When the university committed itself to crossing academic borders, it also welcomed those borders to cross back.
Diana Vereškaitė, a fourth-year doctoral researcher in Applied Mathematics from Vilnius University, is on a full-time research traineeship at Caraga State University’s Department of Mathematics from February to April 2026. This traineeship is part of her Erasmus+Student Mobility program, a prestigious European Union-funded initiative that enables doctoral researchers to undertake structured, research-intensive training abroad. This means that while she is academically enrolled at Vilnius University, she has the opportunity to engage in doctoral-level research at a university outside Lithuania, which CSU had the pleasure of hosting.
On choosing the leading university in Caraga
We had the privilege of interviewing Diana on her second day at the university, and she heartily shared that her previous engagements with some of our university professors in Mathematics abroad and her current research focus led her to choose Caraga State University as her host institution for two months. “ My current study focuses on creating a model for volatility analysis with application in emerging financial markets. The goal is to take all that data [financial news], turn it into sentiments, and incorporate that into a numeric model,” shared Diana.
In the said mobility program, trainees are allowed to identify a host institution that best suits their study objectives, granted that the chosen institutions are capable of providing appropriate supervision, facilities, and academic relevance—requirements that CSU met. Her study will be closely guided by Dr. Jayrold B. Arcede, the host professor from the Department of Mathematics. Professor Arcede’s expertise and international academic reputation directly align with her doctoral research focus.
On the sunnier side of her experience, Diana finds herself very welcomed at the university, matched perfectly by the weather, as she fondly notes. “I love it [the summer]. With more sun, the mood is better,” added Diana. “Everyone here seems so welcoming. I had a lot of activities to do and professors to meet. Overall, it’s been very great,” reflecting on her first day when she was toured around the campus.
When asked about how she hopes to see the traineeship unfold, Diana looks forward to immersing herself in the Philippine campus life. “I want to experience academia in general—the similarities and differences […] definitely, I would put a plan to visit some of the mathematics students and learn how it is here.”
More about her study
During her stay, Diana will focus on advanced empirical research to develop a new multivariate GARCH model for analyzing volatility in emerging financial markets using Southeast Asian data and stock investment behavior. Her work will include preparing, processing, and analyzing financial and news datasets, as well as designing, implementing, and testing R programming code for multivariate volatility models. In simpler terms, her study will help explain and anticipate market fluctuations, enabling investors, businesses, and policymakers to make informed financial decisions amid economic uncertainty.
At CSU, she will engage in regular scholarly discussions to analyze and interpret research results within an international academic context. Her study’s progress and findings will be recorded before its presentation back at Vilnius University.
Will she be going to Siargao?
True to the Filipino spirit of curiosity, we asked whether Siargao—an internationally known tourist destination in the region famed for its waves, beaches, and adventure—is on her to-see list. Having already explored parts of Asia on a previous six-month travel, Diana delivered an enthusiastic yes. While she aims to focus primarily on her research at the university, she is equally open to experiencing more of Caraga’s life scenes beyond the data. “I’m just so excited to be here and explore your beautiful country,” she muses, her smile evident.
Beyond its scholarly strengths, Caraga itself is a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the clear-blue shores of Dinagat Islands to the mystical waters of Enchanted River, every visit promises a story. We hope Diana will embrace learning and exploration here in equal measure.
Etched in history
Diana’s choice to study at the university is not simply coincidental. For Caraga State University, it crosses an unseen threshold of academic achievement, signaling a growing academic reach and global scholarly trust in its knowledge and assets. Through the traineeship, Diana is poised to contribute to CSU’s growing research landscape by strengthening international research collaboration, expanding knowledge development in applied mathematics and quantitative finance, and strengthening international scientific and academic standards.
This journey is historic not merely for being the first, but for what it represents and the possibilities that follow. Her presence at CSU is an entryway to demonstrate that the university is capable of providing graduate-level education to international scholars. Now, as a contributor to global research and linkages, CSU hopes more international scholars will make the same choice as Diana did.
Welcome to the university, and we hope you will have an academic experience worth sharing, Diana!
