by Melissa Agawin, OICN Intern
Xavier University has strengthened its internationalization initiatives as it has recently signed a new partnership with IBS-Americas, an international business school based in Brazil, United States, and Spain where both have agreed to foster international education and student exchange between institutions.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding, which took place on Thursday, April 7, 2022 via ZOOM, is a manifestation of the university’s efforts towards internationalization and global ambition for its students and faculty. The event was attended by University President, Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, VP for Higher Education, Dr. Juliet Q. Dalagan, University Registrar, Mr. Jun Rangie Obispo, college deans, and the OICN director Dr. Shiella C. Balbutin and her staff. From IBS Americas’ side, it was attended by their dean, Dr. Ricardo Britto, Ms. Camila Depolito of International Affairs and Ms. Amanda Ferreira of International Office.
Fr. Mars P. Tan, SJ, gave a message on how much he looks forward to the future of the new collaboration. “These are really big opportunities for our students and faculty of both universities, and I hope this ceremony will open to more specific partnership between IBS Americas and Xavier University, and I hope many students and faculty will be able to avail of this.”
Fr. Mars also emphasized the importance of international education and global exposure. “To some of us who have had the experience (international education), that experience could attest to its significant contribution to our intellectual growth, personality development, character maturity and socio-cultural formation.” He explains, “In this age of mobilization, we are challenged all the more to cross boundaries and be open to new learning experiences to help us compete and adapt to the 21st century.”
In reference to the different current global crises, Dr. Ricardo Britto, dean of IBS-Americas also had words to share during the ceremony. “We need to fight for the weak, we do not need to fight for the richest ones. We need to fight for the poorest ones. We do not need to fight for the rich, we need to fight for the people. And that’s what we do in IBS-Americas from Europe and the United states, in cooperation with public and private institutions from all over the world.” Dr. Britto shares, “We are a small organization but we dream big. We don't have many resources, but we use all of it in favor of our students. We always try our best to be better than we were before.”
The new agreement will enable both institutions to easily exchange scholars, students, and information, as well as organize joint research programs, conferences and workshops. It will bring opportunities for the Xavier community to enrich their horizons, broaden their minds and perspectives, and finally, experience excellence beyond the campus walls.