In celebration of Open Education Week 2024, the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Center for Open and Digital Teaching and Learning (CODTL) and the Immersive Open Pedagogies (IOP) Research Program, in collaboration with the Professional Development Associate for Institutional Linkages and the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS), organized a hybrid seminar titled “Transpacific Bridge Program: Enriching Open Education through Global Exchanges” on 08 March 2024, at The Sandbox, CCDL Building, UP Open University, Los Baños, Laguna. The event was attended by 40 undergraduate students from UPOU.

The event commenced with an address by Dr. Roberto B. Figueroa Jr., Program Director for the Immersive Open Pedagogies Research Program, whose opening remarks were described as short, engaging, and insightful. Dr. Figueroa welcomed the participants and guest speakers, Dr. Ayaka Fukuda and Akiko Nagayama from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS).

Dr. Fukuda introduced TUFS and shed light on the TP-Bridge program for undergraduate students. As emphasized by Dr. Fukuda, the TP-Bridge program acts as a channel for global student involvement, prioritizing cross-cultural interactions, and fostering collaborative learning opportunities.

Funded by Japan’s Ministry of Education (MEXT), the TP-Bridge program spans from October 2023 to March 2028, with an innovative curriculum designed to equip students with essential skills to navigate and address global challenges. Through a blend of online learning and on-campus activities, students delve into a diverse array of subjects, including Asia-Pacific studies, multiculturalism, sustainability, and the arts.

The extensive goal of the TP-Bridge program is to cultivate a generation of globally-minded individuals capable of contributing positively to the interconnected world. By fostering an environment of international collaboration and knowledge-sharing, TUFS aims to empower students with the tools and perspectives necessary to thrive in today’s complex global landscape.

On the other hand, Ms. Noreen Dianne S. Alazada, Head Facilitator of Project LAKBAY: Learning Actively through Knowledge-Based Appreciation for Youth, leads a youth cultural and learning immersion initiative organized by FMDS in collaboration with the Edu-Connect Southeast Asia Association – Taiwan and the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). This initiative, focusing on social responsibility, is scheduled to commence its next iteration in August 2024, bringing together participants from Taiwan and the Philippines. It serves as a testament to the profound impact of youth engagement and intercultural understanding. By facilitating meaningful exchanges and learning experiences, the program paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

As UPOU celebrates Open Education Week, this informative seminar aims to show students how global exchanges can enrich learning, foster understanding, and unite students from different corners of the earth. This is just the beginning of a more connected, open world of education.