The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM), in collaboration with the Global Engagements Office (GEO), took a significant step toward broadening the horizons of UCian interns during the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP) Orientation held today, March 4, 2026.
The hybrid event, hosted in-person and via Zoom, gathered incoming interns eager to explore professional opportunities in Taiwan. The activity was also organized with the vital support of CHTM’s OJT Coordinators, Ms. Maria Cristina R. Mirasol and Mr. Ruel F. Ramirez, who assisted in ensuring the orientation reached the students most prepared for these international opportunities.
The session opened with Dean Michelle M. Balinte, who introduced the SIAP framework and CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) no.10, Series of 2023 that govern international placements. Dean Balinte highlighted why Taiwan remains a premier choice for UC interns, citing its world-class hospitality industry and the robust partnership between UC and Dreamark TW. During her talk, she provided students with a clear roadmap of the internship duration and the strategic reasons behind choosing Dreamark as a primary placement partner.
Following the Dean, Dr. Christian T. Pascual, GEO Director, shared firsthand insights from the UC iLEAD 2025 Taiwan mission. Having personally benchmarked prospective hotels alongside Dean Balinte, Dr. Pascual emphasized that these international venues are centers of excellence where students can truly elevate their craft and gain a competitive edge in the global market.
The core orientation was facilitated by Mr. Samson Liu, CEO of Dreamark TW, who provided a comprehensive look at the agency’s role in bridging the gap between academia and the international hospitality industry. Mr. Liu introduced the prestigious network of hotel partners and academic institutions that work alongside Dreamark to ensure high standards for all participants.
Beyond the industry connections, he detailed the specific benefits covered by the agency for students who choose this path and walked the applicants through the selection and application process. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session where students clarified essential details regarding financial requirements, visa coverage, and eligibility criteria, signaling a strong interest among UCians to represent the UC on the global stage.
This activity is a testament to the University of the Cordilleras’ commitment to global standards and aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By providing students with international exposure and practical industry experience that transcends traditional classroom boundaries, the program directly supports Goal 4: Quality Education. Furthermore, the orientation contributes to Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by preparing future professionals for the global labor market through high-standard career opportunities. Finally, the event exemplifies Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening the vital collaboration between UC, international placement agencies like Dreamark TW, and the global hospitality sector.
