By Julia Illiscupides, Grade 11
On August 11, 2017, the Woodrose Guidance Center, in partnership with the Senior High School Department, held the first ever international education fair hosted in our campus. The event, entitled Beyond Borders, was open to Grade 11 and 12 students and parents.
In the morning, the University of Navarra (UNAV) presented their programs to us. According to their representative, Ms. Beatriz Plagaro, the university is not only bent on developing their students into competent professionals but also honing them into good human beings. And with a 50% increase in international students, there are now 87 nationalities in the campus where learning to be a global citizen comes natural.
Several Woodrose alumnae who now study in UNAV, as well as their parents, were invited to speak about their decision to study there. Andi Villarosa (Class 2015), an architecture student, said “What better place to study architecture…in a country surrounded by beauty.” Nicola Arcenas (Class 2014) and Nana Songco (Grade 12) both said they “fell in love with the school” when they saw the campus. Mrs. Montse Cuervo, mother of Marina Trigo (Class 2016) said, “My daughter Marina is enjoying independence in a safe environment. She’s living a dream.”
Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas, a professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific and a visiting professor at IESE Business School (the graduate business school of UNAV), also spoke to us about the importance of humanities in any future specialization because it develops critical thinking and analysis. He also talked about the advantages of being ‘glocal’ which he described as being open to both local and international possibilities.
In the afternoon, the University of Kent presented their programs and talked about studying in the United Kingdom. AFS International shared the various exchange programs that we could participate in. IDP Philippines, CAMP, and Edukasyon.ph offered their services for students who wish to apply to colleges abroad.
Overall, the whole day event was an eye-opener to so many possibilities. Seeing the beautiful campuses through pictures and videos, learning about the different courses offered, and the thought of expanding our knowledge beyond the brick walls of Woodrose got us all excited!
