Global Education in a Flat World (Feature for Manila Bulletin)
posted: May-22-2010Global Education in a Flat World
How Global City Innovative College (GCIC) flattened global education at the Bonifacio Global City
The World is Flat at the Global City
GLOBAL CITY—hearing these two words nowadaysmakes people interested because of the positive vibes it brings along whenever it is talked about, as if it has already established its very own aroma similar to familiar Filipino dishes. Just like the smell of mom’s special ulam, “Global City,” better yet, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), has become synonymous to a unique convergence of business, lifestyle, technology, and family. And with reference to Thomas Friedman in his international best seller “The World is Flat,” BGC might be a good example and microcosm of a borderless economy—ironically a flat world with which societal units are defined not by physical edifices but with the interplay of each with the rest of the community.
Located between the commercial and business districts of Makati and Ortigas, BGC has proven its unique versatility when it comes to change as it is continuously developing and harnessing its capability in building a better future and a flatter world. Self-sustaining, the City feeds itself with the modern yet relevant servings of life. From being a military base, it evolvedinto an exemplarywindow of a modern Philippines to the world.And unlike any ordinary dish which spoils as time passes by, this one just gets even better (like an adobo!).
One can take a bite from the platter the Cityoffers—extensive activity and learning areas, warm and Earth-friendly environment, captivating chill spots, wide varieties of culinary cultures, wi-fi zones and gadget depots, and homes for people who care. May you be a business-minded marketing head, a hands-on mom who’s always on the go, a young lass with fetish for fashion, a book lover student or an artista wannabe, you will definitely find your niche here. You can bring your family, friends, and loved ones and take pleasure in the soothing and secure ambiance of the community.
The Global City State of Mind
Bonifacio Global City feeds the mind of modern day learners with the pioneer in higher education within the community, Global City Innovative College (GCIC). Breaking traditional paradigms of what a college is supposed to be GCIC was founded eight years ago by a group of dynamic individuals who wanted to evolve learning by moving with the changes due to globalization. Starting with 500 students in their first year and concentrating mostly on their Nursing program, now GCIC is a full-pledged college that offers a total of 8 programs to date, including Business (major in Marketing, Finance, and HR), Education (major in Early Childhood, Secondary Education, English or SPED), Caregiving, Nursing, Information Technology, Tourism, Hospitality Management, and Culinary Arts. GCIC continuously leads in BGC by offering relevant and industry-responsive tertiary programs for its immediate and neighboring communities.
The Nursing program curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the local Board of Nursing Examinations, and foreign exams like the NCLEX, CGFNS, TOEFL and TSE for global competency. The Commission of Higher Education has currently ranked GCIC as the 9th Top Nursing Schools in the National Capital Region. The Professional Business Studies allows students to do their business internship in the US, Australia, China, and Singapore as part of their Global Business Entrepreneurial Immersion Program. Local internships may also be done in partnership with top corporations and multinational companies in the country.
This 2010, GCIC will be introducing two new programs in their curriculum, Tourism and Information Technology, both of course with their own flavor of innovation added into the program. The I.T. program will highlight its integrated multiple certification programs and its Apple Apps development.
Global City, GCIC, and the Hospitality Industry
The innovative Culinary Arts program was first offered in 2009, and it features a diploma to degree system. After taking the 8-month diploma course, the students have the option to proceed to the HRM program to eventually earn a bachelor's degree. The International Hospitality Management program of GCIC includes the Hospitality Management and Tourism courses. In 2008, the Commission on Higher Education granted GCIC the authority to the Bachelor degree course.
The Diploma for Culinary Arts program combines several methods of teaching including hands-on, classroom sessions, field trips, career development seminars and chef mentoring among others. The subjects include classical cooking, international cuisine, Asian cuisine, baking and pastry, and the more practical side like restaurant and catering business, safety and sanitation, cost control, nutrition, and event management.
Students also benefit from mentoring with renowned chefs such as Rolando Laudico and Sau del Rosario. The students also intern at the chef's restaurants Bistro Filipino and Chelsea, respectively; other restaurants include M Cafe and Guava, and hotels like Discovery Suites and Shangri-La Makati.
The College of International Hospitality Management's newest program, the Bachelor in Tourism provides a comprehensive course that exposes students to various areas in the tourism industry such as travel, hotel, transportation, leisure, resort and destination management.
The current worldwide high demand for skilled workers in the hospitality industry has prompted a lot of schools nationwide to enhance their curriculums. GCIC's programs are competitive, all to provide students with a global outlook and strong industry exposure. “Life skills add a different yet relevant flavor to the seemingly common program offering,” says JB Bolaños, head of Marketing of GCIC. “Most culinary schools highlight their facilities, faculty profile, curriculum and methods of teaching, partnerships, and career pathways as their program strengths. At GCIC, we have these but, moreover, we believe that the purpose of education is not just simply to learn to earn a living, but to live.”
Together with strong business and liberal arts foundation, students are provided with comprehensive language instruction. The ever increasing world tourism statistics is an indication of how big the market is. Equipped with sound education and solid training foundations, GCIC students are more than ready to take on the world after leaving school.
The Campus is the entire City
The location of GCIC at Bonifacio Global City is very idea—close to commercial establishments such as Market! Market! and Bonifacio High Street, and the entire Fort Bonifacio business district as well. Together with top restaurants, medical institutions such as St. Luke's Hospital, and the upcoming Shangri-La Hotel, the location of GCIC plays an integral role in the whole educational experience. Students enjoy a safe, secure, clean and uncongested environment with GCIC.
While all programs have carefully selected faculty based on the value of their industry exposure, leadership, communication efficacy, and supported by their academic achievements and psychological preparation to teach, GCIC allows its students access to use and enjoy all that there is to be consumed, uncovered and discovered from the City itself. Students are also exposed to the real world (with the City as the training ground), as well as to the challenges, people and situations they have to deal with on their own.
Adapting to Change
GCIC has the flexibility of adapting to the changing needs of the times balanced with the good solid foundation of the old. Engr. Michael Tan, president of GCIC, said "We want our students to be successful not only in their professional life. We don’t just teach our students Competency but build positive Character as well.” Global City Innovative College is what schools of the future are made of. Anticipating the needs of the society, GCIC is preparing students not only for the immediate demands, but for the long-term needs as well.
Global City Innovative College offers a high quality learning system in the atmosphere of belongingness and acceptance; the taste of globalization and life knocking at your doorsteps.
(For more information, please visit GCIC—the yellow buildinglocated at 31st Street corner Second Avenue of the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. You may also log on at www.gcic.edu.ph or call (02) 666.8882).
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