The UPLB Learning Resource Center (LRC), in partnership with the Office of International Linkages (OIL) and the Society of Exchange Students-UP (SExS-UP), hosted a SOAR (Send-off, Onboarding, And pre-depaRture) Orientation for 16 outbound exchange students via virtual conferencing on July 29, 2024.
SOAR is one of LRC’s flagship programs. It provides outbound exchange students with a learning platform to prepare for their travel and become “UPLB ambassadors of goodwill” at their respective host universities abroad with the assistance of former and current exchange students.
OIL Director Anna Floresca F. Firmalino began the program by emphasizing the mission of exchange programs and their contribution to the university’s pool of knowledge.
“The reason why you are going on mobility is for you to learn, but it’s also for you to enjoy whatever learning you can gain from going outside the country and going to a different university. It’s really for you to try out something different—something new—but then come back home and apply whatever knowledge and skills you’ve gained from your visit to our partner [universities],” Firmalino said.
She presented the objectives of international mobility, the process of course substitution, and the necessary documentary requirements before, during, and after the mobility, such as the allowable course substitution form and request for residency.
During the first session, “CHECKLIST: Travel Tips and Getting Settled,” Dr. Maria Claret L. Tsuchiya, faculty member and one of the international relations officers at the College of Arts and Sciences who earlier obtained her doctorate from Ehime University, Japan, elaborated on the checklist of resources, including essential documents, emergency hotlines, and climate-ready items that the outbound students should bring during their stay abroad.
“Moving abroad for your studies for a short or a long term comes with a few challenges. It’s an adventure. However, I hope this checklist, despite being simple, is a start so that we are all prepared and can tackle challenges in studying abroad and [still] have a good experience,” Tsuchiya stated as she gave the students her final checklist reminder.
Justine Christian H. Mulig, an Agricultural and Rural Development Scholarship (ARDS) Program alumnus currently pursuing an MS in Horticultural Science at the North Carolina State University under the Fulbright-Philippine Agriculture Scholarship Program (FPASP) for Advanced Research, led the second session, “CONNECT: Preparing for Your Study Abroad.”
Mulig discussed his experiences in navigating the differences and similarities in learning, culture, and lifestyle between the Philippines and the United States.
“The most important thing I’d like to share is to learn from each other. It’s important to remember that this is a cultural exchange. Don’t be shy to share opinions or perspectives because you could always bring something to the table. As much as you can learn from them, it’s also good that they can also learn from you because you have a unique perspective that you can share,” Mulig urged the students.
Menard John N. Comia, president of SExS-UP, provided a brief overview of the socio-civic organization which aims to promote the value of cultural exchange and sharing of exchange experiences among UPLB exchange students. He also introduced other members to join in the program’s orientation for the upcoming segment as co-hosts.
The outbound exchange students were divided into five breakout rooms for the third session, “CREATE: How to Make Meaningful Memories out of Your Exchange Program.”
SExS-UP members and former exchange students led the presentations for the countries they visited: James Yumol presented on South Korea, Cheska Andrea Avenido on Indonesia, Gabriel Paul Tesoro on Japan, Angelica Anne Naguio on Taiwan, Arvin Christian Castro on Czech Republic, John Rey Fortes on Thailand, and Gio Gabriel Rimas on USA.
They answered questions from the outbound exchange students and shared valuable advice about their experiences and challenges to navigate each day in a new environment while also enjoying every moment, emphasizing that the experience will help them grow as students, individuals, and citizens.
“Just make sure na magkaroon kayo ng time na mag-enjoy kayo. Explore niyo yung campus, explore niyo yung other places dun sa country [while] inaalagaan niyo acads niyo, ” said Gio Rimas, one of the resource speakers, sharing how he went site-seeing, attended school events, and volunteered under a student organization at Michigan State University during his stay in the United States.
Reconvening back at the main Zoom room, Mae Kimberly Siason, a BA Communication Arts student bound for Thailand, shared her insights and positive outlook on her upcoming trip. “Laging nag-eecho rin ‘yung tip na ‘wag matakot na mag-try ng mga bagong bagay; be open to new experiences, have fun, and get to know the culture of the host country.”
LRC Director Mariyel Hiyas C. Liwanag concluded the orientation with her final remarks, “[H]indi lamang kayo pauunlarin ng magiging danas niyo sa ibang bansa academically, but holistically as well. Hopefully, you come back as a different person—a better one—and you will also share with your peers and to other students what you have learned from your experience abroad.”
LRC’s second SOAR this year is part of its mandate to complement OIL in facilitating exchange programs that would provide opportunities for students to expose themselves to various programs offered by other universities in the world.