The UA&P student exchange program: What you need to know

By Liza Marie D. Alvarado
Corporate Communications Office

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It is one thing to move to a different city to be closer to your university. It is another ballgame altogether to study in another country so far and foreign that you suddenly miss the chaos of EDSA traffic.

For the daring and determined, however, this is the perfect time to explore a whole new world. The opportunity to develop further in one’s field of specialization and increase one’s understanding of other cultures firsthand is just too difficult to pass up.

UA&P’s International Exchange Program offers exciting opportunities across the seas for students like you. Its tie-up with international universities that share the same passion for excellence in a Christian atmosphere guarantees you a rich learning environment. Whether in the sciences, business, or liberal arts, there is a university out there for you that will fit like a glove.

Partner universities

At present, UA&P has active exchanges with 30 international partner institutions:

Australia

• Griffith University

• The University of Newcastle

Chile

• Universidad de los Andes

Germany

• Fachhochschule Schmalkalden – University of Applied Sciences

• Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm

• ZMT (Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology)

Hong Kong

• Lingnan University

Indonesia

• Universitas Surabaya

• Widya Mandala Catholic University

• Binus University

• Merlion International School

Italy

• Pontifical University of Santa Croce

Japan

• Ritsumeikan University

Mexico

• Universidad Panamericana

Peru

• Universidad de Piura

Poland

• Adam Mickiewicz University

South Korea

• Hannam University (Southeast Asian Studies Center)

• Hallym University

• Myongji University

• Sookmyung Women’s University

• Kyungpook National University

Spain

• Universidad de Alcala

• University CEU-Cardinal Herrera

• Universidad de Cordoba

• Universidad de Navarra

• Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

• Universidad Catolica de Valencia

Taiwan

• Kainan University

USA

• University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Vietnam

• College of Foreign Economic Relations (COFER)

Qualifications

Found a university you like? The next question to ask is “Am I qualified to apply as an exchange student?” Fortunately, there are only three considerations:

• A minimum GWA of 2.0. Students who do not meet this requirement may still apply but will be waitlisted.

• No disciplinary record.

• At least a sophomore upon the commencement of studies at the partner university.

These considerations, simply put, deal with academic readiness and enough maturity. Though the subjects are taught in English, the context might be different. Group work might be an uphill climb, what with the cultural barrier and all. And the only thing you might have in common between you and your would-be professors is your interest in the subject. You must also be mature enough to handle the complexities of living abroad. When things go bumpy, re-packing your bags is not the first option. Remember that you carry with you not just the name of the school but also of the country. Use your time well. Make lots of friends because you never know what doors are opening up for you.

Procedures

The person who can help you most in applying for this program is your school’s student exchange coordinator. The exchange coordinator will assist you in meeting the requirements of the partner institution. Questions like “Do I need to pay tuition fees?”, “Which subjects should I take?”, or “Where will I stay there?” will be answered by your coordinator. You will be happy to know that some partner universities match UA&P’s tuition fee rates. You can even pay here in UA&P the tuition fee for your host school.

Here are your exchange coordinators:

• College of Arts and Sciences – Ms. Mairene Leynes

• School of Communication – Dr. Francine Racho

• School of Economics – Mr. Edwin Pineda

• School of Education and Human Development – Ms. Lexie Estacio

• School of Law and Governance – Atty. Jeremy Gatdula

• School of Management – Ms. Elsie Laguador

• Entrepreneurial Management – Ms. Lei Cerrer

• School of Sciences and Engineering – Engr. Henry Ligot

Closely working with your school’s exchange coordinator is the Public and International Affairs (PIA) Office. They facilitate the nomination process for potential exchange students. They also coordinate directly with their counterparts in the partner institution regarding admission of students coming from UA&P.

Should you get accepted, go for it! Prepare yourself well for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and do not forget the chocnut and chicharon to share with future friends.

To contact PIA, click here.