On May 14, 2026, five (5) Thai students from the College of Asian Scholars (CAS) recently wrapped up a meaningful five-month academic stay at the University of Baguio, creating a culminating experience and garnering an impressive international portfolio in education. Having to highlight their academic mobility journey through a dedicated send-off ceremony at the Centennial Hall within the university.
The cultural exchange delegates, who arrived in early January of 2026, were part of a specialized academic program under the School of Business Administration and Accountancy (SBAA), focusing on marketing management, and the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA), under the physical education program.
During the closing program, SBAA Dean Dr. John Balanquit noted that the experience brought a significant learning curve for the school itself. Having a first-hand experience hosting the students from the neighboring country of Thailand. Dr. Balanquit emphasized that the school is culminating the experience to polish its international student services further and ensure smoother exchanges in the future.
STELA Dean Dr. Antonio Mangaliag added that the relationship between CAS and UB was built on reciprocity, noting that while the institution hosted the inbound students, the university also sent its own students to Thailand, fostering a long-term partnership between the two institutions.
Notes From a Meaningful Cultural Exchange Between CAS and UB
Alt Text: CAS student delegates having a photo opportunity alongside their closest student buddies from the University of Baguio during the farewell program on May 14, 2026
One CAS student, Parin Kunsamart, told the audience that he would prefer not to call the event a farewell but rather a chance to express his thanks to the university and to “see them next time.” Another student, Natthanan Ka-angku, made a name for himself outside of the classroom and was named the school’s volleyball player for its STELA athletic team.
The delegates themselves shared stories of their time in the city. He acknowledged the coaches who assisted him in adjusting to the local sports scene after winning Best Middle Blocker in the Men’s Division. Saharat Noiwan also talked about the friendships he made, mentioning how much he relished the educational experience and the friendly reception he received from the UB community.
Faculty members also reflected on the unique challenges and rewards of the past semester. With Atty. Edwin Cruz of SBAA praised the students’ work ethic, mentioning that even though communication was sometimes difficult, the students remained focused and tried their best to follow every discussion.
Ms. Beverly Laltoog shared that the exchange helped her become a better teacher, particularly in finding ways to effectively explain Cordillera culture to foreign students. Meanwhile, Coach Carlo Parrocha, who worked with Natthanan, shared a lighthearted moment by thanking the students for cheering for STELA during the intramurals even when they were technically part of a rival school and encouraging Natthanan to keep pursuing his passion for the sport.
The ceremony concluded with a message from Ms. Angelica Tamayo, International Affairs staff. She highlighted that the journey was as much about cultural immersion as it was about academics, championing through metrics under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4, 8, 11, and 17, that the cultural exchange and immersion reinforce the idea of building bridges that last long after the students return home.
