UIC strengthens global presence amid a pandemic

Juris B. Elorde-SaƱo

In the middle of all difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) has never ceased to grow. The University has gained partnerships with universities and colleges in different countries with its Internationalization Program.

At the helm of the UIC International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) program is Mr. Rene Babiera II, who adheres to the University's vision, mission, and quality objectives to develop an empowered and proactive life-long learner. This is achieved by providing an excellent educational experience to help them become globally competitive and adaptive to change. It cultivates integration to promote cultural understanding, thereby creating opportunities to access the world's resources and share the University's best ideas, services, and talents.

Since its inception, UIC has been gearing towards intensifying its partnership and collaboration with partner institutions outside the Philippines. A systematic review of all the MoU on record and sending Letter of Intent for MoU signing happens every academic year.

With pandemic affecting most, if not all, of the universities all around the globe, everyone shifted to online platforms. The UIC, for its part, developed programs using the digital medium. UIC then has maintained its presence by maximizing the advantages of the virtual platform.

On 4 January 2021, the Office of Student Affairs and Services created the UIC Global Leaders Club. Officers of the University Student Government and college and club officers were selected members of the new international club. They became delegates, participants, and representatives to global engagements.

Since the second semester of Academic Year 2020-2021, UIC has either joined and organized 26 events ranging from lectures, memorandum signing to fun international virtual get-togethers. Within months since IALO and the Global Leaders Club started, these events have happened. In AY 2021-2022, it participated and organized 16 events, making UIC a recognized academic institution in East and Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe.

The following are the different colleges and universities UIC has partnership agreements via signed Memorandum of Agreements or Understanding.