BukSU and UKSW Conclude 6-Week COIL Program on Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

Bukidnon State University and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana completed a six-week Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing involving nursing students from the Philippines and Indonesia.

The program involved 38 Level III nursing students from BukSU and 73 nursing students from UKSW through synchronous and asynchronous learning sessions conducted every Wednesday from April 14 to May 13, 2026. The initiative focused on global collaboration and culturally responsive nursing education through intercultural exchanges and discussions on mental health nursing.

Faculty lecturers for the program were NS. Desi, S. Kep., MSN, SP. Kep from UKSW and Ms. Mariz Rochelle Sedon, RN, MAN, PhD from BukSU. They facilitated discussions, collaborative activities, and intercultural learning sessions throughout the program.

During the six-week engagement, students studied concepts and current issues in psychiatric and mental health nursing while participating in activities designed to develop teamwork, communication, and cultural competence. One of the activities included a mini-survey and interview among Senior High School learners on student well-being and mental health awareness. The activity allowed students to apply research, communication, and community engagement skills in an international collaborative setting.

As part of the program requirements, students worked in intercultural teams to produce mental health promotional videos intended to promote awareness, empathy, and positive mental health practices among young people. A total of nine advocacy videos were produced during the program.

The closing program held on May 13, 2026, included the presentation and recognition of the top three mental health promotional videos before faculty members, students, and international guests.

University officials, faculty members, and representatives from both institutions attended the opening and closing programs. Among those present were Dr. Hazel Jean M. Abejuela, Vice President for Academic Affairs of BukSU, and Dr. Ma. Algerica T. Cuenco, Dean of the College of Nursing. Other officials involved in the initiative included Dr. Fatima C. Tanzo, Department Chair; Dr. Lharra Mae C. Postrano, College of Nursing Internationalization Coordinator; Prof. Yafet Yosafet Wilben Rissy, Vice Rector for Cooperation and Alumni Affairs; Dr. Priska Lydia S. Pulungan, Vice Dean; and Dr. Maria Dyah Kurniasari, Head of the Nursing Science Study Program.

The institutions also recognized Dr. Joy M. Mirasol, University President of BukSU, and Prof. Dr. Intiyas Utami, Rector of UKSW, for supporting the international academic collaboration between the two universities. The COIL initiative formed part of the partnership between BukSU and UKSW in internationalization and nursing education through collaborative learning activities involving students and faculty members from both institutions. (Mariz Rochelle C. Sedon, College of Nursing Faculty)