The Faculty of Tarbiyah Sciences and Teacher Training (FITK) of UIN North Sumatera Medan (UINSU) visited Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in the Philippines on 14 – 17 August 2024. This visiting is part of FITK‘s programme to establish International Cooperation which includes benchmarking activities, signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), and Implementation of Arrangements (IA) between the two institutions.
Participating in this activity; Dr. Muhammad Dalimunthe, M.Hum (Vice Dean II for Administration and Finance FITK) Prof. Dr. Abdurahman, M.Ag (Head of Doctoral’s Program of Islamic Education Management), Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D (Head of Master’s Program of English Education), Maryati Salmiah, M.Hum (Head of Study Program English Education), Reflina, M.Pd (Secretary of Master’s Program of English Education), and Machrani Adi Putri Siregar (Secretary of PPG Study Program).
CLSU, located in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, is one of the leading universities in Philippines, especially in the fields of Education and agricultural sciences. CLSU is currently ranked in the world and in the top 50 in Asia.
In his remarks, the Dean of FITK UINSU represented by the Vice Dean II, Dr Muhammad Dalimunthe, M.Hum said that this visiting is expected to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions in the fields of education, research, and curriculum development, as well as cultural and academic exchange. Meanwhile, CLSU President, Professor Evaristo, A. Abella, PhD, welcomed the visit of UIN North Sumatera Medan and promised to provide the best service in the realization of cooperation between the two parties.
The Dean of the College of Education, Professor Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, explained the realization of this collaboration began with intensive discussions with the Head of the Masters’ of English Education Study Program at FITK UINSU, Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D, a while ago. Previously, the CLSU College of Education had conducted online benchmarking with FITK UINSU several months ago, initiated by Professor Florante P. Ibarra and Maslathif Dwi Purnomo, Ph.D. From this initial conversation, it was agreed to continue with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), and Implementation of Arrangement (IA) between the two parties held in August.
The signing of the MoU, MoA, and IA demonstrates the commitment of both universities to continue expanding cooperation in various programmes, including human resource development, international collaborative research, student exchange, lecturer exchange, joint international conferences, and other academic collaborations.