However, Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College (MINT) looks at it from a different angle: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” Although the challenges of 21st century students are in a different dimension—ultra-diverse, globally-influenced, short-attention-span-confronted—they know what they want. MINT, furthermore, believes that one does not need to be a genius to get started. But to be educationally-equipped at a time when social networking is the new language and touch-screen technology isn’t sci-fi is obviously beyond theories and textbooks. That’s where MINT comes in. This new-school institution teaches actual professional work.
A week ago, I was invited to tour the campus together with other bloggers. I should say that I am quite impressed with MINT's fresh and preppy ambiance. The bright colored walls and furniture are so young and vibrant, just perfect for modern college student. It's not only the place that impressed me but the curriculum as well. MINT fills a gap in education. MINT provides a multi-method teaching philosophy that ensures students a smooth, seamless transition into the professional world. MINT also encourages students to play, get creative and explore new ideas in a tranquil environment with high-technology facilities. In fact, the college insists that noise is not prohibited in their library.
The 1,315-square-meter MINT campus is a canvas. Its white walls are used as exhibit spaces for both art students and budding artists. This modern campus was created to reflect our time. From the graphic-designed walls to sleek glass doors to iconic, irregularly shaped chairs and technology-infused classrooms, MINT’s contemporary point of view translates from its academic curriculum to campus facilities that scream ultramodern visual design and multimedia technology.
The five color-coded classrooms, namely Menthol, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemon Mint, and Indigo, do not have “blackboards.” Instead, each 35-capacity room is equipped with 42-inch LCD screens that professors and students can use for audio-visual presentations. A clever technology known as the “interactive whiteboard” is used for lectures and illustrations in each room. Glass boards are also installed to replace the chalkboard. Instructional facilities such as the Chatterbox (conference room), Space Odyssey (multi-purpose case room) and Groove (80-seater lecture/rehearsal rooms).
The 80-seater Mint Playhouse is a multi-faceted theater that can also act as a lecture hall and broadcast studio. It welcomes film fests, stage plays and symposiums for students, professors and guests, while its studio facilities are used by Film & Communications Management, Music Business Management and Applied Arts & New Media, Theater Arts & Communications students for recorded and live-streaming video projects. The Sonic Boom, on the other hand, is Mint’s state-of-the art music and sound recording studio where students develop and edit audio productions. Geek Central, on the other hand, is MINT’s grand computer laboratory where all examinations are conducted as the college practices usage of minimal-paper on campus.
What makes it all the more interesting is how MINT integrated three key tracks — arts, business, and technology — in its academic curriculum. Each undergraduate program exposes students to the most relevant disciplines in commerce, computer technology and the creative industry. MINT is serious in advocating environmental awareness through a unique ecological program included in each course.
The college, to be more precise, introduces 10 four-year Bachelor's degrees, accredited by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Under the Business Department, there are six courses: Entrepreneurial Management, Marketing, Finance & Commerce, Environmental Management & Sustainable Development, Film & Communications and Music Business Management.
The Experience Center is MINT’s very own library-cafe-and-digital-center. It is a multi-purpose learning center powered by the latest Apple technology from iMacs to Macbooks to iPods and iPads that gives access to digital books and audio-visual references. All computer units are powered by the Internet and MINT Intranet for students to access the World Wide Web and a wide range of journals. The Experience Center boasts of an extensive collection of textbooks, literature and coffee table books in the fields of the arts, business, technology, current affairs and media. Students are allowed to access the public library and other select private libraries, while external parties can access the Experience Center through guest permits.
As an international college, MINT provides the springboard for opportunities and connections both locally and internationally. The college intends to partner with CIBT for an international exchange program. We aim for students to have the opportunity to travel and continue their education and/or internships abroad. This allows students to share, interact and collaborate with local and global networks.
MINT's thrust is giving back to the community by providing full scholarships to 20 percent of its total student population each academic year. Students, who are deserving, but otherwise not able to afford this type of education, will have their chance at acquiring the same knowledge and treatment as those who can. This is a sincere social commitment.
For more information, you can visit Meridian International Business, Arts & Technology College located at 1030 Campus Ave, 2F Commerce and Industry Plaza Building, McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines or visit www.mintcollege.com
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