In a significant step toward strengthening its internationalization agenda, the Global Affairs Office officially launched a series of new initiatives designed to further infuse global perspectives into the institution’s learning environment. These programs aim to expand opportunities for both students and faculty members to actively participate in meaningful internationalization activities and academic collaborations.
Among the newly introduced initiatives is the 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭 (𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 —a dynamic platform that connects the institution with credible and distinguished international lecturers from partner universities around the world.
The InteLect Program is designed to enrich the academic experience by inviting qualified global experts to deliver lecture sessions or lecture series, either onsite or online. Through this initiative, students and faculty members gain exposure to diverse perspectives, innovative practices, and emerging international trends in their respective disciplines. More than a lecture series, InteLect serves as a bridge that brings the global academic community closer to the classroom.
The inaugural sessions of the program were successfully held on March 24, 2026, in partnership with Universitas Nusa Cendana (UNDANA), Indonesia. Representing the university was 𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐄. 𝐏. 𝐃𝐣𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐨, 𝐒.𝐏𝐝., 𝐌.𝐀𝐩𝐩.𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠., 𝐏𝐡.𝐃., 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝.𝐃𝐢𝐩 (𝐑𝐌𝐒), who delivered engaging and insightful lectures to undergraduate students from various programs. Anchored in her doctoral expertise in Applied Linguistics from Macquarie University, Australia, Dr. Santri facilitated a meaningful and enriching academic exchange that resonated strongly with the students.
Third-year Teacher Education students attended a thought-provoking lecture titled “𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐈: 𝐀 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐞?,” which explored the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern classrooms. The session encouraged critical reflection on the opportunities and challenges AI presents in the field of education, equipping future educators with a broader understanding of technology’s transformative impact.
Meanwhile, third-year Hospitality Management students participated in an interactive lecture entitled “𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.” The session was particularly timely, as the students are currently enrolled in Asian Cuisine. Drawing from lived experience as an Indonesian scholar, Dr. Djahimo offered rich cultural insights into Indonesian gastronomy, demonstrating how food serves as a powerful expression of identity, heritage, and tradition.
The successful launch of the InteLect Program underscores the institution’s commitment to internationalization as a vital component of academic excellence. By opening classrooms to global voices, the program empowers students to think beyond borders, appreciate cultural diversity, and engage with knowledge from an international lens.
Through initiatives such as InteLect, the Global Affairs Office continues to create meaningful pathways for global engagement—preparing students not only to excel locally, but to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Words by Global Affairs Office – Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union
Photos by Troy Angelo Pacis, CIMO Intern
