The University of Baguio (UB) aims to nurture the spirit of learning in its students through a diverse array of programs and activities that provide academic and cultural enrichment outside of the four walls of the classroom. Among its initiatives are the international student mobility programs, which endeavor to send students all over the world to participate in exchange programs that expose them to broader horizons that can contribute greatly to their growth and development.
In light of this goal, the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS) sent the second cohort of Forensic Science interns to Samut Prakarn, Thailand this previous semester to participate in a clinical laboratory training and cultural immersion program in partnership with Huachiew Chalermprakiet University (HCU). The program featured intensive immersion geared towards honing their technical skills and fostering intercultural exchange and understanding among the members of the cohort and their Thai hosts.
During their visit, the students were trained in specialized forensic techniques such as microscopic analysis and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) procedures, further enhancing their technical knowledge. Their visit also took them to several distinguished forensic institutions, such as the Central Institute of Forensic Science and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, allowing them to witness firsthand the use of state-of-the-art technology and the operation of professional forensics laboratories.
The cohort also visited several historical and cultural sites, such as the Wat Arun Temple (also known as the “Temple of Dawn”) and the Ayuthaya Historical Park, exploring the rich history of Thailand and learning about its roots.
Beyond just an opportunity to travel, the trip to Thailand was an enriching experience that expounded upon the foundational education they had gleaned from the University of Baguio. In an ever-evolving field like Forensic Science, keeping on top of the curve when it comes to technical knowledge is essential for being able to keep up with the demands of the working world. This trip facilitated that growth, allowing the students to broaden their horizons and learn key skills and techniques within a short period of time.
As UB continues to strengthen its student mobility programs, its partnerships with HCU and other educational institutions all over the world will continue to play a key part in ensuring that the university is able to pursue its goal of providing balanced quality education at all levels. This phase of student mobility won’t be the last, and the university aims to continue sending students out to Thailand and other countries to allow them the chance to grow and develop both professionally and personally through immersive training and cultural exchange.
