To further promote international academic cooperation, Tarlac State University inked a memorandum of understanding with the Osaka University of Economics through a virtual ceremonial signing held via Zoom today (January 11).
TSU is the first Philippine university to partner with OUE, where the two institutions will develop academic and cultural interchange through the English Language Proficiency Program (ELPP) of the TSU Office of International Affairs and Linkages (OIAL).
Starting February 26, thirteen Japanese students from OUE will study and stay at TSU for ten days under the ELPP, a special flagship program of OIAL designed to enhance the English language skills of foreign and local students.
TSU President Dr. Arnold E. Velasco highlighted the importance of the MOU to both institutions in fostering academic collaborations and knowledge exchange.
“This MOU will enrich our respective communities’ educational experiences, and we are excited and looking forward to this new chapter in our academic undertakings and the possibilities it will bring,” Pres. Velasco said.
OUE President Dr. Shunichiro Yamamoto also thanked TSU for this partnership.
“I am very glad to hold this ceremony and conjugate our academic relationships. We sincerely hope both universities will continue to cooperate and support each other, as well as the other developing arrangements [for] this mutual benefit. I wish your university to grow and prosper for many years to come,” Dr. Yamamoto said.
Moreover, OIAL Director Dr. Maria Vanesa P. Arador assured that the university, through the OIAL, is dedicated to creating a “seamless and enriching experience” for the students throughout their stay at TSU.
“We are committed to providing them with top-notch learning experiences [so] that they are happy and safe during their time with us. TSU OIAL is fully aligned with OUE’s goals and actively supports the advancement of this academic partnership,” Dr. Arador said.
She also added that they are currently revamping their learning modules to align with the ten-day study plan for OUE students, focusing on enhancing the enjoyment and productivity of activities. They are also ensuring meticulous preparations for the students’ arrival at the TSU Hotel.
Apart from ELPP, both parties also agreed to undertake activities involving faculty and student exchange; laboratory/research facilities sharing; collaborative education, cultural experiences, and credit-transfer programs; student field experience, internship, and on-the-job training; scholarships for undergraduate students, master’s, and doctoral degrees; and joint seminars, conferences, and meetings for education.
Other OUE delegates present were Vice President Dr. Utae Mori and Director of Division of International Affairs Mr. Kotaro Fujiwara.
The ceremonial signing was also witnessed by TSU representatives, namely Vice President for Administration Dr. Grace N. Rosete, Presidential Assistant Dr. Brigido B. Corpuz, and OIAL Unit Head for Special Programs and Services Dr. Ninez Tulo.
Last August 29, 2023, Dr. Azusa Ono, an associate professor of OUE, visited the university in preparation for the ELPP. (jlmm-OPA)
