Ateneo welcomes 121 international exchange students for the first semester of SY 2025-2026

Ateneo de Manila University welcomed 121 international students into its campus and gathered them at the Inbound Students (IXS) Orientation Seminar (IXS OrSem) held on 1 August 2025 at Leong Hall Auditorium. The cohort, arriving for the first semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, represents a diverse mix of students from 18 countries, namely Australia, Austria, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Timor Leste, and the United States of America.

Organized by the Office of the Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization (OAVP-UPI)  and supported by its student arm the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC), the IXS OrSem serves as a vital introduction to life at the Ateneo for international students. The program ensures that the students are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed for a smooth academic transition and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.

The day began with self-introduction videos submitted by the international students before their arrival, an open and candid sharing of fun facts about themselves and their home country that set a warm and welcoming tone for the day.

Officially affirming that welcome was Ms Cristina M Alikpala, Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization, who emphasized Ateneo’s commitment to academic excellence, global engagement, and inclusive community-building.

The morning then proceeded to key briefings from various university units on academic policies, student services, campus safety and mobility, health protocols, and guidance and counseling support—ensuring that students were well-oriented as they embarked on their Ateneo experience.

In the afternoon, students attended sessions on gender sensitivity, anti-sexual harassment, and cultural awareness, reaffirming Ateneo’s dedication to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment for all.

The day concluded with two key activities: the Exchange Buddy Assistance Program (EBAP) mixer and a guided campus tour. Facilitated by ASEC, the mixer provided international students with the opportunity to meet their local “buddies” and fellow exchange students in a relaxed and friendly setting, fostering meaningful connections and cross-cultural understanding. Participants engaged in various interactive activities such as bracelet making, board games, goal-setting zines, and icebreaker questions designed to help them get to know their buddies better. 

Meanwhile, the guided campus tour gave students a closer look at Ateneo’s facilities and shared spaces, helping them become more familiar with their new environment and feel more at home.

A Semester of Growth and Global Connections

With new connections made and meaningful insights gained, IXS OrSem 2025 laid a strong foundation for a semester marked by academic growth, cultural exchange, and personal transformation.

While warmly welcoming students from across the globe, the University also continues to expand outbound mobility opportunities for its own students. In the first half of Academic Year 2025–2026, OAVP-UPI facilitated the outbound mobility of 141 Ateneo students through a range of special, summer, and semester-long programs in countries such as Australia, Belgium, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States of America.

These programs and events reflect Ateneo’s commitment to more meaningful internationalization, that is to form leaders who are not only academically excellent, but who are also equipped to engage global communities for greater impact, ultimately in the hope of contributing to finding solutions to society’s most wicked problems. By promoting international collaboration and intercultural understanding, the Ateneo continues to empower its students to lead with competence, empathy, and purpose in an increasingly interconnected world.

See more from IXS OrSem 2025 on our Instagram and Facebook pages—and witness the spirit of Ateneo’s global community in action!