A group of future diplomats, aspiring leaders and potential public servants recently participated in a week-long study tour to Jakarta, Indonesia, to gain exposure and thus enhance their global perspectives from international institutions and culturally diverse environments.

Indonesia, one of the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, maintains a significant role in regional diplomacy, political affairs, and cultural heritage. Jakarta, its capital, is home to key international associations, several embassies, and essential government institutions.

 The educational immersion assists learners to achieve valuable insights into the professional functions of international institutions such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, ASEAN Foundation and ASEAN Secretariat.

It seeks to augment conceptual knowledge with real-world governance and diplomacy procedures and practices. “It directly supports the goals of the School of Diplomacy and Governance by advancing its mission to develop globally competent, ethically grounded, and socially responsible leaders through internationalized and experiential learning,” Maricel Fernandez-Carag, Governance and Public Affairs chairperson of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, stated.

 The team met representatives from domestic agencies such as the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia and the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the ASEAN.

 They likewise linked with individuals from educational institutions such as Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, to examine governance models, regional cooperation efforts, and domestic and international security issues.

 “By engaging with diplomatic missions, regional institutions, and academic partners in Indonesia, students strengthened their understanding of diplomacy, governance, and sustainable development within a real-world Southeast Asian context,” she noted.

The student envoys had a glimpse of Indonesia’s rich heritage when they toured historical sites, museums, and landmarks around the capital city. They explored the country’s socio-political and cultural scene as a case study in Southeast Asian diplomacy and governance.

 Dialogues with esteemed diplomats, international experts, and respected practitioners were likewise part of the study visit. These networking activities improved intercultural awareness, leadership development, and personal growth through direct engagement and reflective learning.

 “It deepened the students’ cultural appreciation through immersive experiences in Indonesia’s historical, social, and cultural landscape, fostering greater understanding of regional diversity and intercultural dynamics,” Fernandez-Carag said.

 “These experiences reinforced their readiness for future careers in diplomacy, public service, international organizations, and policy development by broadening their perspectives and reinforcing their ability to operate effectively in global and multicultural environments,” she added.

 Third-year Diplomacy and International Affairs student Theresa Anne Mendoza, one of the head delegates, shared that their excursion balanced a mix of diplomatic, institutional and academic engagements. She emphasized each particular visit had a meaningful contribution to their understanding of the strategic alliance and governance within the region.

“The tour allowed us to contextualize theoretical knowledge gained in class by observing how policies, initiatives and collaborations are implemented on the ground. Overall, the experience enriched our appreciation of ASEAN cooperation, cross-cultural dialogue, and the critical role of youth in shaping the region’s shared future,” Mendoza recounted.

 Co-head delegate Camille Florence Nuqui, a sophomore from the DIA Program, likewise reiterated the students were able to apply the lessons they learned from their professors during the educational tours and navigated the hurdles they encountered throughout the trip.

 “More than the technical aspect, we were able to exemplify the core values of creative and innovative thinking as the delegation had faced challenges such as language barriers, day-long traffic congestions, and unique payment systems,” Nuqui highlighted.