History
The International Programs Division (IPD) was formally created in 2005 to spearhead the internationalization efforts of Arellano University (AU) and to facilitate the University’s international activities. IPD was tasked with developing, supervising and strengthening the University’s foreign and local partnerships which boost the internationalization thrust of AU. IPD also initiates and oversees the participation of students, faculty and staff ,both of AU and its partner institutions, in international undertakings such as academic training, immersion programs, forums and research. IPD works in close coordination with the Academic Affairs Division and its units, as well as with support offices, to ensure that the delivery of our programs remain at par with international standards.
The flagship program of the IPD is the International Nursing Program (INP) which commenced in 2006, in partnership with Alderson-Broaddus University (AB) of Philippi, West Virginia. The program remains the only one of its kind in the Philippines, preparing students for the practice of nursing following American standards while studying in a Filipino setting. This unique program provides an opportunity for Filipino students to study the first 3 years of an American BSN curriculum in Arellano university and transfer to AB on their final to earn an American BSN degree.
Similarly, AU pioneered another distinct partnership as it collaborated for the first time with an Australian University. In 2009, AU entered into an articulation agreement with Edith Cowan University (ECU) of Perth, Western Australia. The partnership currently allows INP students who finish their first two years in AU to transfer to ECU for their final two years. This model paved way for other programs under the IPD.
AU also welcomed Nursing students from Alderson-Broaddus College and Edith Cowan University who studied Filipino culture and healthcare. IPD organized and coordinated the community and cultural immersion of students as they were guided in visiting historical places, partner communities and partner hospitals of AU. This program received positive feedback from the participants. Now, AU also conducts this program with students from Japan and Indonesia.
With the continued partnership with ECU, students of Arellano University are now allowed to apply credit for transfer and recognition of prior learning (RPL) for AU’s School of Business Administration and School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Now, students who take their first two years of the AU Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management courses are eligible to transfer to ECU on their 3rd year.
Similarly, AU also developed a pathway to Federation University Australia (Fed Uni) formerly known as University of Ballarat (UB). In 2012, AU signed an articulation agreement allowing our BS Computer Science students to go through a 2+2 pathway in IT. AU BS Computer Science students who have successfully finished their 2nd year of study have the option to transfer to Fed Uni’s Bachelor of Information Technology program. After another two years of study, these students earns and Australian IT degree.
The programs developed by the IPD continues to evolve. In 2007, AU found its way to our neighboring country, China. IPD stood at the forefront as AU’s gates were opened to foreign students who need to undergo language training and who wish to experience Filipino culture. The first batch of students from Guangxi Agricultural Vocational and Technical College (GAVTC) travelled all the way from Nanning, China to take AU’s Business English Program for Non-English Speakers. Since the partnership was forged between AU and GAVTC, more schools from China became interested in sending their students to AU to take the course in fulfillment of their academic requirements. Soon, AU was in partnership with four Colleges in China for the program. Similar English programs were likewise conducted for students from Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
These and other collaborations have earned AU the reputation of being an institution with the political will and mechanisms necessary for the formation and successful implementation of international partnerships and programs. At present, the IPD oversees partnerships with institutions from Australia, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, the United States and soon, Germany. The IPD also continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with overseas colleges, universities and institutions that will join us in promoting the exchange of knowledge and culture across different disciplines.