The UPLB International Student Relations (ISR) welcomed new and continuing international students for AY 2026-2-27 through its orientation program “Tulay: Building Bridges Across Cultures.” The program was held on August 14, 2026 at the Graduate School Dormitory Lobby.

Rather than hosting a series of lecture-style presentations, Tulay introduced essential information through interactive and collaborative games designed to help students recall key processes, learn about Filipino culture, and foster friendships with their fellow international students.

The program was facilitated by Gean Paulene S. Rivera, an experienced team-building facilitator and licensed psychometrician from the Office of Counseling and Guidance (OCG). 

The activities began with an introduction game that allowed the participants to introduce themselves and know their peers. Each student was asked to share their name, country, something they were proud of about their country, and what they expected to experience while studying in the Philippines. To help the participants remember one another’s names, they were also asked to recall the names of the students who had introduced themselves earlier.

The students were then divided into two groups for a step-by-step sequence game on the study permit application and the 9(f) visa conversion procedure. International students regularly submit their study permits at the beginning of each semester as part of the enrollment process. Knowing the process for 9(f) non-immigrant student visas is also vital for international students who hold a Temporary Visitor Visa (TVV) or Tourist Visa so that they can study in the Philippines.  

The orientation continued with a spin-the-wheel trivia quiz, in which each team was given a question from one of three categories: UPLB Things, OVCSA Services, and General Philippine Trivia. The game familiarized students with basic information and services that they can use during their stay at the University.

After the games, the students were given time to dine and socialize with their newly made acquaintances. It was also an opportunity for the students to approach the ISR staff to clarify questions they had, especially regarding the study permit application. 

The program resumed with a language game that acquainted the students with Filipino words. Each student was given a sheet of sticker paper with a Filipino word or an image, then they were tasked with finding the participant whose sticker corresponded to theirs. After finding their matches, the pairs joined the group in reciting the Tagalog word and its English translation. The first three pairs to find each other received prizes.

For the recap, the students participated in a True-or-False game to review the information they learned from the previous games.