Ateneo Global

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Cecilia from the United States of America! 🇺🇸

For this feature, we invited Cecilia to share a moment from her exchange journey that she is especially proud of and why it holds a special place in her heart.

She said “One thing I’m very proud of this semester has been successfully balancing academics with travel. Deciding to solo travel around Asia and the Philippines is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It’s one thing to read about the world in a textbook, but it’s another to actually see it for yourself. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve visited this semester will stay with me forever.

I’m incredibly proud of the independence, confidence, and experiences I’ve gained throughout this journey."

Some of the most meaningful lessons happen beyond the classroom — in the places we explore, the people we meet, and the experiences that shape who we become 💙✈️

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Saleh from the United States of America! 🇺🇸

For this feature, we invited Saleh to reflect on how his exchange experience has shaped him and what growth he will carry with him long after leaving Ateneo.

“Before coming to the Philippines, I imagined I would return home as a completely different person. But looking back, I don’t think I’ve changed so much as I’ve grown.

I’ve always considered myself an ambivert who leaned more toward being introverted. Yet during my time here, whenever I tell my friends I’m trying to be more extroverted, they look at me as if I’m already the most extroverted person they know. Being on exchange pushed me to put myself out there and connect with people in ways I never expected.

I also picked up reading, something I had always wanted to do but never made time for. What started as a goal slowly became a habit.

Most importantly, my time in the Philippines strengthened the values that matter most to me. Family and friendships are such an important part of Filipino culture, and being here reminded me how much I value the people I love. Now, spending time with them feels less like something I care about and more like something I truly crave.”

Growth doesn’t always mean becoming someone new. Sometimes, it means discovering more of who you already are 💙

From shared laughter and heartfelt conversations to one last dinner together, our Send-Off Dinner for the International Exchange Students was a beautiful celebration of friendships, memories, and experiences made at Ateneo. 🌍💙

Though their exchange journey may be coming to an end, the connections built, stories shared, and moments created will always remain part of the Ateneo Global family. ✨

Read more: https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2026/05/ateneo-global-asec-bid-farewell-international-exchange-students-warm-send-celebration

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Clémence from France! 🇫🇷

For this feature, we invited Clémence to share a photo with someone who became her mentor during her exchange at Ateneo.

She said: “A person who has been my mentor throughout this year is my ASEAC buddy! Even before arriving in the Philippines, she was already helping me prepare and answering all the questions I had — even during her holidays.

We first met during OrSem, and from there, she helped me navigate Ateneo and recommended places to visit and activities to try. Thanks to her, adapting to life in the Philippines and studying at Ateneo felt much less overwhelming.

We also spent time together throughout the semester, and because of her, I got to try activities and experiences I would never have thought of on my own.”

Sometimes, the people who guide us through unfamiliar places become some of the most meaningful parts of the journey 💙

Last 26 February 2026, Ateneo Global’s Pocket Event: IXS Pelikula took place, featuring the Filipino film *Barcelona: A Love Untold*. 🎬✨ The room was filled with laughter, kilig, heartfelt reactions, and meaningful conversations as our IXS and ASEC community came together for a cozy evening of movies, shared meals, and cultural exchange.

As one of Ateneo Global’s pocket events, IXS Pelikula allows international exchange students to discover more about Filipino culture through local films and shared experiences. 💙

Ateneo Global and ASEC bid farewell to International Exchange Students with warm send-off celebration

On 23 April 2026, the Office of the Assistant Vice President for University Partnerships and Internationalization, also known as Ateneo Global, together with its student arm, the Ateneo Student Exchange Council (ASEC), hosted a warm and memorable send-off dinner at the Leong Hall Roofdeck in honor of 100 International Exchange Students (IXS) concluding the second semester of School Year 2025–2026.

Read more: https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2026/05/ateneo-global-asec-bid-farewell-international-exchange-students-warm-send-celebration

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Melanie from the Netherlands! 🇳🇱

For this feature, we invited Melanie to share the photos she would show others when inviting them to visit the Philippines.

“Of course, when asked which picture I would show to invite others to the Philippines, I couldn’t just pick one. During my exchange, I’ve been able to travel to so many places both within and outside Metro Manila and experience so many unforgettable moments.

From beautiful beaches to canyoneering and island hopping, there’s always something amazing to discover. Traveling around the Philippines is also really easy and quite affordable, which makes exploring even more exciting.

If you ever visit, I would highly recommend going outside Manila as often as possible to see the mountains, beaches, coral reefs, volcanoes, rice fields, and everything else the Philippines has to offer.”

Sometimes, the best way to experience the Philippines is to explore every adventure waiting beyond the city 💙🌴

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Saleh from the United States of America! 🇺🇸

Saleh was asked to reflect on one of his favorite memories as part of the Ateneo community. He said:

“My favorite memory as part of the Ateneo community was staying up all night just to spontaneously hang out with friends — right after already staying up all night the day before. Even though I was exhausted, I loved spending time having deep conversations, playing games, cooking together in the dorm kitchen, and even trying to sneak out past curfew (and getting caught!).

We ended the night watching the sunrise from LST, and somehow, all of those little moments became some of the most precious memories I’ve made here. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night.”

Sometimes, the most unforgettable memories are the unplanned moments shared with friends 💙🌅

International exchange students and USF students experience Filipino culture at Ateneo Global’s Palaro Para sa IXS

On 18 March 2026, the College Covered Courts came alive with energy and excitement as 12 international exchange students (IXS) and 19 students from the University of San Francisco (USF), who were visiting Manila for a special program in partnership with Ateneo de Manila University, took part in Palaro Para sa IXS.

Read more: https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2026/05/international-exchange-students-usf-students-experience-filipino-culture-ateneo?fbclid=IwY2xjawSAhcVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJMFA1VnV0Q3M4d0tnNEF4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmTOvzsaUyOYZ-Bc-danQyluBfWBOfy89dv3sibE6eCVXRY2-o68PY-Tckfv_aem_jKAk3zh6vr3cbqJlDxXpHg

💙✨ Through our Ateneo Global Student Ambassador (Inbound) series, we share the unique perspectives of our international exchange students as they experience life at Ateneo and in the Philippines 🇵🇭

Meet Clémence from France! 🇫🇷

Clémence was asked to share a group project moment and reflect on what she enjoys most about collaborating at Ateneo.

“At Ateneo, many classes involve group work for papers, presentations, and even creative projects like films or skits. For me, these projects became an opportunity to meet new people and become friends with my groupmates — collective suffering really does strengthen ties!

I also enjoyed discovering the different perspectives of students and sharing our opinions and ideas on different topics. Working together made every project more meaningful and memorable.”

Sometimes, the best part of learning is the people you learn alongside 💙