Saint Mary’s University formally welcomed its newest AFS exchange students from Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium during the AFS Students Welcome Program held on July 17, 2026, at the University Boardroom. The event marked the beginning of the students’ academic and cultural immersion at SMU while reaffirming the University’s commitment to internationalization through intercultural learning and global engagement.

The exchange students, Layla Maag from Switzerland, Gaia Mondano from Italy, and Luna Fixelles from Belgium, were formally introduced during the program and expressed their appreciation for the warm reception extended by the University. They also shared their enthusiasm for the academic and cultural experiences that await them during their stay in the Philippines, reflecting the spirit of mutual learning and cultural exchange that the AFS Program promotes.

University President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina delivered the Institutional Welcome Message, formally receiving the foreign students and reaffirming the University’s commitment to providing a meaningful academic and cultural experience. Joining him were members of the University’s top management, including Dr. John G. Tayaban, Vice President for Administration; Dr. Moises Alexander T. Asuncion, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Ms. Ariane P. Daran, Vice President for Finance and Treasury; and Mr. Melencio G. Bernardino Jr., Senior High School Principal, whose presence reflected the University’s support for international education and exchange.

The program commenced with an invocation led by Rev. Fr. Philip A. Yu, Jr., CICM, Vice President for Mission and Identity, followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Felipe V. Nantes Jr., Dean of the School of Teacher Education and Humanities. An overview of the University’s internationalization initiatives was presented by Dr. Clara M. Gonzales, Head of the Internationalization Office, while Mr. Samuel Damayon, Dean of Student Affairs and Services and AFS Focal Person, introduced the AFS Program and its partnership with the University.

Representatives of the host families, the Jasmin, Noble, Gamboa, and Agrimor families, together with the University’s student buddies from the AFS Club, also conveyed messages of welcome and support, reaffirming their commitment to assisting the exchange students throughout their stay at SMU.

AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines has been a partner of SMU since 2018, providing opportunities for intercultural learning through international student exchange. Since the partnership began, the University has hosted 22 foreign exchange students from countries including Japan, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, France, and the United States, reflecting its continuing commitment to fostering global citizenship and meaningful cross-cultural engagement.