University of Cebu Forges Partnership with Dreamark TW for Taiwan Internships
The University of Cebu (UC) is poised to formalize a strategic collaboration with Dreamark TW, a Philippine-based firm, to deploy students for on-the-job training (OJT) in Taiwan's burgeoning hospitality sector. This initiative marks a significant expansion of UC's international internship programs, aiming to provide students with practical experience in a global setting.
Enhancing Accessible Overseas Training Opportunities
UC Chairman Augusto W. Go emphasized the advantages of this new partnership during a media briefing on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He highlighted Taiwan's proximity to the Philippines, which reduces travel costs and makes it easier for parents to visit their children compared to placements in Europe or the United States. "This is not the first time that we have OJT abroad... we've had programs in Bulgaria, Florida, and Singapore. But Taiwan is even better because it is just two to three hours away, and parents can easily visit," Go stated.
The demand for Filipino workers in Taiwan's hospitality industry remains robust, with industry leaders citing English proficiency and service-oriented skills as key strengths. This partnership leverages these attributes to create valuable opportunities for students.
Dreamark TW's Role as a Facilitator
Established in 2022, Dreamark TW specializes in facilitating internships for hospitality and tourism students in Taiwan's luxury hotels. The company deployed 272 interns last year and has 265 more scheduled for deployment. Christopher San Pedro, a representative from Dreamark TW, clarified that the firm acts as a bridge between educational institutions and host establishments, not as a recruitment agency. "We connect students and schools with partner hotels to provide quality international internships that are now more accessible," San Pedro explained.
To ensure a good fit, participating students will undergo online interviews with prospective hotel employers before deployment. This process aims to match interns with suitable host establishments, enhancing the overall training experience.
Program Details and Financial Support
Under the program, students primarily from hospitality-related courses can undertake internships lasting six to twelve months in partner hotels across Taiwan, including locations in Tainan and other key tourism areas. Andrea Alday provided details on the financial aspects: students will receive a monthly allowance of approximately NT$29,500 (roughly P50,000 to P60,000), with NT$5,000 deducted for accommodation. Some partner hotels may also offer meals and overtime pay.
To alleviate financial burdens, program fees are structured with an initial payment of P10,000, while the remaining NT$78,000 (around P148,000) can be paid in installments during the internship. The package covers essential costs such as airfare, visa processing, insurance, accommodation support, and other logistical expenses.
Scaling Up and Student Impact
Dreamark TW has ambitious long-term goals, aiming to scale up deployment to as many as 10,000 interns. Initially, the company targets 300 to 400 students per batch, with participation dependent on partner schools' academic calendars and program requirements.
UC currently enrolls about 4,000 students in hotel management-related courses across its five campuses: UC Main, UC Banilad, UC Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue, UC Pardo, and the UC Maritime Education and Training Center. Of these, approximately 800 are graduating students, who stand to benefit significantly from this international exposure.
This partnership not only enhances UC's educational offerings but also supports the growing demand for skilled hospitality professionals in Taiwan, fostering cross-cultural exchange and career development for Filipino students.
