While studying in Manila, exchange students Mila Desilve and Elizaveta Bushtak have embraced the opportunity to immerse themselves in a cross-cultural learning experience and enjoy the warmth of Filipino hospitality.
Both students are enrolled at the Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School in Europe, a global network with over 50 campuses that prepares students for successful careers in the international hospitality industry. In partnership with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the Marco Polo Program offers students the chance to study abroad during their junior year, allowing Mila and Elizaveta to pursue International Hospitality Management.
Mila, from the Vatel campus on the remote island of Reunion, chose the Philippines as her destination to explore Asia and expand her hospitality skills.
“I had many options, like Thailand, Morocco, and Spain, but I wanted to explore the Philippines. I hope to improve my hospitality skills to balance work and travel,” the 18-year-old student said.
Mila particularly enjoyed the front office and housekeeping classes, which gave her practical knowledge ahead of her internship.
Among the memorable experiences of her stay was attending an event with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, where she witnessed a cooking demonstration and tried halo-halo.
“Back home, it’s hard to have the chance to see famous people, so this was an unforgettable experience,” Mila recalled.
As a freelance model with a passion for travel, Mila toured several parts of the Philippines, from Metro Manila’s parks to the beaches of Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan. Despite the language barrier, her professors and classmates at Benilde supported her, helping her feel integrated into the community.
“Being away from home has made me more independent and flexible,” Mila said. “I’ve learned a lot and experienced things that are different from France but interesting in the end.”
Elizaveta, from Vatel Russia, chose the Philippines to explore her curiosity and fulfill her mother’s dream of becoming a global citizen.
“I’m expanding my horizons,” she said. “I want to improve my English, gain experience, and inspire students in Moscow to come to the Philippines.”
Influenced by a family friend in Cyprus, Elizaveta decided to pursue a career in hospitality.
“He told me about the program, his internship, and how he interacted with people from all over the world,” Elizaveta explained. “At the time, I didn’t speak French or English, so his story was very inspiring.”
Elizaveta enjoyed unique courses at Benilde, such as wine appreciation, which enhanced her skills in hospitality. To experience Manila more authentically, she took a bike tour of Intramuros to explore the city’s history and culture, and visited local restaurants with new friends. She also shared her own culture with classmates by presenting a popular Russian festival, sparking interest and questions from her peers.
Elizaveta plans to pursue a master’s degree abroad and gain further knowledge of the financial and management aspects of the hospitality industry. “I want to go back to Moscow and open my own place—maybe a small restaurant,” she said.