Pauline Jessica C. Lastra, a 2nd-year BS Entrepreneurship student at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, has recently taken part in the Mapúa MCM Student Global Experience (SGE) Program, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore from November 3 to 8, 2024. The program offered Pauline an immersive experience into Southeast Asia’s vibrant cultural landscape – perfect for enriching every student’s personal and academic perspectives beyond what is taught in the classroom.
The opportunity to explore various cities across Southeast Asia allowed her to engage in cultural exchanges, attend networking events, and visit notable landmarks such as the Malacca Heritage Centre, Batu Caves, Singapore Science Centre, and Marina Bay Sands. These experiences offered students like Pauline an up-close view of the unique blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes Southeast Asia in the 21st century.
Throughout her journey in the SGE, Pauline encountered challenges, yet she embraced each one as an opportunity for growth and learning. In her own words: “The biggest challenge I faced during the SGE was being the only student from Davao City, while the others were from Makati. I didn’t know anyone, and I couldn’t speak Bisaya because they wouldn’t understand me. I overcame this by reaching out, talking with them, and getting to know some of the participants. In the end, I made friends during the trip.”
Despite the initial hurdles, Pauline’s experience evolved into a journey of discovery. The trip led to an eye-opening visit to Sunway University where she shared her inspiring moments: “A student from Sunway University took us on a campus tour and explained how they uphold various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, they have multiple water refilling stations since students are not allowed to use single-use plastics. Their commitment to the SDGs is woven into everything they do.”
The SGE Program of Mapúa MCM makes experiences like this possible. This zero-unit institutional course is embedded in the curriculum of all programs. It requires all students to participate in an international experience, which may include but is not limited to paper presentations, physical or online international conferences, and research internships, all of which can be credited under the SGE course. Upon completing any approved international activity, students must apply for credit by submitting the necessary documents as proof of participation.
Moreover, the SGE Program reflects the institution’s commitment to nurturing students by providing immersive experiences that prepare them for a career beyond geographical boundaries. International engagements like Pauline’s aim to equip students with essential skills and perspectives suited for an interconnected world, aligning with Mapúa MCM’s mission to develop well-rounded, globally competent professionals.
Mapúa MCM, a leading institution in Davao City, partners with Arizona State University (ASU) to offer globally competitive education through its Alfonso T. Yuchengco College of Business and College of Health Sciences. This collaboration provides students access to quality learning, preparing them for modern challenges, along with opportunities for international exchange programs and summer immersions worldwide.
Build your path to global success through the Student Global Experience Program with ASU here at Mapúa MCM. Enrollment is now open for S.Y. 2025-2026. You may fill out and submit your application through mcm.edu.ph/apply-now or inquire through mcm.edu.ph/contact-us/.
For inquiries about international engagement, please contact the Center for International Programs at iprogram@mcm.edu.ph. To learn more about upcoming international activities, sign up on Engage through this link https://engage.mcm.edu.ph/ and join the Center for International Programs (CIP) Engage page, where you can access the full list of activities.