Educational partnership brings students from the Philippines to Niagara
This article was published on: May 22nd, 2024
Niagara College recently established a partnership with Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) and welcomed its first cohort of senior high school students from Cebu, the second largest province in the Philippines, who embarked on an enriching educational journey to Canada.
NC hosted the group, including 22 students and two teachers from SHS-AdC, from April 24 to May 3, during the Global Explore and Canadian Education Experience Program. The Program is part of SHS-AdC’s International College and Career Exposure (iC2E) Program, which aims to immerse students in learning experiences in preparation for college, work and life.
The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines has generously extended its support for this initiative, recognizing it as part of the celebrations of Canada’s 75th year of diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
Through the partnership, NC and SHS-AdC also signed an Admissions Pathway Agreement (APA) which streamlines the admission process for qualified graduates from SHS-AdC into undergraduate programs at NC. This process is contingent upon meeting standard admissions criteria and program availability.
The agreement underscores the College’s commitment to engage, celebrate and bring together diverse cultures to prepare world-ready graduates.
“Niagara College is honoured to collaborate with Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu and contribute to the academic and cultural exchange of students from The Philippines,” said Hyuk Man (Eric) Jin, NC’s Manager of Global Business Development for Southeast Asia, Japan, Vietnam and Korea. “This partnership is mutually beneficial for both institutions. Welcoming our global partners to our campuses allowed us to enhance perspectives for our Niagara College community as we engaged, supported and learned from each other.”
Bringing the world to Niagara
In addition to tours of NC’s Welland Campus and Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the students participated in a series of workshops designed to equip them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys. Crafted by NC’s Global Customized Training & Consulting (GCTC), under Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training, sessions included Create Your Own Brand, Change Style Inventory, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Goal Setting. Participants of the program received a Statement of Participation.
“The classroom offers valuable lessons, but stepping into the real world provides an invaluable experience,” said teacher Roddy Clark Soco, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) head of SHS-AdC, who was part of the cohort. “Interacting with diverse cultures, languages, and values broadens perspectives. Travel stands out as one of the most enriching experiences. I highly encourage students to seize every opportunity to explore the world, expanding both self-awareness and global understanding.”
The two-week itinerary allowed students to explore Niagara Falls’ iconic tourist attractions and the Heritage District in Niagara-on-the-Lake. To provide students with holistic insights into the Canadian education system, the group also visited Canadian universities including Brock University, University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Waterloo, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Finally, NC partnered with the Ontario Festival of Culture, Arts and Sports (OFCAS) to introduce SHS-AdC to the Filipino community in Niagara, creating opportunities for connection through fun sporting events.
“I am thrilled to share that a significant number of our students are eager to enroll at Niagara College upon their high school graduation,” said teacher Tina Marie Cañete, Humanities, Mathematics, and Science (HUMMS) head of SHS-AdC, who was also a member of the cohort. “This enthusiastic response truly underscores the excellence of the Global Explore and Canadian Education Experience Program and serves as an invitation for all other students to join future field trips like this.”
The partnership with SHS-AdC showcases Niagara College’s commitment to supporting access to quality education, fostering global citizenship and developing strong partnerships globally.
Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training
Bringing together the expertise of a highly skilled NC team with partner organizations worldwide, Niagara College’s Institute for Global Education & Training proudly provides educational solutions designed to inspire sustainable global change. For over 20 years, NC has been collaborating with global institutions, including developing and delivering customized education and training programs and capacity building projects to support learners around the world and global partners in achieving their goals. Drawing on this expertise, NC established the Institute in May 2024 as an official global education hub – a one-stop-shop to leverage its world-renowned education and training programs and to offer newly developed modularized global programs. The Institute also strives to support partners in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).