Global City Innovative College: Changing with the Times

Times are always changing. What is relevant a decade ago might not be true today, and what is considered important right now might not be in ten years down the line. Globalization has taken over the world, and borders between countries have blurred. The continuing challenge of keeping up with the trends and demands of the modern economy is a task for educational institutions, those that provide training for the future workforce of the world.

Global Competencies

Eight years ago the Global City Innovative College (GCIC) was founded by a group of dynamic individuals. 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.

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 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.

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.

Strong Foundation for the Changing Times

All programs have carefully selected faculty based on the value of their industry exposure, leadership, communication efficacy supported by their academic achievements and psychological preparation to teach.

The facilities available at GCIC are state-of-the-art, such as the Mini-Hospital, where nursing students are able to practice their skills in a simulated hospital environment. GCIC also has fully-equipped laboratories such as the Chemistry Lab, Computer Center, and Instrumentation Lab.

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.

The location of GCIC at the heart of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City is very ideal - 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.

About GCIC:

Global City Innovative College (GCIC) is a private college situated at the heart of Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. It began in 2002 when a group of entrepreneurs joined together to establish the first collegiate education center in what was then the Fort Bonifacio Special Economic Zone. It is non-denominational, co-educational, and primarily serves the students near its geographical community.

For more information, please visit GCIC at the 3/F Bonifacio Technology Center 31^st Street corner Second Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. You may also log in at www.gcic.edu.ph or call (02) 757.5588 to 91 or 818.0945 to 46