SEARCA rolls out YES! Micro-credential for 2026/2027 scholars

The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is rolling out a new online English-support program for its incoming scholars for Academic Year 2026-2027, aiming to better equip them for the rigors of graduate study at English-medium universities.

Through its Education and Collective Learning Department – Graduate Scholarship and Institutional Development Unit (ECLD-GSIDU), SEARCA will offer the YES! (Your English Sidekick) Micro-credential to all incoming SEARCA scholars as part of the Center’s enhanced Graduate-on-Time Program.

Developed by the College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in Laguna, the YES! Micro-credential is an online, asynchronous learning program designed to strengthen scholars’ English communication skills before they begin their studies. The program targets key competencies needed for success in graduate school, including academic reading and writing, as well as basic English grammar and usage.

“Many of our scholars come from diverse linguistic and educational backgrounds. YES! is our way of ensuring they have a strong, practical command of English so they can focus on excelling in their fields once they arrive at their host universities,” SEARCA shared.

“This initiative reflects SEARCA’s commitment not only to granting scholarships, but to supporting scholars’ full academic journey.”

Flexible online micro-credential

The micro-credential builds on SEARCA’s long-running Basic English Course, which had traditionally been delivered in person before scholars proceeded to their respective study posts. As scholars’ needs and conditions evolved—particularly with increasing geographic dispersion and varying internet connectivity—SEARCA reimagined the program as a flexible, technology-enabled offering.

YES! allows scholars to learn at their own pace and access materials wherever they are. The program includes modules on basic English grammar, academic reading, and academic writing. To support diverse learning preferences and varying internet conditions, the modules are available through structured Moodle lessons, downloadable PDF materials, and video lectures.

Online consultations to build confidence

To complement the self-paced modules, SEARCA will conduct online consultation sessions via Zoom every Friday starting in July. The five-week consultation program will provide real-time interaction, feedback, and guidance from facilitators.  It will also allow scholars to raise questions, share concerns, and receive support as they prepare for graduate study and life in their host universities. The sessions will cover academic communication, daily survival communication, social communication and relationship building, intercultural communication, and professional and academic confidence.

Supporting scholars’ success across Southeast Asia

With YES!, SEARCA aims to close language-related learning gaps that can hinder performance, especially in research-intensive and technical fields.

By investing in the English proficiency and communication skills of its scholars, SEARCA strengthens its broader mandate to promote inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development across Southeast Asia through high-quality graduate education and research.