The University of Baguio proudly celebrates 15 years of meaningful collaboration with ZIP Travel Philippines, an enduring partnership rooted in a shared commitment to empowering individuals through global education and cultural exchange.
ZIP Travel Philippines, an international company that provides quality educational and cultural exchange programs to students and professionals, recently celebrated their 15-year journey in supporting participants and valued members for higher quality educational opportunities across the globe. The event took place at the Par 7 function hall of the Baguio Country Club on August 1, 2025.
27 UB employees and members (Top Management and respective College Deans from each department) from the University gathered along with ZIP Travel Philippines CEO Aaron Black, Director of Operations, Ms. Mary Jane De Guzman, Program head Ms. Malou Wana, Program and HR Manager, Ms. Remina Joy Destriza, and Business Development Manager, Ms. Mary Ann Perez to discuss the progress report for the Bridge USA – J1 program being offered to the University of Baguio.
A brief history of ZIP Travel and the University of Baguio
Since 2011, UB has actively participated in the BRIDGE USA Program – J1 Cultural Immersion, marking the beginning of a transformative journey for our students, faculty, and administrators. Through this partnership, the UB BRIDGE Program (Broadening Reach through International Development and Global Experience) has expanded its one-stop international services, providing participants with real-world experiences that enhance English communication skills, intercultural competence, and global awareness.
Formally established through a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in 2011, under the leadership of the former Dean of SIHTM and now Linkages Office Director, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro. Initially offering the Bridge USA J1 Visa program exclusively to School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) students, the partnership eventually expanded to include students from various schools, like the Bridge Cultural Exchange Program also known as Summer Work and Travel (SWAT).
Now under the leadership of Dean Jenelyn Magpatoc, the collaboration continues to thrive, expanding global engagement and academic opportunities, reaching upwards of 831 university students through ZIP Travel Philippines alone.
As the partnership evolved, new developments were introduced to strengthen career and student development initiatives at UB and ZIP Travel. These include an expanded screening program and enhanced international opportunities, particularly for students and graduates of the SIHTM course. Through open cultural and industry immersion programs; investing in skills training/related to their field of study.
Guided by its mission to educate individuals to become empowered professionals in a global community, the University of Baguio, together with ZIP Travel Philippines, has continuously opened doors to international opportunities, strengthening our commitment to Quality Education (SDG 4) in promoting life-long learning opportunities and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) to foster good collaborations in private sectors, the society and communities, and other prospects/stakeholders.
The Bridge USA programs, J1 Visa and Summer Work and Travel, both offered by the University of Baguio, provide life-long learning opportunities, develop opportunities and experiences for cross-cultural competency building and awareness, and improve academic-forward and practical usage of soft and hard skills necessary for professional impact.
Global impact and academic reach
In its commitment to global education and achievements in student development through flagship programs like Bridge USA, the University of Baguio has been ranked #1 globally for Student Support and Engagement in the 2024 World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) Rankings.
This remarkable achievement provides certification toward UB’s strategic efforts to provide students with career readiness and high-level knowledge assertion and intercultural competence. Through intercultural opportunities and collaborations with the likes of ZIP Travel Philippines, it has then opened an avenue for impending partnerships for student and career development in national and global exposures or metrics, all while addressing other sustainable development goals for future programs and academic fulfilment down the line.
Sustainable partnership reports and important updates
Included within the appreciation event was the presentation on the United States exchange program policy guidelines, along with progress reports from past participants of the J-1 program offered toward the program and personnel. Including statistics under cultural exchanges, challenges faced, and professional / career impact. The program has also made significant contributions to past participants, having their overall experience worthwhile in expanding their knowledge and embracing a broader sense of cultural recognition and appreciation.
With a ninety-seven percent (97%) rate for past participants to foster deeper cultural awareness and diversity for cross-cultural competency skills, a seventy-five percent (75%) rate in developing lifelong relationships and friendships from a cross-cultural standpoint, and an overall rate of eighty-eight percent (88%) in agreeing that the US internship program helped them in the workplace significantly.
Other notable metrics include a seventy-nine percent (79%) feedback rate in participants and graduates securing a job faster after coming back home from the US. And eighty-six percent (86%) in developing English communication skills (and in exceeding their expectations). With the dissension of students experiencing challenges like homesickness, cold weather, and or cultural alignment at thirty-eight percent (38%), and an overall two (2) out of ten (10) dissatisfaction date (due to mismatch on housing/accommodation issues), it was given of importance that these be addressed and be taken of immediate action for responsible handling and guidance (with implications on protection and privacy).
A high-level partnership with profound cultural ties
The appreciation event ended on a high note, with exchanges on insights and experiences from the graduates and students thanking the leadership and trust given by the University of Baguio and ZIP Travel Philippines. A partnership founded for a great deal and impact in academic and career developments down the line.
This 15-year milestone is a testament to the transformative power of international collaboration in shaping globally competent and socially responsible individuals. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to ZIP Travel Philippines for its unwavering dedication to promoting global mobility and experiential learning for Filipino students and educators.
As we move forward, UB reaffirms its commitment to building stronger, more inclusive, and globally connected educational pathways, fostering partnerships that empower lives and transform communities.
