Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during AGA 2024 between the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), the International Teaching Sabbatical Scholar Program was successfully carried out with the participation of Captain Julio Bonilla.
Under this program, Captain Bonilla served as a Visiting Scholar in the Marine Transportation Department during the Fall 2025 semester, contributing actively to the academic mission of the Academy. His responsibilities included teaching a full course load, delivering specialized lectures, and supporting laboratory sessions and course instruction, thereby enriching the academic experience of cadets and faculty alike.
The program was conducted from the beginning of the Fall semester through 20 December 2025, with housing provided by the Academy and a stipend granted as part of the visiting scholar appointment. This academic exchange exemplifies the commitment of both institutions to faculty development, international collaboration, and the advancement of maritime education.
Both UMIP and MMA are members of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), and initiatives such as this program further strengthen their academic cooperation, promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices, and reaffirm their shared commitment to excellence in global maritime education.
