Society of Exchange Students UP

06/06/2026

ꜰᴀꜱᴄɪɴᴀᴛᴇᴅ ʙʏ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʟɪᴇꜱ ʙᴇʏᴏɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏʀᴅᴇʀ? ✈️

The 𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗣𝗧 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 of the Society of Exchange Students UP (SExS-UP) returned with two insightful sessions that explored the realities of being a global citizen. As a platform for sharing experiences and promoting intercultural understanding, the series provided participants with valuable perspectives on international exchange and global engagement.

The first session, “𝙀𝙪𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧: 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙇𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩?” held on May 22, featured 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘢 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘰 (𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘓𝘶𝘬𝘴𝘰), who shared her experiences navigating life in Europe. From adapting to cultural differences and unfamiliar environments to embracing new opportunities abroad, she offered firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of living in a Western country.

The second session, “𝙎𝙀𝘼𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: 𝙉𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝘼𝙨𝙞𝙖” held on May 29, featured 𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘢 𝘑𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘢 (𝘉𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘜𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘺). Through her exchange journey, she highlighted the rich cultural diversity and shared connections among Southeast Asian nations, while discussing the unique experiences, cultural discoveries, and lessons she gained during her stay abroad.

Both speakers shared remarkable stories of unexpected cultural shocks, personal growth, and the realities of immersing oneself in a foreign culture. Through the engaging question-and-answer portions, participants were also given the opportunity to raise inquiries about exchange programs, gain practical insights, and deepen their understanding of the processes involved in international mobility and intercultural exchange.

The organization would like to express its sincere gratitude to our guest speakers for generously sharing their experiences and inspiring participants to explore opportunities beyond their borders. We also extend our appreciation to everyone who attended and actively participated in the discussions. Through the ADAPT Webinar Series, we continue to encourage students 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. ✨🌎




Caption: Liane Dizon
Pub: Frances Nicolas

29/04/2026

👀 Curious what it's like to join the summer seminar by the University of Niigata Prefecture?

Check out one of our member’s Stories Around the World takeover because sometimes, even just a week abroad can feel like a whole semester of memories 💭✨

Browse the full experience through

Be part of the seminar themed:
“Sustainable Development of Cities and Communities: Thriving Locally in a Global Age” organized by the University of Niigata Prefecture (UNP), Japan 🇯🇵
📌 Application Deadline: May 5, 2026
🔗 https://international.uplb.edu.ph/uncategorized/university-of-niigata-prefecture-summer-seminar-2026/

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙚𝙨, this

The UPLB Office of International Linkages (OIL) regularly posts international opportunities on its page and website. While I wasn’t active on Facebook at the time, I’m grateful that being part of SExS-UP meant never missing out—because a resident member shared the post in our group chat. 🤩

At first, I hesitated.
I asked myself: “𝙰𝚖 𝙸 𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚎𝚍? 𝚂𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝙸 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚛𝚢?”
But after a chat with my batchmate Zur, who wholeheartedly encouraged me, and with the full support of my parents (who always believe I can do more than I think), I decided to go for it.

The application process wasn't a breeze—it took at least a week just to gather documents from various offices and a day to write the 500-word essay. But I made it to the deadline, and that alone already felt like a small victory. 🙌

Then came the waiting game. An email arrived from OIL saying that the top 3 applicants had already been forwarded to UNP. I wasn’t part of that initial list, and I remember feeling a bit down about that. 🥹 However, just two days later, a new update came. Additional slots had opened up! And just like that, I said “𝒀𝑬𝑺!” to what would become one of the most enriching experiences of my college life. 😊

Visa applications, UPLB and UNP paperwork, and even travel clearance as a DOST scholar soon followed. It was a lot, but with each step, I was reminded why I applied in the first place. ✨

While my documents were being processed, online 🌏 orientations were also held so we could get to know UNP and all the participants joining. It was fun—we got to talk about what we could expect, what we were excited about, and what we could enjoy together with our Japanese counterparts. 🇯🇵

I’ve always dreamed of seeing the world not just with a tourist’s eyes, but with the heart of a learner—to learn how communities rise, how science connects us, and how I can contribute, even in small ways, to building a better future.

Being part of the International Joint Summer Seminar in Niigata, Japan, taught me just that. And it all started because someone shared a post, and I found the courage to say, “𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆?” 🙋‍♀️

So if you're reading this and waiting for a sign, this might be it.
𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘆. Even small steps can take you far. 💖

22/04/2026

Be part of the International Joint Summer Seminar 2026. Themed “Sustainable Development of Cities and Communities: Thriving Locally in a Global Age,” this seminar is a collaborative initiative of University of Niigata Prefecture (UNP) in partnership with local municipalities of Niigata Prefecture.

Application deadline is 5 May 2026

For more details, visit
https://international.uplb.edu.ph/uncategorized/university-of-niigata-prefecture-summer-seminar-2026/

22/04/2026

Student Exchange Program: Gyeongsang National University (GNU), South Korea 1st Semester AY 2026–2027 Mobility

The Office of International Linkages (OIL) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Student Exchange Program with Gyeongsang National University (GNU) for the 1st Semester of AY 2026–2027.

This opportunity is open to undergraduate students (sophomores and juniors).

For more details, visit: https://international.uplb.edu.ph/uncategorized/student-exchange-gyeongsang-national-university-south-korea/

17/04/2026

📢 NOTICE | UP System OIL Grants

For UP System OIL Grants (COOPERATE, HOSTING, MOVE UP, Travel Grant, WELS), please be reminded that the deadline for endorsement by the Chancellor is three (3) days prior to the official submission deadline.

Please note that all applications will undergo review by the UPLB Office of International Linkages (OIL) and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA) prior to endorsement.

Applicants are also requested to ensure that their applications have been endorsed up to the Dean’s level before submission to UPLB OIL.

09/04/2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR EVER-TALENTED, Alloy! 🥳

With your captivating singing voice and genuinely warm personality, you bring comfort, joy, and a special kind of light to the people around you. Your presence makes every moment feel a little brighter, and every gathering is a little more meaningful.

May this year bring you more reasons to sing, smile, and shine, along with countless opportunities to keep sharing your gifts and kindness with the world.

Filled with love,
𝐒𝐄𝐱𝐒-𝐔𝐏 🌍♥️

29/03/2026

Completing our last day of the week with .

Being away from my country🇵🇭 was challenging because I was far from my family, my usual routine, and my comfort zone. Despite this, the rewards of going abroad were irreplaceable, especially the knowledge I gained and the new experiences I had. However, while being away, I knew that I must not forget the most important thing–my wellbeing🧘🏿. I made sure to take care of myself so I could feel comfortable and happy in a completely new environment🇰🇷.

When we arrived at our school, we discovered that there was a Filipino community👥. Within our first week, we were able to meet them because they organized a gathering to welcome all the new Filipino students. We celebrated by eating together at a samgyupsal restaurant🥓🥬, where we had the chance to interact and listen to their stories. Knowing that there were fellow Filipinos nearby gave me a strong sense of comfort and security. They were very kind and helpful, sharing tips and advice about things we did not yet know, which made adjusting much easier. I was truly grateful for their warm welcome and support♥️.

There were also moments when I explored and tried different foods with my friends, including visits to Filipino restaurants. Since we could not cook in our dormitory, we ate at a Filipino restaurant in South Korea. The moments we shared while traveling and eating together created meaningful memories and gave me a sense of comfort.

Whenever I had free time, I explored different places around the city. I visited malls, parks, and local markets to relax and appreciate both the beauty of the city🏙️ and nature🏞️. At night, whenever I felt hungry, I would walk to a convenience store or any place that was still open to enjoy late-night food. Sipping soup from odeng and eating tteokbokki gave me warmth and comfort during the cold nights🎑. On some nights, I would call my family to check on them and share stories about my experiences. These quiet moments allowed me to reflect, breathe, and pause from any worries☺️.

Although being far from home was not easy, I learned that taking care of myself made every moment more meaningful and manageable. With the support of friends and fellow Filipinos, I found comfort, strength, and a sense of belonging even while being abroad.

If you have any other questions, feel free to message our page, and they will gladly connect you with me☺️Cheers!

27/03/2026

Here is my , in case you’re wondering what happens after being an exchange student.

When I got back home in January 2024, I returned to my usual routine in my home university until I finished my degree last year🎓. I was happy to be back since I missed my family and friends💜. At the same time, I also felt sad because I had to leave my Filipino, Korean, and international friends whom I met during my stay🥹 in South Korea. I went back home carrying all the knowledge I had gained there such as their technologies in agriculture, their traditions and culture, and the memories I shared with the place and people. These knowledge and experiences are the things that I can share and use for my future plans.

Now, 3️⃣three years after the exchange program, I still keep in touch with the people I met through their posts, stories, and chats💬. We also meet in person whenever we have the chance👥. The advice and tips I remember from the graduate students continue to fuel my passion to pursue more international opportunities and further studies, and my desire to contribute to the development of our country’s agriculture sector remains strong and has grown even more, as I witnessed how advanced their technology and practices are in South Korea.

26/03/2026

When traveling to different countries, one of the things we want to experience is their culture and traditions. So, let me share with you my .

One of the largest events in South Korea was the Jinju Lantern Festival🏮. The tradition of lighting lanterns dates back to the time of the Japanese invasion, when Koreans floated oil lanterns or yudeung along the river to see and prevent the Japanese from crossing it and to communicate with their loved ones outside the fortress. During the battle, many Korean civilians and soldiers lost their lives🥀. Because of this, the people of Jinju began floating lanterns as a way of honoring and comforting the souls of those who had passed. This tradition continued over time and was eventually established as the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival🏮.

Fortunately, our school was very close to the festival area, so I was able to visit anytime I wanted during the two-week celebration. I walked along the red lantern lane🏮 and rode a boat🛶 that passed through the river filled with beautifully decorated lanterns. Some of the lanterns had names on them, which I believed represented the people who had died during the war. The festival felt very comforting, with plenty of food to try and various activities to enjoy, such as the drone show and fireworks🎆 by the river. It was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my time in South Korea.

During the festival, I also joined a group composed of Koreans and international students who performed in a costume parade competition👯‍♂️. The experience was fun because I was able to immerse myself more deeply in the celebration by performing. Thankfully, our team won, which made the experience even more memorable☺️.

Our school also provided cultural programs where we wore hanbok, tried traditional Korean games, visited old villages, and stayed overnight in traditional houses. One of the most memorable moments during our overnight stay was when we drank flavored makgeolli from the workshop and bought fried chicken to share with the international students before going to sleep🛖.

We also went to Busan with my fellow Filipino friends, where we visited the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Gamcheon Cultural Village, and the beaches. The temple was especially beautiful because it was located by the sea. In Gamcheon Cultural Village, we were able to walk around while wearing hanbok🎎. The beaches were amazing because they were clean and well-maintained, even though they were located near the city🏖️🏙️.

Experiencing the traditions of South Korea not only allowed me to see its beauty but also truly feel it. Therefore, when visiting a place, we should try to immerse ourselves in its culture and traditions.

25/03/2026

What were the thrilling and exciting experiences I had? Let me share them with you this .

One of my most thrilling adventures that happened during Christmas🎄was when we went to a ski resort. I was with my Korean friends and fellow exchange students. We also met other international students from different schools because it was a sponsored program from South Korea🇰🇷. We arrived at the ski resort in the evening, and we immediately played in the snow☃️. The next morning, we had breakfast buffet before heading to the ski area⛷️. A ski guide taught us how to ski. During practice, he assisted us closely since we were afraid of falling⛷️. The experience was truly fun because it was my first time seeing snow🌨️🏔️ and skiing. While skiing, I initially felt nervous because of the height, but that feeling slowly disappeared as I enjoyed the cold breeze and the beautiful view while skiing down😎.

Another adventure that I had was hiking🥾 Mt. Worasan in Jinju City. Hiking had already been one of my hobbies even before my exchange program in South Korea, so I made sure to climb at least one mountain before going home. Fortunately, there were other Filipinos in our school who were also interested, so I asked to join them. Together with Ate Meg, Cris, and Rey, we walked to the site and hiked until we reached the summit of Mt. Worasan. At the foot of the mountain, it was fascinating to see temples right at the entrance. The summit⛰️ offered a breathtaking view where the hills and the town blends in harmony. It was a beautiful reminder of how people can live peacefully without harming nature.

Another one of my most exciting experiences, as an agriculture student, was visiting different farms🧑🏿‍🌾. We picked our own strawberries and used them to make strawberry cake🍓🍰, harvested persimmons, uprooted sweet potatoes🍠, and explored tropical greenhouses with mangoes🥭 and banana tree🍌. We also had the chance to try making our own flavored makgeolli🍾, which made the experience even more memorable.

When autumn arrived, I went with my fellow exchange students, along with Kuya Lui and Ate Azuntha, to the Jinju Arboretum🍂🍁. There, we admired the spectacular colors of the trees and also visited the pink muhly grass fields🩷. The scenery was breathtaking, especially since it was my first time experiencing autumn😁.

If given the chance to try any other activity, what would it be?