Elevating Graduate Education Through Internationalization

At the 55th Philippine Association of Graduate Education (PAGE) Assembly, held on September 19-20, 2024, at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City, Dr. Esther B. Vedaña, PACUCOA Chair and Dean of the College of Criminology at the University of Luzon, captivated the audience as the Resource Speaker for Plenary Session 5. Her presentation, titled “Quality Assuring International Graduate Education Program in the Philippines: Shifting Local QA Mechanisms Towards Internationalization,” addressed a critical aspect of graduate education—ensuring its relevance and competitiveness on the global stage.

Five Key Internationalization Metrics in Quality Assurance

Dr. Vedaña outlined five essential metrics to guide Philippine institutions in aligning with international standards:

Curriculum Development
Ensuring that graduate programs are aligned with global education frameworks, such as ASEAN Qualifications Reference Framework and the Bologna Process, to foster comparability and mobility across countries.

Faculty Mobility
Encouraging active participation of faculty members in international teaching and research exchanges, enabling cross-cultural academic collaboration and professional growth.

Student Exchange Programs
Creating opportunities for students to engage in study-abroad experiences, international internships, and cross-border research projects, enhancing their global perspectives and employability.

International Research Impact
Promoting faculty and student contributions to high-impact international journals, participation in global conferences, and collaborative research that addresses global challenges.

Partnerships and Collaborations
Developing joint degree programs and fostering collaborations with international universities, strengthening academic networks and broadening educational offerings.

Shaping Graduate Education for the Global Stage

Dr. Vedaña emphasized the need to shift from traditional local-focused quality assurance mechanisms to a framework that embraces global benchmarks. She discussed practical strategies for implementation, highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within institutions.

Her insightful presentation resonated with education leaders and quality assurance professionals, inspiring a commitment to enhancing Philippine graduate education’s global standing.

A Vision for the Future

The PAGE Assembly, themed around elevating graduate education through quality and internationalization, served as a rallying call for stakeholders to work together in creating a globally competitive and future-ready academic landscape.

Dr. Vedaña’s leadership reflects the University of Luzon’s active role in contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as it continues to align its initiatives with global sustainability efforts. This reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing education, research, and community engagement that drives meaningful change locally and globally.

About the Event: The 55th PAGE Assembly is a flagship event that gathers graduate education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in Philippine higher education.