The Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Department of Languages, Literature, and Arts Faculty (DLLA) embarked on an international educational visit to three (3) universities in Jinjiang, China, from 30 June to 4 July 2025. The visit aimed to strengthen the international partnership of ADDU with Quanzhou Vocational and Technical University (QVTU), Huaqiao University (HQU), and Liming University, and provided opportunities for academic exchange, creative exploration, and cross-cultural understanding. The ADDU delegation includes the DLLA Chair, Dr. Stella Marie G. Arcenas, Ateneo Language Center (ALC) Director, Dr. Benedict V. Omblero, and six (6) regular Full-Time faculty, namely, Dr. Josyl Aquilam, Dr. Cheryl Baldric, Dr. Judith Dalagan, Dr. Abraham Garcia, Dr. Shiela Guinal, and Dr. Jose Marie Ocdenaria.
The educational visit began at QVTU with a campus tour and a formal academic conversation with administrators. The ADDU delegates were warmly welcomed by QVTU International Office Director Tea Wang, and were shown the facilities in the School of Arts and Media and the School of Education. After the tour, they sat down with the School of Education Head, Dr. Li Yao, Language Center Director, Dr. Yilin Liu, and several faculty members from the School of Education and the School of Arts and Media. Discussions centered on future partnerships in language training, internships, and student and faculty exchange programs.
The ADDU faculty also visited Huaqiao University (HQU) in Xiamen City, starting with a quick tour at the University History Museum, where a few of the faculty tried a traditional Chinese way of printing from stone. Then, the delegation proceeded to the Jimei School Village for a courtesy visit to the Chinese Language and Culture College. They were greeted by Mr. Lei Yun and Mrs. Chang Tinghua, representatives from the HQU. The conversation aimed at continuing the faculty exchange program of the ADDU-Confucius Institute (CI). The visit to HQU concluded at the Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall, which showcased the legacy and accomplishments of a visionary educator and philanthropist, Tan Kah Kee.
The final university visit was at Liming University, where they met the Vice Dean of the School of International Exchange, Mr. Huang Zhiqing, and Chinese Foreign Language Instructors, Ms. Guo Yufan and Ms. Fan Aoying, for a courtesy visit and an academic dialogue on possible collaborations between DLLA and their university, and shared goals in skill-based education and possibilities for faculty and student exchange. Then, the ADDU faculty toured their University Museum and its specialized buildings for their Engineering programs.
This international educational visit was more than a series of campus tours—it was an exchange of expertise, creativity, and cultural understanding. The ADDU-DLLA faculty returned to Davao not only with strengthened academic connections and renewed vision for international collaboration, but also with an enriched intercultural experience and appreciation of the Chinese language, culture, and arts.
Article and Photos by Dr. Stella Marie G. Arcenas, Chair, Department of Languages, Literature, and Arts
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