Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) became the first institution in the Visayas to partner with Europe-based Bixter Academy for a paid international internship program.

Agriculture students and related fields serve as the primary beneficiaries of the initiative, according to provincial officials, who announced Tuesday that a memorandum of agreement signed on April 27 formalized the partnership.

In a statement, the provincial government said Bixter Academy chief executive officer Nataliya Jorgensen and ESSU President Andres Pagatpatan signed the document with the support of Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone.

Former governor Ben Evardone first facilitated the program in 2025. Glenda Dulfo of the Bureau of Immigration, a native of Eastern Samar, assisted in coordinating the project to expand global pathways for local graduates.

Gov. Evardone said providing international experience remains a key advocacy for the province, adding that these pathways allow students to gain professional exposure while supporting their families.

“The program opens global pathways for students, allowing them to gain international experience, support their families, and bring pride to Eastern Samar,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Evardone said the partnership enhances global exposure and creates more career opportunities for ESSU students and alumni.

The collaboration also supports the province’s broader efforts in education and workforce development, he added.

Bixter, an international recruiting company based in Denmark, specializes in connecting qualified candidates with traineeship and work opportunities across Europe. (PNA)