Written by Mae Janica Palkit, International Affairs Staff
The University of Baguio (UB), through its Linkages Office, hosted a Farewell and Culminating Activity on December 14, 2024, at the Centennial Hall to celebrate the successful completion of the three-month Cultural Immersion and English Language Proficiency Enhancement Program for students and faculty from Jining Polytechnic and Linyi University.
The program began on September 7, 2024, when UB welcomed three students from Linyi University alongside three professors and 19 students from Jining Polytechnic. During their stay, participants engaged in various academic programs, including Tourism Management, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Elementary Education, Computer Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Mechatronics, Business Administration, International Hospitality, and English.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Melanie Rulla Saro, Director of the Linkages Office, highlighted the significance of the cultural exchange initiative in fostering international partnerships. She also announced UB’s plans to send students to Jining Polytechnic and Linyi University in February 2025, emphasizing the enduring collaboration among the three institutions. Ms. Saro expressed her hopes for the participants’ continued success and their role in strengthening global connections.
The event featured testimonials from five Chinese students, who shared their experiences and reflections. They expressed gratitude for UB’s hospitality, noting the warm and inclusive environment they encountered. Many shared that it was their first time traveling abroad and conveyed appreciation for the friendships they formed and the opportunity to enhance their English proficiency in the Philippines.
Ten UB student buddies also recounted their journey of connecting with the exchange participants through various interactive and collaborative activities. One student reflected on the valuable lessons they learned about fostering inclusivity and engagement despite cultural differences. “There were challenges along the way, but overcoming them together strengthened our bond and created a lasting sense of unity,” they shared.
The program concluded with the awarding of Certificates of Completion to the Chinese students. Professors Shen Yuchen, Yue Aiju, and Yuan Peng from Jining Polytechnic were also presented with tokens of appreciation. In turn, representatives from Jining Polytechnic and Linyi University expressed their gratitude by presenting tokens to Director Saro, the Linkages Office staff and student assistants, and faculty members from UB’s School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA).
The farewell program highlighted the success of UB’s partnership with its international counterparts, showcasing how cultural exchange programs can create global connections and promote mutual understanding.
