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Interconnectivity and globalization have made it easier for companies to cross borders and reach new markets. While this scenario translates to better opportunities, it has made the workplace more competitive as employers prefer globally competent employees with international exposure. To address this growing need, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM)’s Alfonso T. Yuchengco College of Business (ATYCB) and College of Health Sciences (CHS) have embedded global immersion and real-world experiential learning among its key pillars to student success through its collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU) and its many opportunities for global experiences.
ASU, recognized as the most innovative university in the United States for ten consecutive years, ahead of MIT and Stanford, has established itself as a global leader in higher education. Known for its commitment to innovation and excellence, ASU collaborates with institutions worldwide to deliver high-quality, future-ready education. Through the collaboration with Mapúa MCM for business and health sciences, ASU brings opportunities for global education to Davao City. Through this collaboration, students gain access to a world-class learning experience, engaging with industry leaders in healthcare and business. This unique approach ensures students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s dynamic and technologically driven professional landscape.
While the traditional approach is learning sessions within the classroom, Mapúa MCM offers students global learning with ASU-enhanced curriculum and other experiences such as internships, immersion trips, and student exchange programs through its collaborations and partnerships with international universities, institutions, organizations, and agencies.
“By working closely with reputable global partners, Mapúa MCM ensures that students gain invaluable exposure to diverse cultures, expand their academic and professional perspectives, and develop critical skills to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. These partnerships enrich the overall educational experience and equip Mapúa MCM students for international careers and leadership roles,” said Leopoldo D. Aquino Jr., Mapúa MCM’s Director for the Office for Corporate Partnerships and Alumni Affairs.
Mr. Aquino further explained that international exposure helps develop sought-after “T-shaped” graduates or individuals who have deep technical knowledge in their fields (or the vertical part of the “T”) and broad, adaptable skills that allow them to collaborate across diverse disciplines (the horizontal part of the “T”).
Mapúa MCM asserts that the most effective learning happens in real-life situations under credentialed faculty’s professional expertise and guidance. Through global exposure, students become more in-tune with the latest international trends and issues and gain global-ready skills.
International exposure activities and programs broaden students’ perspectives and foster essential cross-cultural competencies so they can work productively in diverse teams and environments. They also develop a global mindset and high-level communication skills, which enhances their employability. This approach leads to a well-rounded education that prepares students to tackle complex, real-world challenges in the workplace.
The institution has also integrated the Student Global Experience (SGE) requirement, an integral zero-unit course available in all programs, to encourage students to expand their global competencies. This course requires students to join international exposure activities to help them become global-ready professionals who can excel in internationally diverse work environments.
To ensure the quality and consistency of global exposure activities, the institution launched the Center for International Programs (CIP) in 2022 under the Office for Corporate Partnerships (OCP). CIP organizes and vets immersion programs to ensure that each activity provides cultural exchange and global learning.
“The immersion trips are designed to give students firsthand experiences of diverse cultures, social systems, and professional environments. These trips typically include cultural tours, educational visits, and interactions with local universities and professionals,” added the institution’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado Jr.
Some key destinations previously visited by Mapúa MCM students include Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea. These visits enabled students to observe and appreciate cultural differences, practice interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, and sharpen global competencies.
seven of which were successful outbound student mobility engagements with 38 student participants as of 2024. It also organized two outbound immersion trips for faculty. In the same year, the institution also hosted inbound educational exchange programs, which were attended by ten inbound students from
These exposure trips include cross-university student exchanges, campus and factory tours, educational camps, international youth leadership congresses, and immersion trips.
While the participation rate of students is gradually increasing, the school has made global exposure more accessible to Mapúans through organized online international conferences they can virtually join. These online events, credited to their SGE, are an alternative option for students facing financial constraints or other barriers to physical travel. Through these in-person and virtual international exposure opportunities, Mapúa MCM offers invaluable global learning experiences that propel students to succeed in an interconnected world.
Students interested in joining these activities should apply for a slot at CIP. While the institution does not subsidize the cost of these trips, the CIP can refer students to funding sources, sponsors, and scholarships. Despite the investment, the real value of these international activities is the practical experience students gain, which can enrich their academic pursuits and motivate their professional aspirations.
