A delegation from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) in La Union, consisting of faculty members, concluded a faculty exchange program at Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh. As per the statement from the DMMMSU Strategic Communication Office (SCO), the DMMMSU International Affairs (IA) team, led by IA University Director Jesus Rafael Jarata and University Coordinator for Cross-Border Education Jerald Saculles, described the faculty exchange as "fruitful and effective."
The SCO headed by Maricon Viduya said the IA team brought significant insights and strategic plans "to enhance the university's international collaborations and academic exchange initiatives." The SCO added that the program was made possible under the renewed partnership between DMMMSU and DIU. During the team's week-long engagement, Jarata and Saculles participated in various academic and administrative discussions, focusing on expanding DMMMSU's global footprint.
Jarata delivered lectures on social media storytelling, communication traditions, and digital communication for Master of Arts students. Additionally, he participated as a judge and panel discussant in the Media Buzz event hosted by the DIU Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication. On the other hand, Saculles presented lectures on Language and Culture, the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, and Contemporary Issues in English Language Teaching at the DIU Department of English.
Jarata and Saculles both participated in recording sessions covering specific topics for the International Open University at DIU's Media Lab. The DMMMSU SCO stated that the collaboration with DIU signifies a substantial advancement towards DMMMSU's strategic objectives. "Our experience at DIU was immensely valuable and we explored several collaborative opportunities, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the implementation of Erasmus+ strategies that will greatly benefit DMMMSU," Jarata said.
He emphasized that the IA team's trip to Bangladesh has "enhanced established connections and set the foundation for future partnerships." He mentioned that the team also engaged in preliminary discussions with foreign educators from Turkey, Romania, India, and the USA to explore potential collaborations. Stressing the reciprocal advantages of the alliance, Saculles pointed out that both DMMMSU and DIU are dedicated to promoting academic distinction and cultural interchange.
"This program has opened doors for our faculty and students to gain international exposure and experience", he said. Meanwhile, Syed Raihan, Deputy Director of International Affairs at DIU, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. He added that they were delighted to host the DMMMSU team. "Their visit was a testament to the power of international cooperation in higher education. We are excited about the potential joint initiatives emerging from this partnership, which will greatly benefit our students and faculty", Raihan said.
