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Kimi’s Years Overseas

Kimi Rodriguez graduated from New York University Abu Dhabi with a BA in Political Science with concentrations in Economics and Mediterranean History. She’s played an integral part in CAMP’s founding and continues to be an amazing mentor for the organization and its members. Being the incredible human being that she is, we asked her what studying abroad has done for her!

Having now graduated, what do you think is the most important take-away from having attended your school/studying abroad? My most important take away from having attended NYU Abu Dhabi is that when it comes down to the core of it, people from all over the world are more similar than they are different. NYU Abu Dhabi is a very diverse university; in each class of roughly 150 people (at least for the first four classes), there are over 60 countries represented. Coming from a comparably homogenous environment, the sudden exposure to so many cultures and ways of thinking was at first shocking, then life changing. My experience at NYUAD not only made me more aware and open-minded, but also more empathetic and willing to challenge my own convictions. What is your best memory in the time you spent studying abroad? What did you love most? Travel is a core component of the NYUAD experience. In my four years, I was able to visit, live and study in 16 different countries -- many of those as part of my academic program. Prior to university, I never saw myself as a traveler, and even now I wouldn't say that traveling is something I'm passionate about. However, being in such a geographically strategic location gave me ample opportunity me to visit countries I never even thought I wanted to see. Traveling was such an unexpected surprise for me, and I loved every minute of it. Would you recommend studying abroad? Why or why not? Yes, I would. Leaving home is mentally and emotionally challenging, but it is an experience that will change how you see the world and how you see yourself. I grew up in college, and I can't imagine myself today without the experiences (both positive and negative) I've had. However, I also know that studying abroad isn't for everyone. It is a choice that everyone must consider very carefully. Is there anything that you wish someone had told you to consider in choosing the right school for you? In other words, was there any defining characteristic of your school that you hadn't known about coming in, but which had a defining impact in your experience there? Although I knew that I would be entering a very small community, I didn't know beforehand how defining this would be. During my first year, there were only 300 students in the school -- this made my college experience differ very greatly from those of my peers' who were studying in schools with as many as 10,000 people. It worked well for me, but it didn't work well for everyone. It's important to consider the kind of environment you're entering: don't just think about the academics and the extra curricular opportunities, but also think about the size and demographic of the university community. What did you feel you were best prepared for when it came to studying abroad? What did you feel you could've been better prepared for? The International Baccalaureate really prepared me for my freshman year academics. The rigor of the IB program helped me breeze through long writing assignments and a demanding schedule. I would say I could've been better prepared for homesickness, but I don't think anything can really prepare you for that! Best piece of advice you could give an incoming freshman? Or a student considering college abroad? Research the universities you're applying to well, and have fun! Balance your time with academics, activities, and friends, and make the most of every year. It's a roller coaster of a ride that will go by faster than you think :) If this interview wasn’t enough to show you how awesome Kimi is, just let her graduating speech blow you away.

An interview with our early decision campers

#college campphilippines campmentees earlydecision earlyaction

Pre-college Shopping List (the Kuripot Version)

Hey there CAMPers! Congrats on all your acceptances! My name's Marianna, I'm a rising senior at Wesleyan University, and I am unashamed to say that I've always been a cheapskate. Before I left for college, I was told I'd be able to buy basically everything I needed there in the US. While that was (and is) true, I definitely ended up paying more than I needed to, and I had a smaller selection from which to choose on top of that. I hope to prevent the same from happening to you, so for the sake of money and convenience, here's a list of stuff that I wish I had known to buy in Manila before I left for the US. Most items on this list can easily be found in big malls with department stores like SM or Landmark (in fact, that's where I suggest you look first). And all of these things should be able to fit in your suitcases without adding much weight.

(photo courtesy of target.com)

#collegelife #archive #featured

Endings Are The Best Part

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Linet Dumag’s second post:

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My second and last month in my internship was more interesting. I was assigned to more tasks. They were time consuming but bearable. Those include decoding calling cards into the mailing list, stamping the back of our business cards, making a costumer comment/ suggestion sheet, modeling for our flyers (I’m at the back!) and being an extra for a video.

#summer #internship

I have always looked forward to each day of summer when my PS3 controller is glued to my hands. Little did I know, however, that my dream to study abroad will not only separate me from my gaming console but also change my life forever.

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Irah Zapanta’s second post.

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Irah Zapanta is a student at La Salle Greenhills.

The CAMP summer internship program is designed to provide high school students with professional work experience before attending university. Read more about the program here.

#summer #internship

News in Person

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Annicka Koteh’s first post:

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I'll admit that I'm not the most politically aware person around. My knowledge of current events was mostly limited to snippets from the dining table and my Twitter timeline, or the occasional news report that I had to prepare for school. It definitely came as a surprise that I was accepted into CAMP's Summer Internship Program, and as an intern for the Office of Senator Loren Legarda no less.

#summer #internship #camp philippines

The Mind Museum Summer Internship Experience (Part 2)

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Eduardo Peralta’s second post:

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On my second day, I started work on the Filipino Scientist slides. I did a mock-up slide of one scientist and explained to my manager my concept of what I would like to do. She was very impressed and happy with my concept of having dynamic slides which included animated backgrounds and text. I explained to them that it would take two days to get a sample to them.

#summer #internship

The Mind Museum Internship Experience

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Eduardo Peralta’s first post:

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My internship at the mind museum, which took place over the course of 23 days, started on March 31 and ended on April 30.

On my first day, I had a briefing on the project, and my role, in the morning. I was given a guided tour of the Mind Museum in the afternoon.

My role was to be part of the curatorial staff. My project was to come up with slides for an upcoming exhibit on Filipino Scientists. Each of the Filipino scientists were to be depicted in a slide with a narrative portrayal of their life and their significant contributions. The target was to complete the project in time for the exhibit launch on 02 May 2014. The other components in the Filipino Scientists exhibit were holograms of the Filipino scientists talking. Both the slides and the holograms were to be continuously running in the exhibit.

#summer #internship

Getting the Hang of It

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Cheska Bernabe’s second post:

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I have to admit, sometimes it’s really hard to be productive and actually work because it’s summer. But for some reason, this internship in PULSE has actually motivated me to work even harder than I usually do. With the many projects going on simultaneously in the firm, I always have to remember to take of note of when deadlines are.

#summer #internship

What I Loved The Most

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Chiawen Chiang’s second post:

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In the past few weeks, I’ve experienced and encountered so much with my co-interns and office-mates that it almost feels like I worked with them for years. I’ve come to love the little details about the Senate—the way paintings are displayed on the hallway in the first floor, how the offices of each senator is differently furnished and decorated, the way the last few stairs to the 5th floor tilt slightly downward, and how our office, room 510, always seems to smell funny in the morning.

#summer #internship

So Far with Bambike

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Linet Dumag’s first post:

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Joining an internship was not originally part of my summer plan. However, when I saw CAMP’s offer on Facebook, I asked myself, “Why not?” And here I am.

At my first day I was welcomed with open arms and treated some lunch. (I love that part!) They have given me easy assignments such as research for the tour script, scanning and cutting papers, as well as given me the opportunity to attend meetings with government officials. The talks were interesting and it was so cool because I am here with them and I’m only 14 years old! I have been working in Intramuros, as well as Tarlac and Makati, and I’ve been able to meet different kinds of people. My co-workers and boss are all hard working and fun to be with. A bonus is that I get to bike around Intramuros. (I have not biked for a while.)

#internship #summer

Design with a Purpose at Bantay.ph

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Kim Sanchez’s first post:

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My first few meetings with my host organization turned out well. At first, it was a little overwhelming to know that I have to travel all the way to Makati (from Quezon City) every now and then to report. But after a while I found it still overwhelming, but in a good way. It felt like going out of my little realm and taking on an adventure. Even though I have yet to commute by myself (I wanted to familiarize myself more before I set off alone), I still see this internship as a way for me to become more independent.

The people I work closely with were very nice! I was assisted and welcomed and the first person who accommodated me even asked me to stop saying “po!” (It was second nature though, so I still did). The Special Projects Officer was also nice, and guided me all throughout. All in all, I’m always welcomed warmly whenever I come to the office.

#summer #internship

First Impressions of Sari Software Solutions

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Alyssa Ty’s first post:

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My first two weeks working at Sari Software Solutions was filled with a lot of mixed emotions jam-packed with exciting and enriching experiences. Working at Sari gave me a whole new perspective of the business industry as well as enrich my knowledge in technology and the digital world.

#summer #internship

Embracing Chaos: My Internship at a Startup Company

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Korina Gaw's first post:

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I remember the first time that I had spoken to Walter, my boss, about what my internship would entail. He straightaway warned me, “Your work is going to be erratic and hectic. We could be working on one project for weeks, and then completely scrap it by the next. In my experience, you may find that the ideas you thought would initially work don’t and the ones that you thought would surely fail do. You will constantly encounter failure, but what matters more is your willingness to bounce back.”

I only remember the deep sigh of relief I took after the conversation was over.

#summer #internship

A Lesson in Marketing

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Matthew Yap’s second post:

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For the past few days, I’ve been doing a lot of tasks related to marketing in HSSi.

Marketing is one of the four functional areas of a business and a necessary component in a business’s success. For the most part, this department has one major goal, which is to satisfy and meet the needs of the customers in order to get them to regularly buy a business’s products. A business cannot prosper without a solid marketing department since this area is the one that generates a its sales and helps it expand its customer base.

I used to think that marketing was only about promoting a business’s own products to entice its target market to buy them. Through my experiences in HSSi, however, I’ve learned that marketing is much more complex and intricate.

#internship #summer

Working in a Creative Firm: Expect the Unexpected

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Cheska Bernabe’s first post:

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I've been working in PULSE for almost a month now, and I'm proud to say I'm beginning to grasp the concept of what a creative firm actually is and what they do. Being completely honest, I did not know at all what a creative firm was when I decided to sign up as an intern for PULSE Group-Creative Partners Inc. When I was reading the job description, I liked the idea of becoming a Social Media and Communications Intern, and this job seemed like the one that would fit my personality and skills the most.

#internship #featured #summer

Signs for a Change

This summer, we asked our CAMP summer interns to share their experiences on our blog. Here’s Irah Zapanta’s first post:

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While struggling to keep my balance in the train, one Tuesday morning, thoughts about work ran through my head like on a marathon without an end—without resolution. I wondered what Edukasyon.ph had in store for me that day. Will I look for partnership opportunities? Will I write more articles? Will I research more universities? These questions were not answered, but hopefully, I will have been enlightened by the time I reach the office.

Stepping out of the train entailed a well-planned and violent process. I strategically positioned myself at the middle of two doors. Eventually arriving at Ayala, I realized that no amount of politeness can get me out. I had no choice but to elbow my way towards the platform. The sad reality that most Filipinos have to put up with inefficient railway systems really bothered me. I thought to myself, “I am going to change all this,” which further highlighted my responsibility to make the most of my education—the only solution I could think of.

#internship #featured #summer

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