Exchanging Culture, History, and New Global Experiences:
Mapua MCL Students Embark on Tri-City Tour
By: Ivana Ruth Vidal
In a remarkable display of cultural exchange and global engagement, B.S. Business Administration students, Princess Sarah Casas and Mark Laurens Corales embarked on an enriching tri-city tour in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This immersive journey was made possible under Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL)’s student mobility program, EXCHANGE, Exchanging Culture, History, And New Global Experiences. It provided a unique opportunity for the students to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of diverse cultures, and foster meaningful connections with their peers from around the region.
The EXCHANGE program aims to promote international understanding and collaboration by providing students with opportunities to learn and experience diverse cultures firsthand. Through this initiative, students gain valuable insights into global perspectives, expand their professional networks, and develop a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of the world around them.
“It was a rare opportunity to participate in, so I immediately grabbed the chance and prepared everything I could as this was also my first time travelling outside the country,” Casas shared. Corales, who previously participated in Univeritas Esa Unggul’s Immersion Program last July 2023, said that it was an opportunity that should not be missed.
Held November 3-12, the mobility tour was meticulously designed to immerse students in the cultural and academic tapestry of Southeast Asia. An integral part of this tour was the inclusion of campus visits and tours at leading universities in each city. These visits provided students with a firsthand look at the academic environments and facilities of Mapúa MCL’s partner institutions, allowing them to compare different educational systems and gain insights into various approaches to teaching and learning.
At each campus, the students were warmly welcomed by the hosts, who provided them with guided tours of the facilities, introduced them to the faculty and staff, and arranged opportunities to interact with current students. These interactions provided students with more understanding of the unique academic cultures and learning experiences offered by each institution.
Corales fondly recalled the beauty of the campuses and their cutting-edge facilities, “After touring the campus, I came to understand how their students would really enjoy attending their classes there.” Casas further elaborated on the immersive learning environment, highlighting designated classrooms that simulate real-world work settings, allowing students to gain practical experience in their chosen field.
The students, joined by Prof. Donn Moreno, the Business Administration Program Chair, visited Taylor’s University, INTI International University, and Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation. Including these tours and visits proved to be a valuable addition to EXCHANGE as it offered students a comprehensive view of higher education in Southeast Asia.
A highlight of the trip was Casas and Corales’ presentation at the 2nd International Youth Conference on Language and Culture (IYCLAC) held at Universitas Esa Unggul in Jakarta, Indonesia. Alongside online presenters, these students had the privilege of sharing their research with an international audience.
“Presenting our group’s paper was nerve-wracking yet incredibly rewarding,” Corales reflects. Casas initially found the experience intimidating, but it provided a unique opportunity for these students to step out of their comfort zone. She took pride in her ability to effectively communicate and discuss their research with the other presenters and participants.
Prof. Moreno actively encourages students to take advantage of unique opportunities like this to elevate their research endeavors. Participation in such activities, according to Prof. Moreno, will not only offer students an additional platform to showcase their research but also foster their ability to effectively present their work on an international scale.
Casas enthusiastically encourages fellow students to embrace the opportunity to participate in a student mobility program, emphasizing the invaluable experiences and global perspectives it offers. “Don’t let opportunities such as this slip away,” Casas urges. Echoing this statement, Corales adds, “Jump at the opportunity right away. The learnings and experiences you gain after are like no other.”
Prof. Moreno actively encourages students to take advantage of unique opportunities like this to elevate their research endeavors. Participation in such activities, according to Prof. Moreno, will not only offer students an additional platform to showcase their research but also foster their ability to effectively present their work on an international scale.
Casas enthusiastically encourages fellow students to embrace the opportunity to participate in a student mobility program, emphasizing the invaluable experiences and global perspectives it offers. “Don’t let opportunities such as this slip away,” Casas urges. Echoing this statement, Corales adds, “Jump at the opportunity right away. The learnings and experiences you gain after are like no other.”