HCCCI Internationalization Officer Roelof van Buren represented Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) within the European higher education community through his participation in the 36th Annual European Association for International Education (EAIE) Conference and Exhibition, held September 8–11, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.

As HCCCI’s Internationalization Officer based in Europe, van Buren’s participation strengthened the institution’s ability to maintain professional connections within the European higher education sector, engage with international institutions, and identify opportunities that may contribute to HCCCI’s continuing internationalization initiatives. His participation was formally recognized through a Certificate of Attendance issued by EAIE.

Carrying the theme “The Rhythm of Revolution,” EAIE 2026 brought together higher education professionals, institutions, and organizations involved in international education to exchange perspectives, share practices, and develop professional connections. The conference provided a venue for discussions on emerging directions in internationalization and the changing approaches institutions are taking to build international relationships.

Throughout the four-day conference and exhibition, van Buren engaged with international higher education professionals and organizations, gaining perspectives on developments and practices relevant to institutional internationalization. These interactions also provided opportunities to introduce HCCCI’s institutional initiatives and explore possible areas of cooperation in academic exchange, international programs, institutional partnerships, and other educational initiatives.

HCCCI’s participation was particularly significant as the only Philippine institution participating in the EAIE Conference and Exhibition and as a member of the Fédération Européenne des Écoles (FEDE). Through its FEDE membership and participation in EAIE, HCCCI is able to engage with a wider network of European and international education stakeholders while bringing a Philippine higher education perspective into these conversations.

Van Buren’s Europe-based role provides continuity to HCCCI’s international engagement beyond individual conferences and events. By maintaining connections and following developments within the European higher education community, the role can help facilitate communication between HCCCI and prospective international partners and support the development of opportunities that may benefit the institution’s students, faculty, academic programs, and partner institutions.

The engagement supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education through the exchange of educational practices and perspectives; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through participation in diverse international education networks; SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions through institutional dialogue and professional exchange across cultural contexts; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the development of relationships that may lead to future cooperation.

For HCCCI, the participation of its Internationalization Officer reflects the importance of having a sustained institutional presence within international education networks. Beyond attending an international conference, van Buren’s engagement provides an avenue for HCCCI to listen to international perspectives, maintain professional relationships, and identify connections that can be developed into practical opportunities.

Together with the participation of School President Marivet S. Caballero and Executive Vice President Vanessa Marie L. Antiquin, MMEM, van Buren contributed to HCCCI’s unified institutional representation at EAIE 2026. His presence in Glasgow further supports HCCCI’s continuing efforts to build connections between Philippine and European higher education and to bring international opportunities closer to the HCCCI community.