Internationalization Program
I. Rationale
Mother Ignacia Center for International Affairs (MICIA) advances the global engagement agenda of St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. (SMCII) by promoting international collaboration, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), MICIA integrates internationalization strategies that contribute to quality education, partnerships, employability, gender inclusion, peacebuilding, climate action, and sustainable institutional development.
II. Programs
Purpose
To provide Michaelite students with opportunities to engage in international and national learning experiences that develop global competencies, cultural awareness, employability skills, and appreciation for diversity and sustainability.
Scope
This program covers all student mobility initiatives, including international and national exchanges, study tours, internships, cultural immersions, virtual mobility/COIL classes, youth camps, and related activities for undergraduate students of SMCII.
Purpose
To strengthen the research culture of SMCII by supporting faculty and students in presenting scholarly work at international conferences, fostering global academic collaboration, and promoting research aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Scope
The program includes participation in international research forums, paper presentations, research collaboration with foreign institutions, and activities coordinated with the Research Management Office (RMO).
Purpose
To create a globally engaged, culturally inclusive, and internationally aware campus environment by integrating global perspectives, multicultural experiences, and SDG-related content into student life and academic programs.
Scope
This program encompasses on-campus activities such as International Culture Week, guest lectures, language courses, intercultural dialogue circles, SDG and peace education campaigns, and other initiatives that bring internationalization directly to the SMCII community.
Purpose
To enhance institutional quality and competitiveness by learning from global best practices in academic instruction, research, sustainability, governance, and student development through structured benchmarking visits.
Scope
This program covers benchmarking preparations, local/national/international institutional visits, data gathering and reporting, adoption of best practices, partnership discussions, and post-benchmarking evaluation for integration into SMCII’s systems and plans.
The Mother Ignacia Center for International Affairs positions St. Michael’s College of Iligan, Inc. as a globally responsive institution. Through the programs outlined above, MICIA nurtures globally competent Michaelites who embody excellence, leadership, and service in both local and international contexts.