SorSU inks MOU with An Giang University, VNU-HCM, Vietnam, on faculty & student developments, other scholarly activities — internationalizes BSED-English Program under SorSU-CoTEd
In active pursuit of the University’s internationalization goals of higher education to be at par with the global academic ranking, a virtual ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Sorsogon State University (SorSU) and An Giang University (AGU, VNU-HCM), Vietnam, was held today February 16, 2024, via Zoom Meeting, which formally signified their international academic cooperation on the promotion of faculty and student developments, including the internationalization of SorSU’s Bachelor of Secondary Education – Major in English (BSED-English) program under the College of Teacher Education (CoTEd), and other academic activities between the two institutions.
Along with fostering faculty and student development as well as other relevant scholarly initiatives, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), through the committed engagement of the SorSU International Relations Office, headed by Dr. Vivien L. Chua (Director, SorSU-IRO), exemplifies a joint partnership, covering An Giang University’s Vision and Mission and SorSU’s Global Education program, specifically, it encompasses the following shared undertakings, programs, and activities, to wit:
- Student and/or academic and administrative staff exchanges;
- Development of joint degree and double degree programs;
- Visiting Professors/Lecturers;
- Exchange of academic information and publications and library resource materials information;
- Joint research collaborations and organization of an international research conference, research projects/activities;
- Support of student scholarships, internships, field studies;
- Other partnership areas agreed upon by both parties
As part of the initial collaboration between the two academic institutions, SorSU intends to send twelve (12) fourth-year BSED-English student-interns to An Giang University this semester for their Teaching Internship, where students will also engage in action research endeavors. They will be accompanied by two faculty members of the English Department who will also undertake benchmarking activities with the partner institution along with its best practices in teaching and education.
An Giang University (AGU, VNU-HCM), a Vietnamese public university based in Long Xuyen, An Giang Province, is one of the major educational and research institutions in the Mekong Delta Region of Vietnam.
During the formal ceremonial MOU signing program, Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (SorSU Vice President for Academic Affairs) emphasized in his welcome remarks that the Sorsogon State University (SorSU) is firmly committed to maintaining high educational standards, fostering a diverse and inclusive community, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge through innovative and impactful research. Dr. Ricafort also shared that it is the University’s goal to expose SorSUenos to global perspectives, cultural diversity, and opportunities for international study and research experience for their academic and personal growth.
“With the change in the landscape of higher education institutions over the past decade, we see the need for our university to institute reforms in its programs and policies. We have to keep them aligned with the thrusts of our national government, but more specifically, to meet the requirements for globalization and regional integration.”
“The initiatives we agree upon today are more than just words on a contract; they are the seeds of opportunity that, when nurtured with dedication and collaboration, will grow into strong ties between our universities and countries.”
Similarly, SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, conveyed her profound appreciation to An Giang University for committing to an institutional partnership with SorSU. She remarked,
“With this new institutional partnership offered by An Giang University of Vietnam, we are definitely offered greater opportunities to improve the latter’s academic curricula — at the same time reciprocate with SorSU’s own expertise.”
“In this way, we share scientific and technical knowledge and skills — but more importantly, develop cultural awareness and respect among other Asian peoples. This, we hope, will result in mutual understanding and respect between our peoples – and cooperation, lasting peace, and inclusive prosperity among the nations of the world .”
Relatively, SorSU President De Jesus, in her message, also recalled how she was deeply impressed by An Giang University’s courtesy and hospitable reception during the SorSU’s team benchmarking visit with them last 2023.
In response, Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Thang, on behalf of An Giang University, likewise extended his cordial welcome to SorSU, while Dr. Nguyen Huu Tri (Head, External Relations Office, AGU, VNU-HCM, Vietnam), during his closing remarks, expressed his gratitude for the promising collaboration of SorSU with their institution.
SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, represented Sorsogon State University, while Assoc. Prof. Vo Van Thang represented An Giang University, VNU-HCM, Vietnam, alongside AGU officials. In attendance also at the SorSU Boardroom during the ceremony were Dr. Vivien L. Chua (Director, IRO); Dr. Alfonso L. Garcia, Jr. (Dean, College of Teacher Education); CoTEd Program Chairs: Prof. Anabell A. Manga (Program Chair, BSED & CoTEd Student Internship Coordinator), Prof. Jackielyne M. Bosquillos (Program Chair, BEED/BSNED), Prof. Susan Mae A. Jamoralin (Program Chair, BPED/BCAED); CoTEd faculty members: Prof. Marigrace D. Carretero & Prof. Maritess D. Carreon; Dr. Michael John A. Jamora (Executive Assistant); Ms. Caryl L. Gamis (IRO Staff); and other SorSU officials & personnel.
The MOU signing was witnessed by Prof. Telesforo D. Escoto (Campus Director, SorSU – Sorsogon City Campus) and Dr. Nguyen Huu Tri (Head, External Relations Office, AGU, VNU-HCM, Vietnam).
With this notable endeavor, SorSU and AGU, VNU-HCM, Vietnam, have formalized their shared international academic partnership, highlighting SorSU’s continuing efforts toward aligning its programs and academic facilities on a worldwide scale. By establishing various initiatives and avenues for faculty and students, SorSU is committed to empowering its community to thrive in a progressively interconnected academic setting, as well as cultivate a culture of lifelong learning and global excellence. Both institutions exchanged their positive aspirations and long-term plans to effectively attain the goals and intentions of this collaborative agreement. (SorSU PIO)
