The University of San Carlos, through the School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design (SAFAD), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) on October 7, 2024, in USC Talamban Campus. 

Under the MOU, the parties will work together to “establish a general framework to foster a bilateral relationship through mutual cooperation in teaching, research, and extension activities between USC and PAEF.”

Also known as the Fulbright Commission, PAEF is a non-profit, binational organization that administers the flagship foreign exchange scholarship program of the United States of America in the Philippines. 

In line with this, the Fulbright-USC partnership will focus on enhancing faculty research and teaching engagement; establishing joint research activities; and exploring the possibility of scholarships, training programs, and educational exchanges.

The University of San Carlos will also be given the opportunity to join a PAEF-led consortium of higher education institutions that will engage and participate in study abroad programs, promoting cross-cultural and educational exchanges between the Philippines and the United States. 

Present during the signing were the following: USC President Fr. Francisco Antonio T. Estepa, SVD, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs Fr. Jesuraj Antoniappen, SVD, Ph.D., SAFAD Dean IDr. Adrian P. del Monte, Ph.D., and PAEF Executive Director Julio S. Amador III.