The opportunity comes after UC and Dreamark TW finalized an international internship program that will open doors for Hospitality Management and Tourism students to gain hands-on experience in Taiwan’s hospitality industry.
The initial batch of 300 slots offers a significant opportunity for UC’s approximately 800 graduating students—some of whom are enrolled in diploma programs supported by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—to pursue training abroad.
Under the partnership, students will undergo on-the-job training (OJT) in Taiwan for six months to one year, immersing them in real-world hospitality settings, from front office operations to food and beverage services, in established hotels across key tourism destinations.
Not UC’s first
Lawyer Augusto W. Go, UC chair, said in a press briefing in his office on April 16 that the initiative builds on the university’s long-standing efforts to bring students beyond local training.
“This is not the first time we’ve sent students abroad,” Go said, citing previous programs in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
“But Taiwan is even more practical. It is only two to three hours away, and parents can easily visit.”
That proximity, he added, makes overseas training more accessible—not just financially but also emotionally—especially for families who want to stay connected while their children gain international experience.
Training, allowance
Aside from travel and exposure, participants may receive a monthly allowance of around NT$29,500 (about P50,000).
Dreamark TW legal counsel Christopher San Pedro said about NT$5,000 would be deducted for accommodation.
Take-home pay may also increase, as some partner hotels provide meals and overtime pay, he added.
“This is not just training. Students can actually earn while learning,” Go said, expressing optimism about the program’s impact.
Interns who perform well will have a strong chance of being hired by host companies after completing their OJT, San Pedro said, allowing them to transition into full-time employment.
There is strong demand for Filipinos in Taiwan’s hospitality sector due to their proficiency in English and service-oriented mindset.
“Filipino students are highly regarded,” San Pedro said. “They are proficient in English and naturally service-oriented, which are qualities that hotels value.”
Program bridge
Applicants will undergo online interviews with prospective employers prior to deployment to ensure alignment between their skills and the hotels’ requirements.
San Pedro stressed that Dreamark TW is not a recruitment agency but a bridge connecting schools and partner hotels to ensure quality international internships that are now more accessible.
Established in 2022, the group has already deployed 272 Filipino interns to Taiwan, with hundreds more lined up for future batches through partnerships with institutions in Luzon.
With UC joining the network, the program is expected to scale significantly, with long-term projections reaching up to 10,000 student beneficiaries in the coming years, San Pedro said.
However, the initial batch will be limited to about 300 students to ensure quality training and proper support systems.
Perfect timing
For UC students, especially those in TESDA-funded diploma programs, the timing could not be more ideal, Go said.
After receiving free education, allowances, and training, these scholars are now a step closer to securing international internships that offer both experience and income.
UC said student safety remains a top priority. Before deployment, the university will conduct on-site inspections and validations of partner facilities to ensure that training environments meet standards of safety, legitimacy, and quality.
Across UC’s five campuses—UC Main, Banilad, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM), METC Mambaling, and South (Pardo-Talisay)—there are currently about 4,000 students enrolled in hospitality-related programs. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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