Saint Mary’s University (SMU) successfully hosted a partnership meeting with Howest University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, marking another milestone in its internationalization efforts.

Held on April 20, 2026, at the University Boardroom, the meeting was attended by Joni Verstraete, International Coordinator for Social Work at Howest University, along with key SMU officials, including Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, University President; Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Internationalization Office; Dr. Felipe V. Nantes Jr., Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Humanities (STEH); Ms. Kristine Anne Israel, Department Head of Psychology; and Mr. Alfredo Julio Montoya, faculty member from the Psychology and Social Work programs.

The discussion focused on potential academic collaborations in Social Work and Applied Psychology to strengthen institutional linkages and expand global opportunities for students and faculty.

SMU officials highlighted the university’s continued commitment to building international partnerships that promote academic excellence and global engagement. The meeting also served as a platform to explore possible initiatives, such as student mobility, internships, joint academic programs, and teacher education collaborations. Representatives from STEH contributed to the discussion by sharing insights on teacher education, including potential collaborations in training, curriculum development, and international academic engagement.