Nine Business Administration majors went on a six-day cultural immersion trip to Semarang, Indonesia from May 17 to 22, 2019. Eight 1st year students joined the immersion program, including B.S. Entrep. majors Christia Atamosa and Nieca Aella Parrenas, B.S.B.A. Finance students Fitz Gabriel Ferenal, Mary Nathalie Hortezano, Arvin Justin Lim, Kathryne Honelyn Sia, and Kimberly Sy (BSBA Finance 1), and B.S.B.A. H.R.M. student Eula Cassandra Igot. Regina Ann Ng (B.S.B.A. Marketing) was the lone senior who made the trip, along with faculty chaperone Angel Valles.

B.A. students with faculty chaperone, Angel Valles (6th from left), UNIKA Fakultas Economi Dean Dr. Octavianus Hartomo (7th from left), and UNIKA Rector Prof. Dr. Frederic Ridwan Sanjaya (9th from left).

This student exchange program is part of an ongoing collaboration between Soegijapranata Catholic University (UNIKA) of Semarang, Indonesia and the School of Business and Economics of the University of San Carlos. The collaboration also includes research activities, joint hosting of international conferences, and a faculty exchange program.

The highlights of the trip were the visits to Borobodur temple and Candi Industrial Park, a 450-hectare integrated industrial zone that housed 17 manufacturing firms, Herborist Beauty by Nature Laboratory, and Trasty Batik where students learned batik making. Students also attended lectures on Green Business practices and learned Indonesian traditional dance and songs.

Students Ferenal (left) and Sia (right) try their hands on batik making.

The visit culminated with a farewell party hosted by UNIKA Dean, Octavianus Hartomo, where the Carolinians performed Filipino folk dances. “Going to Indonesia gave us the chance to interact and build new relationships with people of different culture, said Nathalie Hortezano. “Ina short span of time, wewere able to understand a new culture and create bonds with the students of UNIKA. Overall, going in a cultural immersion was a rewarding experience not just because we get to go to another country but also, get to know the culture and the people there,” she added.

Tags: Business and Economics, Business Administration