12/08/2026
Ms. Patricia Marie S. Canicula, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) student from the CLSU Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management (DHTM), participated in the Summer Korean Studies Program 2026 organized by Sunchon National University, in partnership with the King Sejong Institute–Muñoz. Held from July 26 to August 1, 2026, at Sunchon National University, South Korea, the program provided participants with an opportunity to experience Korean culture and gain international academic and cultural exposure.
The program supports the University's Strategic Internationalization Plan, particularly its Student Mobility Program, by providing students with opportunities to engage in academic and cultural activities in an international setting. For BSTM student, such experiences are relevant to developing cultural awareness, intercultural communication, appreciation of destinations, and a better understanding of different societies, competencies that are important in the tourism industry.
Throughout the program, participants took part in various academic, cultural, and experiential activities, including a campus and facilities tour of Sunchon National University, city and cultural tours, Korean language classes, Taekwondo sessions, and hands-on Korean cultural activities. These activities allowed participants to learn more about Korean traditions, lifestyle, educational practices, tourism resources, and cultural attractions through direct experience.
The program also provided Ms. Canicula with opportunities to develop her communication skills, cultural awareness, adaptability, and appreciation of cultural diversity. By engaging directly with a different cultural environment, she was able to relate classroom learning to actual international tourism and cultural experiences.
Ms. Canicula’s participation in the Summer Korean Studies Program reflects the Univeristy’s continuing support for international learning opportunities and student mobility. The experience not only broadened her perspective as a Tourism Management student but also strengthened her understanding of the role of cultural awareness and international engagement in providing meaningful experiences in the hospitality and tourism industry.