The SPAMAST Office of Internationalization and Externa Linkages (OIEL) was established under the CMO 55 s. of 2016 and guided by its vision of becoming a premier competitive institution of higher learning providing professional training in Education, Agri-Fisheries, Science and Technology, Agribusiness, Information Technology, and other related disciplines geared towards inclusive growth and development in the ASEAN Region and beyond. Hence, the OIEL, in coordination with different units of SPAMAST, leads in exploring, identifying, establishing, and maintaining areas of cooperation and linkages with international, national, regional, and local institutions. In particular, it forges Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and Letter of Agreement (LoA) in the areas of fisheries, agriculture, information technology, education, social sciences, humanities, and arts.
As a strategy, SPAMAST’s internationalization enhances the quality of education; upholds its reputation as a center of agri-fishery, agriculture, information technology, education, social sciences, humanities, and arts; develops as productive members of the international academic community; produces graduates with 21st-century competencies able to live and work in a diverse, multicultural setting; and fosters closer cooperation and understanding between the Philippines and the rest of the world.
Objectives
The Office of Internationalization and External Linkages (OIEL) has the following objectives:
- Promote collaboration and cooperation for the advancement of competencies and skills and intellectual growth of faculty members, students, administrative officials, and other stakeholders;
- Complement and enhance the delivery and implementation of research and development activities;
- Inspire shared participation in educational congresses, cross-country educational visits, conferences, workshops, symposia, training courses, and exhibitions in areas of mutual concern;
- Establish an international framework and plans for faculty, students, and staff.
Terms of Reference
The following are the functions of the OIEL:
- Review and formulate an international framework and plans for faculty, students, and staff;
- Forge linkages (MoU, MoA, LoA) with national/international Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), industry, and agencies;
- Provide information and assistance to possible recipients of academic exchanges, study tours, cross visits, and presentation of research papers and the like.
- Safeguard efficient implementation and carry out the institution’s responsibilities indicated in mutual agreements or understandings with international institutions or agencies.
- Facilitate and monitor the entry and departure of international students in coordination with the concerned internal and external offices;
- Assist in holding international conferences in collaboration with different Institutes of the College;
- Coordinate and assist international visits to cross-country institutions;
- Assist in the preparation of institutional agreements with collaborating institutions;
- Submit progress reports, feedback, and other pertinent evidence about the institution's international programs, projects, and activities.
office STRUCTURE
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
Director
- Formulate and implement comprehensive internationalization strategies that align with the institution's vision and mission;
- Establish clear objectives and measurable goals for international partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, and global outreach programs;
- Create and enforce policies related to international collaborations, ensuring compliance with both local and global regulations;
- Identify and pursue opportunities for international collaboration, including partnerships with foreign universities, research institutions, and organizations;
- Foster and maintain relationships with international partners, stakeholders, and networks to enhance collaborative efforts;
- Oversee the development and management of student and faculty exchange programs, including selection processes, orientation, and support services;
- Facilitate and manage joint research projects and academic initiatives with international partners;
- Organize and participate in international conferences, workshops, and seminars to promote the institution’s global engagement;
- Represent the institution in international forums, consortia, and networks, promoting its strengths and achievements;
- Ensure effective communication within the institution regarding international opportunities, programs, and partnerships;
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote international programs and attract global students and faculty;
- Student Support: Provide support services for international students, including orientation, integration programs, and academic advising.
- Assist faculty in developing international research collaborations, securing funding, and navigating cross-border academic opportunities.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of internationalization efforts, using metrics and feedback to improve programs.
Administrative Support Staff
- Maintain and organize all documentation related to international agreements, partnerships, and programs;
- Assist in scheduling meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements for the Director and visiting international guests;
- Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, including emails, letters, and phone calls, ensuring timely responses and proper follow-up;
- Assist in planning and coordinating international events, conferences, workshops, and seminars.
- Support the administration of student and faculty exchange programs, including application processing, logistics, and communication with participants;
- Prepare and distribute materials and resources for international programs and meetings, such as brochures, reports, and presentations.
- Track and monitor the progress of international projects and initiatives, reporting any issues or delays to the Director.
- Disseminate information about international programs, opportunities, and events to students, faculty, and staff.
- Assist in preparing and monitoring budgets for international activities, ensuring proper allocation and utilization of funds.
- Coordinate travel arrangements for international visitors and institutional representatives travelling abroad, including visas, accommodations, and itineraries.
- Process expense reports and reimbursements related to international activities.
- Act as a point of contact between the Internationalization Office and other departments within the institution.
International Program Staff
- Assist in the design and development of international programs, including study abroad, student exchange, and collaborative research initiatives;
- Oversee the implementation of international programs, ensuring they meet institutional objectives and quality standards;
- Coordinate with various institutes, departments, faculty, and external partners to facilitate the smooth operation of international programs;
- Provide advising and counselling services to students and faculty participating in international programs, addressing their needs and concerns;
- Develop and conduct orientation sessions and pre-departure training for students and faculty participating in international programs;
- Offer continuous support to students and faculty during their international experiences, addressing any issues that arise;
- Engage with international partners to maintain and strengthen relationships, ensuring effective collaboration;
- Assist in developing, reviewing, and renewing international agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
- Serve as a primary point of contact for international partners, facilitating precise and effective communication.
- Plan and coordinate international events, workshops, and conferences to promote global engagement;
- Organize cultural exchange programs and activities that enhance cross-cultural understanding and collaboration;
- Provide logistical support for international visitors, including travel arrangements, accommodations, and event logistics.
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote international programs to students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
- Create promotional materials to highlight international initiatives, including brochures, newsletters, and social media content.
Mobility Staff
- Oversee the implementation and operational aspects of mobility programs, ensuring they meet institutional standards and objectives;
- Work closely with academic departments, administrative offices, and international partners to facilitate the execution of mobility programs;
- Provide comprehensive advising and counselling services to participants, helping them navigate the complexities of international travel and study.
- Develop and conduct pre-departure orientation sessions to prepare participants for their international experience.;
- Offer continuous support during the participants' stay abroad, including assistance with any issues or challenges they may face;
- Manage the application process for mobility programs, including developing and disseminating application materials.
- Establish and implement clear selection criteria for participants to ensure a fair and transparent process;
- Review applications and coordinate the selection process in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
- Assist participants with arranging travel logistics, including securing visas, booking flights, and arranging accommodations;
- Ensure participants have all necessary documentation, such as passports, visas, and health insurance;
- Provide participants with information on health and safety requirements and support them in meeting these requirements;
- Work with international partners to develop and enhance mobility program opportunities;
- Engage with internal and external stakeholders to promote and support mobility programs;
- Plan and execute welcome programs for incoming international participants and re-entry programs for returning participants.
- Collect and maintain data on program participation, outcomes, and participant feedback;
- Analyze data and prepare reports for senior management, highlighting achievements, trends, and areas for improvement.
- Use data and feedback to improve mobility programs and participant experiences continuously;
- Ensure all mobility programs comply with relevant regulations, policies, and best practices;
- Conduct risk assessments for mobility activities and develop strategies to mitigate potential risks;
- Develop and implement crisis management plans to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during their international experience.
