BukSU launches expanded COIL partnership with Indonesia’s UMY

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), Indonesia, launched their additional programs partnership with the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) and the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Social and Political Sciences programs under the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Program, held virtually via Zoom on October 30, 2025.

The COIL program is designed to foster joint teaching, research, and cross-border learning without the need for traditional, costly physical mobility.

This initiative has involved students from various academic programs to infuse global perspectives across disciplines, and BukSU is expanding the reach of its COIL program to include disciplines focused on public service and social development.

The university views internationalization not as an add-on, but as a strategic direction to ensure its graduates are globally competent. Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized academic excellence and its strategic thrust toward internationalization.

Dr. Lalevie C. Lubos and Dr. Ridho Al-Hamdi, Deans of CPAG and UMY, respectively, remarked how global collaboration can propel public administration education forward, emphasizing their shared dedication to creating inclusive and innovative learning environments.

Dr. Salome L. Escalona, BukSU’s Director of the Office of Distance Education and Learning (ODEL), detailed the COIL initiative’s history at the university, outlining its strategic goals and long-term vision for international academic partnerships.

Dr. Rijal Ramadhan, COIL Professor at UMY, presented the pedagogical framework, expected learning outcomes, and collaborative modules that will guide the program’s implementation.

For the students engaged in COIL, UMY Professor Ramadhan and BukSU Professor Dr. Yammie P. Daud presented to the two cohorts. They detailed each other’s rich diversity, academic strengths, and cultural vibrancy. (Annette Joy O. Cabactulan, CPAG Faculty and Mark Lyster Semortin, CPAG Faculty)