The University of Baguio always endeavors to provide learning opportunities that transcend the boundaries of the classroom. These opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience that hones their skills and techniques, shaping them into globally-competitive future professionals.
One of the programs the university offers is the BRIDGE USA Program, which offers students the life-changing chance to live and immerse themselves in the diverse culture of the United States. This program was established in 2010 and has since catered to over a thousand different students. This marks the third year that the program has been open to non-hospitality students, with this year’s participants being Engineering, Business, Allied Medical Sciences, Forensic Science, and Education majors.
In preparation for the departure of the 2025 batch, the Linkages Office held a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar for the students and their parents, briefing them on crucial topics such as the US workplace culture, legal rights and responsibilities, cross-cultural communication, and safety guidelines. The orientation aims to equip student switch the necessary tools to navigate a foreign environment while ensuring that they are able to make the most of their experience abroad.
After a rousing opening statement from the Dean of the School of Nursing (SN) Dr. Helen Alalag, the program proceeded with the orientation proper led by the Director of the Linkages Office, Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro. Her discussion delved into integral topics such as preparing for travel and settling in during after the trip. She also touched on important reminders, such as being mindful of local laws to ensure that they are not violating legalities during their stay.
Following Ms. Melanie’s segment was a talk from Mr. Aaron Black, the CEO of ZIP Travel Philippines, the university’s partner institution for this program. He delved into the topic of navigating a new cultural landscape, touching on the differences between American and Filipino culture and how to properly adjust and adapt to the new cultural landscape upon arrival.
The next segment was led by the Director of the Quality assurance Office (QAO), Dr. Kareen Leon, and focused on budgeting and financial management. She shared essential tips and techniques on how to keep to a budget and ensure that their allowances and stipend will be properly allocated to account for their expenses during the trip.
After a short lunch break, the students returned for a talk led by Ms. Mary Joy Limpin, the AACO Program Chair from the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM). She went over the basics of hospitality, giving the students an overview on how to properly and competently work in the service industry.
Shortly afterwards, the program moved into the latter half of its itinerary, calling in alumni from previous batches of the program to give their testimonials and to give the students a glimpse of what their journey will look like. Ms. Trixia May Alerta (BSMLS, SWAT Batch 2023) and Mr. Kyieth Pistula (BSBA, SWAT Batch 2024) shared their experiences with the program, giving the students and idea of what they will be doing in the next three months.
The program concluded with a closing statement from the Dean of the School of Business Administration and Accountancy, Mr. John Balanquit, who wished the students luck and safety during their travels.
A big thank you to the International Affairs Staff of the Linkages Office, Ms. Angelica Tamayo and Ms. Mae Janica Palkit, for ensuring that the event proceeded smoothly. Without their hard work and behind-the-scenes preparations, these programs would not be as accessible and informative.
Good luck to this year’s batch of Summer Work and Travel participants!
