Fourth-year students of the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service program of the University of San Agustin (USA) gained firsthand insights into Philippine diplomacy and the work of the Philippine Foreign Service during a courtesy call at the Embassy of the Philippines in Jakarta, Indonesia on 04 September 2026.
The Embassy visit formed part of the students’ International Academic and Cultural Exchange Program in Jakarta, Indonesia, being undertaken from 03 to 11 September 2026. The program provides students with opportunities to engage with institutions and organizations in Indonesia and deepen their understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and intercultural engagement. Assistant Professor John Paul P. Mondejar, Director of the International Relations Office, serves as the Faculty Adviser for the delegation throughout the program.
During the courtesy call, the students participated in an interactive discussion covering various aspects of Philippine diplomacy, Philippines–Indonesia relations, and the role of the Philippine Foreign Service in advancing the country’s interests and strengthening bilateral ties.
The discussion also provided the students with a closer look at the professional opportunities and responsibilities associated with a career in the Foreign Service. Insights from Philippine diplomats allowed the students to connect concepts learned in the classroom with the realities of diplomatic and consular work.
The University of San Agustin delegation was welcomed by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Gonar Musor, Second Secretary and Consul Glenn Joseph Teh, and Cultural Officer Rady de la Cruz, who shared their time and expertise with the visiting students.
The engagement underscored the value of experiential learning in preparing future diplomats and international affairs practitioners. Direct interaction with Philippine diplomatic representatives enabled the students to gain a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities of representing the Philippines abroad and contributing to international cooperation.
For the fourth-year Foreign Service students, the Embassy engagement served as an opportunity to place their academic preparation within the broader context of actual diplomatic practice. It likewise reinforced the importance of professionalism, cultural understanding, and public service in pursuing a career in the Philippine Foreign Service.
The visit forms part of the University of San Agustin’s continuing efforts to provide its students with meaningful international exposure and experiential learning opportunities. Through its international academic and cultural programs, the University seeks to develop globally oriented graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to engage responsibly in an increasingly interconnected world.
The International Academic and Cultural Exchange Program in Jakarta runs from 03 to 11 September 2026 and forms part of the academic and professional development of the University’s fourth-year Foreign Service students through exposure to diplomacy, international relations, Indonesian society and culture, and regional engagement.
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