New Partnership Opens Pathways for Lasallian Students in New York and Manila
New Partnership Opens Pathways for Lasallian Students in New York and Manila
31 March 2025
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Manhattan University in New York signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 9, launching a student exchange program between the two Lasallian schools. The agreement opens international learning opportunities for undergraduate students starting in the First Term of AY 2025-2026.
Each year, two students from each institution may study abroad for one semester. While they remain enrolled and pay tuition at their home school, they will attend classes and access campus services at the host university at no additional academic cost. Students will cover their own travel, housing, and personal expenses, with support from both schools’ international offices.
For students and families, the program offers more than academic credits. It provides full cultural and classroom immersion in a values-driven environment. Exchange students will be enrolled as full-time students at the host campus, with access to campus life, academic support, and student services. Both institutions will offer help with accommodations, visa requirements, and orientation to support participants before and during their stay.
The foundations of this partnership were first explored at the Lasallian Internationalization Summit in La Salle Pachuca, Mexico, held last March 4 to 7. There, representatives from 17 Lasallian institutions, including Manhattan University and Benilde, gathered to share strategies in global education. Mr. Sherlo Reyes, Director of Benilde’s Center for External Linkages, joined the discussions on mobility and international partnerships, where the idea for this exchange program was first developed.
Manhattan University is a private Catholic university in New York City with recognized programs in business, engineering, and communication. Founded by the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1853, it shares with Benilde a commitment to service, inclusion, and quality education. Both schools are members of the global Lasallian network present in more than 80 countries.
At the ceremonial signing held at Vatel Restaurant Manila at The Atrium@Benilde, Mr. Benhur Ong, Chancellor of Benilde, spoke about the deeper meaning of the agreement. “This student exchange program is more than an academic arrangement,” Mr. Ong said. “It reminds us that internationalization is not just about mobility. It is about the Mission.”
Mr. Emmett Ryan, Director of Academic International Programming at Manhattan University, also shared his excitement. A graduate of Manhattan himself, Mr. Ryan described the event as a beginning for future growth. “I hope to see this grow into something much bigger,” he said. “I believe in the importance of the Lasallian mission, not only as a professor and administrator, but also as an alumnus.”
The MOU also outlines the possibility of faculty exchanges, research collaboration, and joint learning activities. The initial agreement is valid for three years.
For more information on Benilde Global, the College’s internationalization program, contact the Center for External Linkages at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1515 or global@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit www.benilde.edu.ph/global.
