As the demand for international recognition of credentials increase, more and more students turn to international credentials to demonstrate that they have the skills needed to succeed in the global workforce. In 2006, there were 4 million TOEIC® tests delivered in 60 countries and in 2012 it has grown to 7 million TOEIC® tests delivered in over 140 countries. The incredible growth of the TOEIC® program highlights the increasing need for the use of international credentials. Today, 7 out of the 10 largest global corporations trust the TOEIC® tests to make high-stakes decisions such as hiring, promotion and placement.

During a round-table discussion on TOEIC® tests with Hopkins International Partners, College of Commerce and Business Administration Student Council (CBASC) President- Daniel Joshua Custodio, together with Vice President- AJ Recodo, asked “How do we get the benefits of the TOEIC® program this year?” This sense of urgency and importance pushed other council members, along with CBASC PRO- Ivan Bernardino, to initiate a voluntary TOEIC® test option to be opened for graduating students before their fast-approaching graduation date. Student Council members, guided by Dean Maria Cecilia A. Tio Cuison of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Dean Ma. Socorro P. Calara of the College of Commerce and Business Administration were very instrumental in organizing the first ever student-initiated TOEIC® tests in the Philippines.

University students who agreed to sign-up voluntarily for the TOEIC® tests were given significant academic discounts. The TOEIC® test was conducted at the University of Santo Tomas at an agreed upon date, with 133 students coming in on a weekend for the test administration. The praiseworthy enthusiasm of the UST students shows that Philippine youth are motivated to compete in the global workforce.

The results of the test had been encouraging as well: when the students were asked “Do you understand the value of your TOEIC® score?” – 100% of the student respondents said they valued the score and gave an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. By taking a bold step towards international standard certification, students of the University of Santo Tomas have shown that they can truly make positive changes and be ready for a globally competitive workforce by starting at Asia’s Oldest University.

Be part of the new batch of UST students ready to face the world- Go online at www.ust.edu.ph for more details.