A team of IRO coordinators (Leila P. Buluguey- Buguias, Violeta B. Bugtong-Bokod, Jennifer Paltiyan-Bugtong-CNS, Faustina Dio-as-CAH), led by IRO Deputy Director Doreen I. Allasiw, recently took part in an exciting networking session and orientation with top universities from British Columbia, including Thompson Rivers University, Capilano University, British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Vancouver Community College.
The event, organized by the Canadian Embassy in partnership with CHED, opened up valuable conversations between Philippine and British Columbia universities about possible collaborations in transnational education. From academic partnerships and research collaborations to innovative learning initiatives, there was plenty of room to explore ways to work together.
For BSU, some of the most promising areas for collaboration include healthcare, indigenous knowledge, hospitality, and tourism—fields that align well with the university’s strengths and priorities. But while the opportunities are exciting, universities that have been down this path before shared an important reminder: successful partnerships take honesty and trust. As one speaker put it, “Being upfront about each institution’s strengths and weaknesses from the start is crucial to building a lasting and meaningful collaboration.”
With this in mind, BSU IRO is looking forward to strengthening connections and turning these conversations into real opportunities that benefit both faculty and students. The journey may have just begun, but the potential is already promising. //DIAllasiw
