As the University of Baguio continues to pave the way for its students to become global citizens, it offers them valuable opportunities to gain exposure to international work environments, cultures, and professional networks through extensive cultural immersion programs such as the BRIDGE USA Program.
Every year, a delegation from the university travels to the USA to check in on the students’ progress, ensuring that their academic, professional, and personal needs are met. In recent news, members from the Top Management, along with Deans, and academic leaders visited 39 UB students who have completed their three-month summer cultural immersion from May to September 2025, in Ohio and Pennsylvania, USA.
Alt text: Members from the Top Management, along with Deans, and academic leaders visit the intercultural immersion homestays and the welfare of the student delegates from the University of Baguio
UB’s Commitment to Student Welfare and Internationalization
The university’s delegation was led by the Vice President for Administration (VPA), Atty. Rommel P. Ayson, accompanied by the Dean of the School of Business Administration, Dr. John V. Balanquit, SON Faculty Member Ms. Diana Marie Amwao, and SIHTM faculty delegates, Ms. Joanna Marie, and Ms. Maria Victoria Natividad. Their presence underscores the dedication of the university to providing students with the necessary support during their time abroad.
With students coming from their respective departments and courses:
- School of Business Administration and Accountancy (Food Service and Retail delegation)
- School of Nursing (Shallow Guards and Lifeguard delegation/role)
- School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (Hotel and Customer Service Experience delegation)
Since the resurgence of the program that dates back to 2023, it has become a cornerstone of the institution’s unwavering commitment to internationalization and student development, allowing students to explore the world while gaining skills and knowledge that will serve them for years to come.
Alt text: Members from the Top Management, along with Deans, academic leaders, along ZIP Travel Inc. CEO, Aaron Black (with respective team representatives), visit the intercultural immersion homestays and the welfare of the student delegates from the University of Baguio
This commitment aligns with UB’s mission to become globally competitive, fostering a culture of excellence and supporting the growth of students in an international context. By providing students with these life-changing experiences, it ensures that its graduates who have gone under intercultural immersion training are not only well-educated, but also prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving global society.
Cultural Exchange and Professional Development
A key feature of the intercultural exchange program is the cultural immersion that students undergo during their time in the United States. Students are placed in various work settings where they can not only gain practical workplace experience but also experience life in a new cultural context. The professional development aspect is crucial, as students learn to navigate a professional setting while adapting to different work cultures, all while making lasting connections with people from around the world.
Alt text: Candid/personal progress log/shots from J1 intercultural student delegates from the University of Baguio (taken from different parts and states in the USA)
Through hands-on training and real-world challenges, participants are exposed to industry-specific tasks that help them refine their technical and soft skills. Gaining insights into work practices and business operations that are unique to the host countries (particularly the USA).
These experiences are invaluable for their professional development, providing them with a competitive edge in the global job market. Moreover, the program goes beyond just work experience. It offers cultural exchange, allowing students to share their own traditions and learn from their hosts. The two-way exchange fosters mutual respect, enhances intercultural competence, and broadens the worldview of the participants.
A Look into the BRIDGE USA Program’s Impact
The recent success of the three-month summer cultural immersion marks another milestone for the program, with a total of over 103 students deployed since its inception. Various students who have participated in cultural immersions came from diverse disciplines and academic expertise across the university, showcasing the broad appeal of the program. Following suit, the schools that have since represented the institution internationally are as follows:
- School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA)
- School of Information Technology (SIT)
- School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS)
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS)
- School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA)
- School of Nursing (SON)
The BRIDGE USA Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for UB students to immerse themselves in professional environments abroad, learn about different cultures, and build global networks. Whether it’s in hospitality, technology, or healthcare, the program equips students with real-world experience that enhances their education and prepares them for success in an increasingly interconnected world.
Felipe Villanueva – 4th year Forensic Science Student, School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety
“For the past three months, I essentially had to integrate myself here in the US, but thanks to how I was brought up in UB, i essentially became an effective person in the workforce, creating a professional network with all of the service departments, and it made life (as an intercultural student) here in the US a lot easier.”
Eioul Romm Jacob – 4th year Nursing Student, School of Nursing
“This has been a rewarding experience for me. I learned how to stay alert, respond fast, and handle responsibilities in professional setting(s). UB prepared me through swimming training, (essential) pre-deployment orientations, and as a Nursing student, I am already equipped with life-saving skills, which are CPR, First Aid (which is very important when you’re working as a lifeguard).”
Maria Sophia Nicalaine Razon – 4th year Financial Management Student, School of Business Administration and Accountancy
“My time as a supervisor at Cedar Point was a true rollercoaster ride. It was far from a smooth journey, but incredibly rewarding. The most memorable part of the experience was the people I met, surrounded by an amazing team that supported me and uplifted me, making the difficult moments manageable.”
“I learned how to motivate and lead a diverse group of individuals, embracing different perspectives and communication styles. UB played a crucial role in preparing me for this by orienting us on what to expect in our journey. My course in leadership and management provided me with theoretical knowledge through the challenges I faced.”
Camille Joy Vega – 4th year Accountancy Student, School of Business Administration and Accountancy
“I’ve met a lot of people, know about their cultures and traditions, which makes my stay here (at Kalahari resort) really-really fun! This program (also) helps me build my self-esteem and have confidence in the things that I have to do.”
Claude Kristoffer Garcia – 4th year Medical Laboratory Student, School of Natural Sciences
“I’ve already met a lot of people from all over the world (through the J1 program), from Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Dominican Republic, and so much more, of course, also the Americans whom I worked with. And that helped me to become more outgoing you meet people every day, and most of them will become your friends.”
“The University of Baguio does not lie when they tell (that) they prepare you to be globally competitive, because I realized that they truly prepared me in different aspects, such as the workplace, where I was able to adapt as a critical and creative thinker, and continue learning as a lifelong learner. I am grateful to do the summer work and travel (SWAT) program, not only to represent myself, but also my course, my school, and most importantly, my country, which is the Philippines.”
Alt text: Candid/personal progress log/shots from J1 intercultural student delegates from the University of Baguio (taken from different parts and states in the USA)
Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The BRIDGE USA Program is not just about providing individual opportunities for University of Baguio students, but also contributes to the global agenda set forth by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically:
- SDG 4: Quality Education – providing opportunities to learn beyond the classroom and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Equipping culturally-immersed students with the skills and knowledge to contribute to society and advance in their careers.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The program ensures that students are exposed to professional environments that allow them to grow in a social and economic standpoint. By working with esteemed global partners, students gain valuable experience that enhances their career prospects.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The program strengthens UB’s partnerships with global institutions and partner organizations, such as ZIP Travel Philippines and prominent host properties in the USA, like Cedar Point and Kalahari Resort. These partnerships are key to the program’s success, helping students gain invaluable exposure to the international job market.
The Future of the BRIDGE USA Program
The BRIDGE USA Program is looking to expand further, with new opportunities on the horizon. On September 30, 2025, the Linkages Office, in partnership with ZIP Travel Philippines, commenced the screening process for the fourth batch of students for the 2026 cohort. The face-to-face assessment took place on October 9, 2025, marking the beginning of a new round of global adventures for the next group of UB students.
The esteemed program is an essential part of UB’s mission to equip students with the tools and experiences they need to succeed globally. By continuing to provide students with these unique opportunities, having not only prepare them for professional success but also create leaders who can contribute to the betterment of communities around the world.
