UNDERSTANDING CULTURAL DIVERSITY AMONG STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT

This study explores the cultural diversity among students in the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Baguio Central University, focusing on their cultural backgrounds, experiences, and practices. Through the use of qualitative techniques like one-on-one interviews, the study seeks to encourage acceptance and cultural understanding in the educational environment. And through thematic analysis of the interviews, key themes emerged, including the significance of ethnicity and tradition, continuity of cultural legacies, and positive cultural integration. Findings reveal that the students actively uphold cultural practices, particularly the "kanyaw," which fosters a sense of identity and community. The research also highlights the challenges faced by students in adapting to diverse cultural contexts, emphasizing the importance of education, resilience and respect for cultural differences. The study also underscores the difficulties students encounter when adjusting to a variety of cultural settings. It also proposes exposing students to a variety of cultures and valuing the rich diversity that surrounds them, hence improving their understanding and open-mindedness. And it also points out the role of elders in preserving and passing down cultural knowledge, which is essential to maintaining a family's cultural identity over time. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to throughout the research process, ensuring participant confidentiality and the integrity of the data collected. Basically, the study provides valuable insights into how cultural diversity enhances the learning experience and social identity of students within the hospitality and tourism management sector.