HTC Welcomes International Exchange Students from Japan and Indonesia
HTC Welcomes International Exchange Students from Japan and Indonesia
General Santos City — Holy Trinity College of General Santos City (HTC) continues to strengthen its commitment to internationalization and intercultural understanding as it welcomes exchange students from Japan and Indonesia through the American Field Service–Intercultural Programs Philippines (AFS-IPP).
The exchange program brings together students from different cultural backgrounds, providing them with an opportunity to experience Philippine education and culture while building meaningful connections with the HTC community.
Representing Japan are Riko Nakamura, a Grade 11 student, who will spend six months at HTC, and Sayumi Shibuya, a Grade 12 student, who will likewise participate in the six-month exchange program.
Joining them from Indonesia are Azura Muhammad Ashadi and Atheeqa Aquilla, both Grade 12 students, who will be staying at HTC for three months.
The international students were represented by Sir Hermino Bantillo Jr., who accompanied and supported them as they became part of the HTC community.
Their arrival marks more than an academic exchange. It provides an avenue for students and members of the HTC community to learn from one another, share traditions and perspectives, and develop a deeper appreciation of cultural diversity. Through everyday interactions inside and outside the classroom, the exchange students are able to experience Filipino life firsthand while also introducing their own cultures to their peers.
The students were also warmly welcomed during the culmination of the IZN Festival of HTC on August 18, 2026, held at the Triplex Ground. Their presence added an international dimension to the celebration, further reflecting HTC’s efforts to promote global citizenship and meaningful intercultural engagement within the school community.
The exchange initiative demonstrates how education can extend beyond the classroom by creating opportunities for young people to understand cultures, build friendships across borders, and develop perspectives that prepare them for an increasingly interconnected world.
Through its partnership with AFS-IPP and the participation of international exchange students, HTC continues to open its doors to global learning—transforming cultural exchange into an enriching experience for both visiting students and the wider school community.
