The two institutions have launched a new program that will allow faculty members from the Ecuadorian university to travel to the Faculty of Education as visiting scholars.
Western Education and Ecuador’s UNESUM launch visiting scholar exchange
Western University’s Faculty of Education and the Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí (UNESUM) are gearing up to exchange knowledge, ideas, and esteemed researchers.
The two institutions have launched a new program that will allow faculty members from the Ecuadorian university to travel to the Faculty of Education as visiting scholars.
The program will support two visiting scholars per year and the Faculty of Education will contribute to covering costs for travel, accommodations and meals.
Once they arrive, UNESUM visiting scholars will be able to engage with the Faculty in a variety of ways.
This includes serving as a guest lecturer in graduate courses, delivering a public lecture, hosting a seminar for faculty and graduate students, participating in meetings with faculty and graduate students to foster academic exchange and engaging in research.
“The signing of this cooperation agreement with Western University of Canada represents a firm step towards the internationalization of Universidad Estatal del Sur de Manabí,” said UNESUM Rector Dr. Blanca Indacochea Ganchozo.
“This strategic alliance will allow us to strengthen scientific research, promote academic exchange, and open new training opportunities for our students and faculty. From UNESUM, we reaffirm our commitment to quality education with a global vision and to the generation of knowledge networks that contribute to the sustainable development of our region and the country."
Visiting scholars must be hosted by a full-time faculty member in the Faculty of Education with a research-eligible appointment.
To help would-be visiting scholars find a host, the Faculty’s Research Office is planning a series of virtual meet-and-greets.
“Our goal is to foster connections that will allow our faculty members to discover like-minded researchers,” said Associate Dean, Research, Dr. Nicole Neil.
“The benefits that come from visiting scholars will stretch far beyond their stay with us. The insights and perspectives they bring will help Western University and UNESUM create a lasting impact both in our research and in our teaching practices.”
The Faculty of Education and UNESUM have stayed close partners since the two signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023.
Dr. Donna Kotsopoulos, Dean of the Faculty of Education, credits alum Dr. Diego Sornoza-Parrales with initiating the conversations that led to the partnership. Sornoza-Parrales now serves as UNESUM’s Director of Cooperation and Internationalization.
“I really want to acknowledge Diego’s contribution and his exemplary efforts as one of our alumni,” Kotsopoulos said.
“When our graduates go abroad and want to stay connected, we are going to do what we can to find the resources needed to ensure that partnership is supported.”
For Sornoza-Parrales, the latest joint effort from Western and UNESUM will create an academic bridge between the two institutions, allowing the mutual strengthening of their research capabilities.
“As a Western alumnus, I am pleased to see how the connections formed during my doctorate now open doors for more academics from Manabí,” Sornoza-Parrales added.
Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the Faculty of Education’s Visiting Scholars webpage.
