Ateneo welcomes 101 international exchange students at IXS OrSem 2025

The Orientation Seminar (OrSem) for International Exchange Students (IXS) at Ateneo de Manila University took place from 6 to 7 January 2025, marking a vibrant start to the new year. 

This event welcomed a diverse group of 101 students from 14 different countries. The cohort included students from France, Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, Spain, Germany, Singapore, the USA, Poland, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, and Taiwan.

Day 1: Orientation and Introduction

Held at the Science Education Complex B (SEC-B) building, the first day of the orientation seminar featured a series of activities designed to introduce the students to the university’s academic environment, policies, and services, while also helping them connect with one another. The program opened with personal introductory videos that the students filmed and submitted before their arrival. This initiative, led by the Office of the Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization (OAVP-UPI), specifically the Internationalization at Home (IZN@Home) section, fostered early connections and mutual understanding among the participants.

The day continued with warm welcome remarks from Ms Cristina M Alikpala, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization, setting a friendly and inviting tone for the event. 

The morning sessions included comprehensive briefings on class enlistment, load revision, and visa and immigration procedures, ensuring students were well-informed about these essential processes. Additionally, the students received orientation on academic policies, school services, security measures, university health policies, and guidance office services, giving them a solid foundation to start their academic journey.

The day concluded with a virtual tour of the Rizal Library, providing vital information on navigating this key resource. This ensured that students were well-prepared to access the library’s extensive resources and services.

Day 2: Integration and Inclusion

The second day focused on fostering a safe and inclusive environment, beginning with sessions on gender sensitivity, anti-sexual harassment, and cultural sensitivity. These discussions underscored Ateneo's commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive space for all students.

After lunch, the IXS students and members of the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC) participated in a “buddy mixer,” a key initiative under the Exchange Buddy Assistance Program (EBAB). This program plays a crucial role in integrating exchange students into the campus community, allowing them to form connections with their "buddies" as well as other local and international students.

The day concluded with a comprehensive campus tour, giving students an in-depth look at the university’s facilities and helping them feel more at home in their new academic environment.

A Semester of Growth and Exchange

The 2025 ORSEM for IXS students was a resounding success, laying a solid foundation for a semester enriched with academic growth, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. It underscores Ateneo’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and globally connected academic community, and by helping international students integrate more meaningfully into local contexts, Ateneo continues to prepare its students to thrive and lead in an increasingly globalized and diverse world.

This commitment is further demonstrated through the reciprocal exchange of local students, as the OAVP-UPI facilitated the departure of 40 Ateneo students for a semester abroad. These students embarked on academic journeys to various parts of the world, including France, Singapore, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the Netherlands, and the United States of America.

By welcoming students from around the globe into its vibrant community, Ateneo de Manila University continues to exemplify its commitment to international collaboration and global citizenship goals.

For those who want to relive the highlights of this memorable event, a recap video is available on our Instagram and Facebook accounts. Be sure to check it out to see the vibrant spirit of the Ateneo community in action.