‘The Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office hosted the annual Orientation and General Assembly for International Students on 09 September 2023 at Conference Room E, Ricci Hall, Community Center of the First Companions.
After two years of conducting these events online and in a hybrid format, we gathered the international students in person this year, strengthening connections among Ateneo de Davao University’s (ADDU) international students.
In the morning, we conducted an orientation for first-year international students. The highlight was a presentation by Ms. Ma. Lourdes M. Danila, Immigration Officer II and Officer-in-Charge of the Student Visa Section at the Bureau of Immigration Davao District Office. She discussed the immigration regulations and policies that international students need to be acquainted with during their stay in the Philippines.
In the afternoon, the General Assembly brought together international students from all year levels. The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Romulo Vinci R. Bueza, AIM Director. To introduce campus life, Ms. Chyna Marie B. Legaspina, SAMAHAN President, shared the programs, advocacies, and engagements of SAMAHAN, the University Student Government. This was followed by a special discussion led by Mr. Emmanuel D. Baltazar II, a fourth-year BS Entrepreneurship student, who shared insights and experiences under the theme: “Bridging Borders with Friendship: Embracing Global Citizenship and Diversity.”
International student alumni also shared motivational messages for their fellow international students as they embarked on their journey for the new academic year. The General Assembly concluded with a lively and interactive trivia game where the international students learned more about the Philippines.
The AIM Office extends its gratitude to our resource speakers for accepting our invitation and contributing to the event’s success. The Orientation and General Assembly truly provided the international students with the opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate diversity within the ADDU community. We would also like to wish our international students a fruitful and meaningful academic year ahead.