The Institutional Partnerships and Programs Office (IPPO) helped facilitate the exchange programs and trips of three Miriam College students to South Korea and selected countries in Europe.

Miriam College student Fourth Year International Studies student Angel Yap was the only Filipino who participated in the Global Summer School Program (GSSP) of the Catholic University of Korea last July 7 -28.

She was among 18 students from Australia, England, Spain, Taiwan, US and the Philippines. The program offered the opportunity for the students to experience the culture of Korea and learn the language by immersing them in Korean classes, interacting with other students from the Catholic University of Korea and Gwangmyeong High School’s International Club, and visiting the Mayor of Siheung, South Korea.

During the courtesy visit to the Mayor’s office, the students were able to share their thoughts on the importance of youth participation in politics and effectively contribute to social change. To complete their learning experience, participants traveled to various historical sites such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Gyeongbokgung Palace. “The program not only gave me the chance to fulfill my dreams of studying in Korea but also gave the opportunity to meet new friends from different parts of the world,” said Yap.

European Exchange Program

In a separate program, Trisha Marie Jao from the Psychology Department participated in the European Summer Program hosted by Lille University, Lille, France, last July 27 – August 21. The program focused on the culture and language of France, allowing them to spend classroom hours to learn the basics of the language. They also toured various sites to learn more about the history and culture of France. The exchange program gave her the opportunity to visit Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Brussels, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

“The trip helped me gain confidence in speaking French, enabled me to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone, and meet new friends that contributed greatly to my learning experience,” said Jao.

Conference in Seoul

Last July 3-8, Blythe Mignon Martinez, 4th year Child Development and Education student and Max’s Inc. Scholar, was nominated by Miriam College and chosen by the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Foreign Affairs to participate in the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop in Seoul, South Korea.

Various young leaders from all over Southeast Asia got the chance to learn the importance of building Environmentally Sustainable Cities by using renewable sources of energy and moving away from nuclear power and other sources that threatens the environment.

To see firsthand the best practices of South Korea, participants were brought to Cheong-la Environmental Corporation of Incheon, a water disposal facility; Nam-hang Environmental Cooperation of Incheon, a sewage treatment facility; and Sihwaho Tidal Power Plant, the Seoul Energy Dream Center.

“As a Miriam College student, Sangunian officer, and future teacher, I am committed to taking active steps to share the knowledge gained and encourage others to take strategic measures to protect the environment,” shared Martinez.