The University of San Agustin (USA) strengthened its academic engagement and institutional ties in Indonesia through a two-day academic and cultural exchange with Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) on 07–08 September 2026.
The engagement formed part of the USA International Academic and Cultural Exchange Program in Indonesia, involving fourteen fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) students and led by Director John Paul P. Mondejar of the International Relations Office (IRO) as Faculty Adviser.
A major highlight of the exchange was a guest lecture by Director Mondejar at UPH on Monday, 07 September, entitled “FROM MANILA TO ASEAN: Philippine Foreign Policy and Regional Leadership — The Philippines’ ASEAN Chairship and Its Role in a Changing Southeast Asia.”
Held at the MYC MPR, UPH 2nd Floor, the two-hour session brought together approximately 80 to 100 students for an in-depth discussion on Philippine foreign policy and the country’s evolving role in Southeast Asia during its 2026 ASEAN Chairship.
The lecture explored how the Philippines balances its national interests with its responsibilities as a member of ASEAN while navigating a rapidly changing regional and global environment. It also highlighted the importance of ASEAN centrality, regional cooperation, Philippine–Indonesia relations, and people-to-people diplomacy, while inviting students to reflect on how young people and universities can contribute to a more connected, peaceful, and resilient Southeast Asia.
The session featured a 60-minute presentation, followed by a 30-minute discussion moderated by UPH faculty member Dr. Amelia Liwe, and a 30-minute question-and-answer segment. The exchange allowed students to engage directly with questions concerning Philippine foreign policy, ASEAN regional dynamics, and the role of young people and academic institutions in strengthening regional cooperation.
The academic engagement continued in the afternoon through classroom sit-ins and campus interaction activities. The USA students joined UPH classes as observers and had opportunities to interact with Indonesian students and members of the UPH academic community. The activities provided the students with a firsthand experience of academic life at a partner institution while encouraging dialogue and interaction beyond the formal lecture setting.
For Stacy Adoracion, the classroom experience offered a meaningful opportunity to see how students in another ASEAN country approach academic discussions and engage with one another.
“Being able to sit in UPH classes and interact with Indonesian students gave us a different perspective on student life and learning in Indonesia. It was meaningful to see that although we come from different countries, we share many of the same experiences and interests as young people in Southeast Asia.”
Jose Barrios likewise highlighted the warmth and friendship that emerged through the students’ interactions with the UPH community.
“What made the exchange special was the warmth and friendliness we experienced from the UPH community. Beyond the academic activities, we were able to build friendships and share meaningful conversations with Indonesian students. It reminded us that international exchange is not only about learning from one another, but also about creating genuine connections that can last beyond the program.”
The exchange continued on 08 September, with further academic and cultural activities at UPH that provided additional opportunities for interaction between the Filipino delegation and the UPH community. These activities reinforced the importance of sustained academic and people-to-people connections between Philippine and Indonesian higher education institutions.
The two-day engagement further strengthened the relationship between the University of San Agustin and Universitas Pelita Harapan, particularly in the areas of academic collaboration, student mobility, international education, and cultural exchange.
For the USA Foreign Service students, the UPH engagement served as an extension of their academic formation in diplomacy, foreign policy, and international affairs. By participating in an international guest lecture, joining classroom activities, and engaging directly with Indonesian students and faculty, the students experienced the value of academic exchange as a form of people-to-people diplomacy and regional engagement.
The UPH engagement forms part of USA’s continuing efforts to provide its students with meaningful international learning opportunities and to advance its commitment to internationalization through partnerships across ASEAN.
Through initiatives such as the Indonesia academic and cultural exchange program, the University of San Agustin continues to cultivate an outward-looking academic community that encourages students to engage with the region, appreciate diverse perspectives, and contribute to stronger connections among Southeast Asian peoples and institutions.
Grounded in its Augustinian values of Unitas, Caritas, and Veritas, USA remains committed to building partnerships that bring together education, international engagement, and people-to-people exchange in pursuit of a more connected and cooperative ASEAN community.
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