University President, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, accompanied by SMU administrators, led a welcoming ceremony for three international students embarking on a cultural immersion experience at Saint Mary’s University at the University Boardroom on August 30.

The exchange students are Carolina Guasco from Italy, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Rona Gamboa; Taichi Hayashi from Japan, hosted by Dr. Efren Mateo; and Adriana Ixcot Ramirez from Germany, hosted by Ms. Sylvia Portunaba.

The foreign exchange students will be enrolled at the SMU Senior High School for the Academic Year 2023-2024.

Establishing a partnership with AFS in 2018, SMU continues to collaborate with the program to facilitate international experiences for students. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to provide students with diverse educational opportunities that transcend national borders