Macaldo Becomes First UP Student to Join TUFS TP-BRIDGE Exchange Program - University of the Philippines Open University

Hannah Gabriella Macaldo, a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) student from the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), is the first UP student to participate in the Training Program for Trans-Pacific Bridge Persons (TP-BRIDGE) student exchange program at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS).

Selected through the Mobility for Vigor and Excellence – University of the Philippines (MOVE-UP) Program, Macaldo is currently enrolled at TUFS for the Spring 2025 term, from 1 April 1 to July 21, 2025. Her participation reflects the growing involvement of UPOU students in international academic exchanges as part of the University’s expanding global partnerships.

“Being part of TP-BRIDGE and an exchange student allowed me to grow academically and personally, it has expanded my worldview and deepened my understanding of media, culture, and global interconnectedness,” Macaldo shared.

“It also gave me the opportunity to experience face-to-face classes, which is very different from the online study method in UPOU, and meet new friends from different countries,” she added.

Macaldo’s participation was made possible through MOVE-UP, a flagship student mobility program run by the University of the Philippines Office of International Linkages (UP OIL). The program offers UP undergraduate students opportunities to study abroad, conduct research, or participate in training programs at partner universities worldwide. MOVE-UP also offers financial support based on the student’s needs, destination, and duration of the exchange.

Following her academic term in Japan, Macaldo will further broaden her international experience by participating in a study tour in South Korea from 22 to 25 July 2025, which is included in the TP-BRIDGE program.

Her journey highlights the importance of global academic mobility and serves as an inspiration for fellow UP students, especially those in media and communication fields, to explore international learning experiences and become active contributors to global conversations.

Contributed by Hannah Gabriella Macaldo | Edited by Joy Abigail Rebulanan

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