As student academic mobility programs and immersions become more popular, the cultural bridge between topic enrichment and reciprocal immersion builds lasting connections. Supported through the Broadening Reach through International Development and Global Experience (BRIDGE) program, students from the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) at the University of Baguio continue to excel through their profound partnership with the dynamic exchange program at Khon Kaen University – College of Administration (KKU-COLA), Thailand.
The cultural bridge, now in its third year of implementation and exchanges, has improved English language education, encouraged reciprocal immersion, and created lasting connections, all supported by the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) department. As selected exchange program delegates went on real-world adventures, including deep cultural immersion provided by nearby institutions, the students had relatable experiences through academic and personal activities that increased global awareness and empathy among student delegates and accompanying faculty leaders and members.
Alt Text: Highlights from the courtesy call conducted at KKU-COLA, Thailand, along with the dean, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, UB STELA dean; Dr. Antonio Mangaliag, BAPS program chair; Ms. Marianne Basoyang, accompanying academic members, esteemed faculty members, staff, and exchange program students
Academic Immersion and Comparative Insights
Through coordinated and planned academic structuring, three (3) outbound students from the university set forth on their academic quest towards Thailand, where the visit began with welcoming remarks and a duly noted courtesy call to KKU-COLA’s dean, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sirisak Laochankham, where the bright student delegates from the BAPS department presented detailed outcomes and expectations for their academic journey and stay, all while expressing their fascination with Thailand’s public administration.
The delegates excitedly studied Thailand’s administration as political science students, studying its 20 constitutions in the midst of periodic coups d’état as well as important differences like deconcentration for provinces and decentralization for local control. These were very different from the Local Government Code of 1991 in the Philippines, which sparked a heated debate.
During one of their exchange study sessions that specialized in Urban Management and Technology (UMT), Governance and Public Affairs (GPA), and Financial and Fiscal Management (FFM), the UB-STELA trio dived into co-teaching during one of the learning sessions in the English language under Dr. Xenia Garnace’s guidance, targeting first-year Thai students. Their innovative activities made existing vernacular learning relevant to real-world majors, sparking enthusiasm and skill gains.
Alt Text: UB BAPS outbound students delivering discussions in a class at KKU-COLA, Thailand
As the educational term drew to a close, students from KKU-COLA and UB BAPS delivered excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream.” Amid pre-finals jitters, shared nerves forged empathy. The exchange, although nerve-wracking, was quite pleasant and had unforgettable moments. Creating a shared interest on the international stage made the students feel more connected to each other. Through experiences that enhance public speaking, critical thinking, and cross-cultural dialogue, students are aided in achieving exceptional global public service in their future careers and prospects.
Field Experiences and Cultural Exchange Bonds
The program extended into real-world adventures. Living in Khon Kaen, students relished Isan street food like som tam and sticky rice, visited temples, and browsed bustling markets, all valuable experiences that deepened global awareness and empathy.
Alt Text: Highlights from the city exploration in Thailand and other notable events that showcased the direct participation of the outbound students from UB BAPS
The activities peaked during the 3-day COLA COALESCE camp, organized by KKU-COLA’s student union in Mukdahan Province. Herein, the outbound student delegates encountered the Isan border culture, observing local challenges firsthand. Tasked with proposing policies to aid the province, they analyzed needs and presented observations to peers and professors on the final day. The hands-on experience allowed them to hone their skills in policy formulation, exploration, and global networking, which helped them share their new experiences and build connections and friendships with people from KKU-COLA.
Extending the fun and jam-packed activities during the cultural immersion, the exchange student delegates offered their skills to help organize and execute KKU-COLA’s second “Visions & Voices 2026” English Camp and Summit. A two-day powerhouse event for 44 students from urban management, governance, and fiscal programs. The camp turned shy students into confident communicators by mixing high-energy games with skill-building challenges, all in English.
“Visions & Voices 2026” English Camp Triumph
The first day began with a meet-and-greet to help everyone feel comfortable. As teams raced through sentences like “She sells seashells” while laughing, the “Tongue Twister Relay” improved pronunciation and speed. The “Human Knot Challenge” increased collaboration and poise by requiring English-only instructions to disentangle groups.
Another activity that sought successful traction was a memorized speech competition where competitors gave impassioned speeches about their aspirations. A public administration quiz bee, which tested participants’ understanding of Thai governance, marked the day’s high point before dinner, and a boisterous celebration reinforced relationships.
Alt Text: Highlights from the Visions and Voices 2026 English Camp at KKU-COLA
Word association games that linked terminology from “policy” to “empowerment” and demonstrated improvements in fluency kicked off the second day. Inspired by the trio’s previous classes, interactive sessions on persuasive speaking sharpened critical thinking. It concluded with a sincere reflection using sticky post-it notes on which campers penned a single word that summed up the camp and provided an English explanation.
This demonstrated significant development, transforming beginners into persuasive advocates. In addition to improving English proficiency, the camp fostered global perspectives that are crucial for future public servants by fusing cultural elements such as Filipino storytelling and Isan proverbs.
Alt Text: Highlights from the Visions and Voices 2026 English Camp at KKU-COLA
The exchange program, guided by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, 8, 11, 16, and 17, encapsulates quality education that extends beyond classroom measures and implementation. It fosters a greater sense of community and stronger bonds, creating more opportunities, building sustainable communities, and providing practices and techniques that support future collaborations and partnerships.
For the BAPS students, the program significantly sharpened our public speaking skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and knowledge of comparative public administration. Core competencies essential for thriving careers in policy analysis, diplomacy, or education include broader perspectives gained through immersive exchanges and collaborative discussions.
The institution is beyond proud of the achievements made by the student delegates, exemplifying how strategic international partnerships cultivate resilient, forward-thinking leaders equipped to tackle complex challenges in public service. Diving headfirst into practical implementations of diverse governance models, fostering not just technical expertise but also the empathy and adaptability needed in a globalized world.
As UB STELA and KKU-COLA plan future batches, this program stands as a model for cultural diplomacy through education. It proves that true learning blooms at the intersection of cultures, creating networks that endure.
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Written by: Lynzei Joy Leones
Article Enhancement by: Gabriel Madriaga
