16 March 2026
Bilbao
The University is taking firm and decisive steps to strengthen the internationalisation of its research, teaching and global engagement. This commitment is reflected in the development of new collaborative networks and partnerships, the signing of new agreements, and a busy programme of visits aimed at strengthening relationships with universities around the world. The latest visits were to the Philippines and South Korea.
From 9 to 11 March, a delegation from the University of Deusto took part in the inaugural symposium of the Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities (GRAJU), held in Manila. Under the theme "The AI Frontier and the Distinctives of Global Jesuit Higher Education", the symposium marked the launch of a network of Jesuit institutions whose establishment the University of Deusto helped to promote. The alliance aims to strengthen scientific collaboration worldwide, underpinned by a shared commitment to academic excellence, social justice and service to the common good. Find out more about the Symposium.
In this context, Rector Juan José Etxeberria and the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations, Javier Arellano, held a working meeting on 12 March with the Rector and leadership team of Ateneo de Manila University. This meeting provided an opportunity to analyse and strengthen the areas of cooperation with this historic institution, founded by the Society of Jesus in 1859 and recognised as one of the Philippines’ leading educational institutions.
The Rector's and Vice-Rector's international agenda continued from 13 to 16 March in South Korea, where they visited two universities of strategic importance to the University's internationalisation strategy. The first was Sogang University, a Jesuit institution founded in 1960, with which the University of Deusto shares a commitment to the holistic education of the individual, guided by the spirit of love and faith in the sincere pursuit of truth. At this institution, the Rector and the Vice-Rector were welcomed by the University's President, Luke Sim Jong-hyeok, SJ; Executive Vice President for External Affairs, Tai-kyong Song; and Vice President for International Affairs, Fr Seil Oh, SJ.
The other university visited by the University of Deusto was Korea University, another highly prestigious institution which, founded in 1905, is one of the country's longest-established universities.
The primary aim of this mission to South Korea and the Philippines has been to strengthen and deepen existing institutional links in key areas such as student mobility, teaching and research. The welcome they received in both countries was exceptional, and the visit concluded with highly positive outcomes for the University's future global engagement.
During their visit to South Korea, Juan José Etxeberria and Javier Arellano also took the opportunity to meet with University of Deusto students currently studying at Sogang University, Korea University and other institutions.
