural understanding and collaborative knowledge production without the constraints of physical mobility.

The presentation also underscored the university’s growing network of international partners and its efforts to integrate COIL into course delivery, research collaboration, and academic exchanges. Such initiatives contribute significantly to preparing students for global citizenship while strengthening the university’s international linkages.

The conference served as a platform for participating institutions to exchange best practices, discuss emerging models of virtual collaboration, and explore future partnerships that promote accessible and inclusive international education. Through engagements such as this, QSU continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing internationalization in higher education and promoting innovative learning approaches that connect local classrooms to the global academic community.

QSU COIL engagement is documented in a book titled Global Classrooms, Shared Journeys: Reflections on COIL published on Amazon. www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQQDMD42 ... See MoreSee Less

QSU International Relations Office

4 days ago

In a continuing effort to expand global academic opportunities and deepen international engagement, Quirino State University, through its Office of International Relations, hosted a Fulbright Information Session on February 26, 2026, in partnership with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF).

The session was led by Mr. Julio S. Amador, PAEF Director, who introduced the distinguished Fulbright Programs and its wide array of academic and professional exchange opportunities in the United States. In his presentation, Mr. Amador highlighted how the Fulbright Program has long served as a bridge between nations, fostering collaboration, scholarly exchange, and deeper cultural understanding among educators, researchers, and institutions across the globe.

Joining him was Mr. Justin Dominique M. Rupido, who provided participants with practical guidance on the application process, eligibility requirements, and strategies for preparing strong Fulbright applications. His presentation offered valuable insights for faculty members and students aspiring to pursue graduate studies, research engagements, and professional exchanges abroad.

Adding inspiration to the gathering, Dr. Alfonso R. Simon, OIC President, delivered a message of encouragement to the faculty and staff. In his remarks, Dr. Simon urged the academic community to seize the opportunities offered by the Fulbright Program, emphasizing that international exposure and scholarly exchange play a vital role in advancing professional growth, academic excellence, and institutional development.

During the session, it was also announced that QSU will soon join the study abroad consortium of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, allowing the university to host students from the United States for academic and cultural immersion programs. The Memorandum of Understanding formalizing this partnership is scheduled to be inked on March 24, 2026, marking QSU as the first higher education institution in Region II to become part of this initiative.

University officials noted that both the Fulbright Information Session and the forthcoming memorandum signing are an offshoot of the university’s successful hosting of a Fulbright Specialist in 2025, through the Fulbright Specialist Program. During that engagement, Dr. Chimene Castor worked with the university community, strengthening academic collaboration and opening new pathways for international partnership.

The event drew faculty members, administrators, and students from different colleges of the university, many of whom expressed strong interest in exploring global academic opportunities. An open forum allowed participants to directly engage with the PAEF representatives and seek clarification on program requirements, timelines, and potential research directions.

Through initiatives such as these, Quirino State University continues to affirm its commitment to internationalization—expanding the horizons of its scholars while positioning the university as an emerging hub for global academic collaboration in the region. ... See MoreSee Less