ISUFST explores South Korea degrees, internships under new agreement

BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) has signed an initial cooperation agreement with Asian-Pacific Transnational Education Providers Inc. (APTEP) to explore academic and international opportunities for its students, faculty and graduates.

The possibilities include a dual degree, overseas internships, academic exchanges, Korean language training and employment pathways.

The programs remain proposals and would require further discussions, separate agreements and the necessary approvals before they could proceed.

The memorandum of understanding was signed on Nov. 9, 2026, after an exploratory meeting at ISUFST’s Main Campus-Poblacion Site in Barotac Nuevo.

APTEP Chairperson Dr. Sarah K. Choi and President Dr. Abraham K. Oh met with the university’s president, vice presidents, administrators, deans, directors and unit representatives to discuss potential cooperation through APTEP’s network of schools and industry partners.

Proposed opportunities

Among the ideas discussed was a possible dual degree in information technology with Sejong Cyber University in South Korea.

The proposal would require further work on courses, curricula, credits and approvals.

Sejong Cyber University is a private institution based in Seoul, according to the South Korean government’s Study in Korea portal.

The parties also discussed possible Student Internship Abroad Program placements for education and hospitality management students, along with student and teacher exchanges and joint training.

Korean language and culture classes were among the proposals, including preparation and level assessment for the Test of Proficiency in Korean, or TOPIK.

Other possibilities included microcredentials, short-term technical training, medical tourism-related opportunities and partnerships with international industry.

The discussion also covered potential overseas employment pathways for agriculture and fisheries graduates, particularly in South Korea, subject to qualifications, authorized recruitment arrangements and applicable regulations.

Information technology, automation, electrical and mechanical technology, and other technical fields were likewise identified as possible areas for cooperation.

Next steps

ISUFST will need to determine which proposals are practical to pursue, with each subject to academic and regulatory requirements.

APTEP representatives toured portions of the Main Campus-Poblacion Site before visiting the Main Campus-Tiwi Site to view the university’s facilities and learning environment.

The visit concluded with lunch, after which the guests were escorted to their accommodation in Iloilo City ahead of a planned visit to West Visayas State University the following day.

ISUFST’s Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Office of International Affairs and Linkages facilitated the engagement as part of the university’s efforts to develop international partnerships.