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| Photo by Paolo Alejandrino |
Through today’s shifting course of normalcy, daring to try something new may be a huge risk. But for Paolo Alejandrino, a Fulbright Global Undergraduate Exchange scholar, everything was definitely worth the shot.
Announced June of last year by Fulbright Philippines, Paolo Alejandrino, a 3rd-year communications student from the University of Santo Tomas, was granted a scholarship under the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) wherein he will be pursuing his academic endeavors in the United States of America. In an interview with UST-CASA Chronicle, he talks about his scholarship preparations and noteworthy realizations and experiences in this pivotal college opportunity.
Embarking on something new: preparations & humble beginnings
At the height of COVID restrictions, Paolo told Chronicle that he applied for this scholarship last 2021 and it was born out of this longing for an escape. He says, "I wanted to experience college na parang full on. You cannot really encapsulate the college experience online and more than anything such as cultural enrichment, professional, and academic engagement."
He then further explained the Undergraduate Exchange Program is a non-degree, exchange academic program for the Spring semester administered by Fullbright Philippines and World Learning. "Here, in this program, I will take academic courses in my field which is Strategic Communication, and then, some other electives outside my field, and I need to render community service for 20 to 30 hours for my whole stay here," Paolo emphasized.
When asked about Fulbright’s mission, he depicted that more than being a scholar, they are also cultural ambassadors. "That’s the mission of the program; to eradicate the preconceived notions and stereotypes about Filipinos, and make each other be more culturally sensitive and have this mindset na globalized and mindful of diversity and inclusion," shared Paolo.
On the topic of the things that contributed to his application, he mentioned two vantage experiences of being a journalist and someone from the Business Development unit for Tiger Media Network—shaping his skillsets, approaches, and his choice of specializing in Strategic Communication overseas as well.
Doing everything strategically, Paolo also gave an overview of his application journey. Here is the list of requirements you might prepare:
- Screenshot of the grades,
- Two reference letters from professors, mentors, or advisers,
- Submission of essays, and
- A shortlist of leadership positions and volunteer positions
Rounding up the whole process would be an interview to secure the final deal for the exchange program.
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| Photo by Paolo Alejandrino |
Once in a lifetime: notable experiences studying abroad
Plotting on his choice of specialization in Strategic Communication, he said that there lies a similarity in pedagogy but a difference between local communications course offerings and the United States where the latter has more course specializations. He also noted that discussions abroad are more casual, conversational, and at the same level which is not a culture shock for him but rather a way to adapt easily to the system.
When inquired about the things he’s looking forward to, he answered meeting new people outside of his bubble in the Philippines. But on the question of what daunts him the most, leaving his friends and family home was his answer, emphasizing the FOMO or fear of missing out on experiences; however, he mitigates such fear by keeping in touch with them.
Regarding the program's benefits, Paolo shared that other than the scholarship, stipend, and tangible perks, being able to network with people is everything. Concerning that, he also nodded to a question about globalization during his stay, stating that he isn’t only dealing with the Americans but also fellow international exchange students, hence, "meeting people from all walks of life."
Inching towards further fulfillment: realizations and message to fellow CASAns
Onto the question of the biggest change he’ll immerse in coming back to the country, he preliminarily stated the changing of his worldview. "It’s different when you experience globalization first hand so having that worldview and perspective of how things work globally and internationally amongst many people from all walks of life really would change the way how I approach things academically, professionally, even personally," Paolo said.
When posed a question on whether he’ll recommend this journey to be taken by his fellow CASAns or not, Paolo took no time answering "definitely."
"It’s a way for you to not just to escape home or sightsee and travel, but more than that, it’s an opportunity to expand your network, enrich your experiences, and make your college life more colorful and vibrant in this very culturally, professionally, academically life-changing experience," he continued.
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| Photo by Paolo Alejandrino |
Following through his journey, he also expressed his gratitude to the AB Office previously headed by Dean Marilu R. Madrunio and Asst. Dean Alejandro S. Bernardo (now headed by Dean Jacqueline Kaw and Asst. Dean Melanie Turingan), Communication Dept. Chair Asst. Prof. Jose Arsenio J. Salandanan, MS. and Tiger Media Network Adviser, Asst. Prof. Faye Abugan, M.A.—all of which he credits to have helped him prepare mentally and emotionally to move forward with the program.
Leaving an awe-inspiring note to CASAns, he advised taking and calculating the risks by making the most out of one’s college life and going out of one’s comfort zone. He expressed, "Nothing will come out of things when you won’t try them. The world is bigger if we just try to go out; anlaki-laki ng mundo outside of your classrooms, of UST, and the Philippines, so explore the world."
Indeed, Paulo Alejandrino’s journey featured big leaps and huge risks coupled with efficient efforts and determination that have put him where he is: in the beaming spotlight that our loudest and proudest CASAn truly deserves.
