The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) completed its first cultural exchange program in mainland China, with faculty members and students participating in a seven-day immersion from March 23 to 28, 2026.The delegation visited Cangzhou City in Hebei Province and Beijing, where participants engaged in activities focused on Chinese culture, history, intangible heritage skills, and the hospitality and tourism industry.

Dr. Dulce Amor S. Padilla, Dean of CHTM, said the initiative forms part of the university’s internationalization efforts.

“This program reflects Wesleyan University-Philippines’ continuing commitment to providing global learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom,” Padilla said.

Participants, who included 13 students (Lianne Ryselle B. Canlas, Ashley Gayle S. Rabanillo, Mary Hazelle B. Manalang, Aubrey Diane DS. Madulid, Jazzmine S. Paguio, Hannah Mae Bumaa, Princess D. Gogola, Nhelien Santillan, Edlyn P. Flores, Edlynn S. Buendia, Anthonette A. Javier, Jean Lenard M. Inda, and Francine Mae R. Viernes) and six faculty members (Dr. Jonah Faye Gaspar, Dr. Michelle Tangonan, Prof. Nancy Mae Ricio, Prof. Roselia Nuñez, Prof. Renee Christelle Ramos, and Prof. Nikki Toga) took part in cultural demonstrations, local historical tours, and industry exposure activities designed to broaden their academic and professional perspectives.

Dr. Gaspar described the experience as an opportunity for applied learning, stating, “The immersion allowed students to observe and experience hospitality and tourism practices in an international setting.”

She also commented that the program also aims to contribute to long-term academic collaboration between institutions. “It opens opportunities for academic partnerships and strengthens cultural understanding between Filipino and Chinese participants,” Dr. Tangonan noted about the cross-cultural engagement that the exchange supported.

The College underscored that the initiative aligns with efforts to enhance global competencies among students and contribute to workforce development in the service sector.

The China program followed a similar international activity conducted in Taiwan in 2025 (Summer Camp) involving CHTM students and faculty.
Meanwhile, the College started deploying 48 students to the United States starting the first week of April 2026 under its Work and Travel program.

Article by PIO
Photos courtesy of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management