To foster international collaboration and enrich academic experiences, Prof. Rolando P. Roncal, Jr., Program Chair of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, participated in a series of meetings hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Kuopio Campus through the Erasmus Mobility for Staff program from October 21 to 30, 2023.

During the visit to the UEF, Prof. Rolando P. Roncal, Jr. actively participated in workshops, seminars, and discussions on topics ranging from innovative teaching methodologies to the latest advancements in nursing research. Specifically, Prof. Roncal attended official meetings, hospital visits, and classroom immersions at the EUF Kuopio Campus. He also joined in various public lectures and university campus tours. Prof. Roncal’s jam-packed schedule included a guest lectureship task before UEF’s key officials. He presented topics such as “Acquaintance on the Philippines’ Teaching and Research Areas in DMMMSU & Possibilities for Future International Collaboration” and “The Meaning of Nursing in the Philippines Context”.

The meetings aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, discuss best practices in nursing education, and explore potential areas for joint research initiatives between DMMMSU and UEF.

DMMMSU and UEF have an existing Erasmus+ Programme for Inter-institutional Agreement 2022-2025 with Key Action 1 Learning Mobility for Higher Education Students and Staff. In 2024, DMMMSU will be sending student-grantee to UEF.

The Erasmus Mobility for Staff program, a flagship initiative of the European Union, provides opportunities for academic and administrative staff to engage in professional development activities at partner institutions across Europe. This program promotes cross-cultural understanding and enhances the quality of education and research through international collaboration. (By Jesus Rafael B. Jarata)