To provide students with more avenues for hands-on experiential learning that will develop their practical skills essential for their future career, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for Cooperative and Work Integrated Education with Walailak University on September 25, 2023.
The ceremonial signing was held at the DMMMSU International Convention Center. Present during the signing was Dr. Elsie M. Pacho, DMMMSU Vice President for Academic and International Affairs. Meanwhile, Walailak University was represented by Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, Director for Cooperative and Career Education, and Ms. Sanghatai Khabklomsong, International Affairs Coordinator.
“This gathering is a true testament to the power of education in transcending borders and fostering understanding among nations. We are thrilled to have you join our academic community, bringing with you the rich tapestry of your cultures, perspectives, and experiences,” Dr. Elsie emphasized during her speech.
The Cooperative and Work Integrated Education Program is a platform designed to strengthen student’s learning experience by integrating on-campus studies with closely related work experiences.
As the CWIE Workplace, DMMMSU will provide a planned, supervised program of internship experience for student; maintain a safe, positive and respectful learning environment for student; provide student with ongoing guidance and feedback during the course of the program; and maintain records and reports on student’s performance and provide written evaluations of student’s performance to the University at the end of the program.
Meanwhile, Walailak University will provide qualified students with access to CWIE experience and opportunities; facilitate and coordinate the interview process as a service to both the student and the CWIE workplace; provide the CWIE workplace with appropriate personal and academic information on qualified student applicants, upon written authorization by the student; and will be solely responsible for, and have full discretion, in assessing and grading student.
The two universities are also expected to engage on exploratory talks and collaborations on information technology, management and hospitality, communication, agriculture, and other programs offered in both universities. Both are also hopeful to work on joint conferences in the future.
Walailak University is located in Tha Sala District in Thailand. With more than 3,500 acres, the university has the largest single campus of any university in Thailand. WU is organised into 14 schools and faculties: graduate studies, agricultural technology, allied health sciences, architecture and design, dentistry, education and learning innovation, engineering and resources, informatics, liberal arts, management, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, political science and law, public health and sciences. World University Rankings 2024 ranked Walailak University 6th in Thailand and among the 1201-1500 top universities worldwide.
by Jerald Suculles and Rochelle Verganio