University News

Expanding Educational Frontiers Through Erasmus(plus) Exchange in Italy

Jason Alvarez, News, Office of International Affairs

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) continues to elevate its global presence and reaffirm its commitment to inclusive and transformative education through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme (KA171), in partnership with Italy’s Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna (UNIBO).

This enhanced mobility partnership builds directly upon the achievements of Project FORTH (Formation of Teachers in Challenged Areas in the Philippines)—a groundbreaking Erasmus+ initiative. Project FORTH established a pioneering master’s program designed to equip educators for service in the Philippines challenged and underserved communities.

With support from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd), Project FORTH has evolved beyond its initial EU youth teaching project in Manila into a consortium co-developing a specialized curriculum emphasizing blended learning, transnational cooperation, and immersive experiences in both the Philippines and Europe. The current KA171 mobility is a direct outgrowth of this successful foundation.

Expanding Academic Mobility and Expertise Exchange
Through the new Erasmus+ phase, PUP and UNIBO offer expanded student and faculty mobility opportunities that foster cross-cultural understanding, collaborative research, and innovative pedagogical approaches integrating local and global perspectives.

This academic year’s international exchange features Jason J. Alvarez, LPT—a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Education major in Teaching in Challenged Areas (MAED-TCA) pursuing studies at UNIBO’s Giovanni Maria Bertin Department of Educational Sciences. His academic work centers on inclusive pedagogies and educational innovation, complemented by cultural immersion and research aligned with his master’s thesis.

Another key element of this exchange was the faculty mobility of Prof. Dr. Ma. Junithesmer D. Rosales, LPT. She is the former dean of the College of Education and a faculty member in both MAED-TCA and Master of Arts in English Language Teaching (MAELT) programs in PUP.

From October 15 to 28, 2025, Dr. Rosales served as a Visiting Professor at UNIBO’s Giovanni Maria Bertin Department of Educational Sciences, where she delivered specialized lectures on critical topics like multiculturalism, inclusion, and gender that are central to the Philippine educational context—facilitating a deeper, two-way intercultural learning experience for the UNIBO Master’s and PhD students.

Both student and faculty mobilities were selected through a competitive, merit-based process involving application review, academic evaluation, and panel interviews. The mobility program remains open to qualified graduate students at the College of Education’s MAED-TCA and MAELT programs.

Advancing Global Education Goals
Founded in 1088, UNIBO is widely recognized as the oldest university in the Western world and one of Europe’s leading academic institutions, ranking first in Italy in the Education field. Upholding its Latin motto, “Nourishing Mother of Studies,” UNIBO remains a pillar of scholarly excellence, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.

The PUP–UNIBO collaboration aligns powerfully with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). By connecting global academic experiences with locally responsive education, this partnership advances PUP’s vision of cultivating educators who are globally competent yet deeply rooted in their communities. Through the Erasmus+ program, the Sintang Paaralan reaffirms its leadership in fostering inclusive, transformative, and globally engaged higher education.

For more information on Erasmus+ and related international programs, contact the University’s Office of International Affairs.