Led by the Linkages Office of the University of Baguio, in collaboration with ZIP Travel Philippines, another exciting international opportunity has landed for UBians as the institution invites students and parents to the 2026 BRIDGE USA Cultural Exchange Program Orientation and Seminar.
Happening on April 29, 2026, participants are encouraged to gather at the Centennial Hall to discuss and touch up on topics about the Bridge USA programs and Summer Work and Travel (J1 Visa), offering lifelong learning opportunities that aid in developing opportunities and experiences for cross-cultural competency building and awareness, and improve academic-forward and practical application of soft and hard skills required for professional impact.
BRIDGE USA PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION AND SEMINAR (PDOS)
The event seeks the direct participation of impending outbound delegates from the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), the School of Nursing (SON), and the School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS). Seeking viable discussions and topics from the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, Linkages Office Director, Ms. Melanie Rulla-Saro, and the presence of ZIP Travel Philippines CEO, Mr. Aaron Black, alongside esteemed team members and representatives.
School representatives and deans from the participating departments also include SBAA Dean Dr. John Balanquit and SON Dean Dr. Helen Alalag (with SON level coordinator, Ms. Zorenne Buya-An Basilio, Rn, Man). The orientation paves the way for valuable experiences in terms of budget allocation, workforce responsibilities, and personal and professional upkeep given by 2025 S.W.A.T. alumni.
- Date: April 29, 2026
- Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
- Venue: Centennial Hall | University of Baguio
Expedited and supported through the Broadening Reach through International Development and Global Experience (BRIDGE) program, which brings more than just an international experience, as students learn the ins and outs of real-life experiences that sharpen communication skills, intercultural competence, and a genuine appreciation of cultural diversity.
Formally established through a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in 2011, the opportunities and collaborations with the likes of ZIP Travel Philippines have then opened an avenue for upcoming 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 fulfillment down the line.
Soaring over the skies in the pursuit of quality education, with over 831 participants involved in the BRIDGE cultural exchange program since 2024. Including the Summer Work and Travel (SWAT) program, granting full-time overseas work and experience to university students. Allowing them to spend up to four (4) months of their summer vacation living, working, and traveling in the United States.
In order to experience American culture, participants take seasonal, entry-level jobs in industries like hospitality or tourism, receiving salaries while paying for their expenses.
Since 2023, outbound participants from the UBian community have been taking the world by storm, with the following metrics and data from the university’s international affairs academic mobility archives:
2023 SWAT: 24 outbound students
- School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA): 7 students
- School of Nursing (SON): 16 students
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS): 1 student
2024 SWAT: 40 outbound students
- School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA): 19 students
- School of Nursing (SON): 17 students
- School of Natural Sciences (SNS): 3 students
- School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA): 1 student
2025 SWAT: 39 outbound students
- School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA): 20 students
- School of Criminal Justice and Public Safety (SCJPS): 1 student
- School of Information Technology (SIT): 1 student
Become a UBian global citizen; learn and lead from a broader vision, as the event upholds the promise of bringing global expansion and academic excellence accessible to promising and qualified applicants, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
This is your chance to learn from professionals and esteemed alumni in the ultimate mix of cultural wit and educational charm for practical application in the real world!
Don’t miss out on this; see you on the floor, UBians!
