As part of the University’s proactive efforts of establishing potential linkages, research & extension collaborations, and academic exchanges, Sorsogon State University (SorSU) delegation, headed by SUC President III, Dr. Geraldine F. De Jesus, together with Dr. Jhonner D. Ricafort (SorSU – Vice President for Academic Affairs), Dr. Orlando D. Doncillo (Dean, College of Technology), Dr. Vivien L. Chua (Director, International Relations Office), and Ms. Marietta C. Sato (Representative, SorSU Nihongo Language Training Center (KKG)/SorSU-COT Faculty), embarked on a five-day educational undertaking to Japan — successfully renewing SorSU’s international partnerships with Japan International Human Capitol Development (JHIDO) and Kokusai Kotoba Gakuin Japanese Language School (KKG) through respective ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing, as well as engaging in a positive discussion on student/faculty development program and potential academic collaboration with Beyondia International School – Kurihara Gakuen Group (KGG), held from July 21-26, 2024.
Ceremonial MOU Signing with JHIDO
With a significant history of global ties that began in 2019, SorSU successfully reaffirmed its partnership with JHIDO through a ceremonial MOU, highlighting the management philosophy of JIHDO and the University’s Global Education Program, which involves faculty and students’ professional and academic development, such as exchange programs, visiting lecturers/professors; support of internships and employment opportunities for its students and alumni, respectively; and other academic and cultural endeavors.
Engagement with Beyondia International School – Kurihara Gakuen Group
Meanwhile, Day 2 of the five-day international academic trip highlighted the delegation’s visit to Beyondia International School, operated by Kurihara Gakuen Group, to which they were warmly received by its CEO/President, Atty. Mitsuru Tanizawa, and resulted in a fruitful dialogue and potential educational linkage, such as accommodating SorSU student internship activities as well as a faculty exchange program.
Ceremonial MOU Signing with KKG Japanese Language School
With academic cooperation and collaboration dating back to 1997 that remarkably paved the way to the creation of SorSU Nihongo Language Training Center (SorSU-NLTC), the University, through a renewal of MOU signing on June 24, 2024, officially reestablished its cooperation with Kokusai Kotoba Gakuin Japanese Language School (KKG), strengthening its educational relations and collaborations on student and faculty/staff exchanges on Language Education or Foreign Studies; cultural visits and other related programs; visiting lecturers and/or professors; joint scholarly activities; support for employment opportunities for the alumni; exchange of publications, reports, and other academic and library resource materials information; support of internships or practice teaching or field studies; and sharing of other activities and programs in areas of mutual interest.
In reference, the two academic institutions — demonstrating a 27-year partnership (renewed and updated in 2014) — previously engaged in student exchange programs, where foreign students sent by KKG undertook short-term English study programs/learning experience & immersion programs. Further, senior Japanese officials who were part of the “Teaching Nihongo to Foreigners Training” at KKG likewise volunteered and taught Nihongo classes at SorSU in 2017. SorSU KKG Nihongo Language Center Director Mr. Hideyo Sato and KKG representative Marietta C. Sato were instrumental in the collaboration between the two educational institutions and the previous aforementioned joint endeavors.
SorSU was represented by University President De Jesus in the two MOU signings, while Mr. Zenzo Hansa (Chairman/President, JIHDO) and Ms. Yasuko Hakamada (Director, KKG) represented JIHDO and KKG Japanese Language Center, respectively.
SorSU continues to cultivate and strengthen its diverse network/linkages both on local and international scenes, along areas of educational partnerships, invaluable research endeavors, meaningful internship/employment opportunities, as well as academic exchanges, and other relative collaborations — dedicated to the professional and holistic success of its students, faculty & personnel, and the various communities & stakeholders it serves. (SorSU PIO)
