Far Eastern University (FEU) hosted a three-week Study Abroad Program with De Anza College, USA, to introduce the Philippines’ cultural and educational experiences to students outside the country—the program aimed to bridge global gaps and foster international understanding. FEU-IRO hosted 15 students and two faculty members, highlighting the growing interest in studying abroad due to globalization and the 10.2% increase in international student enrollment in the Philippines in 2023.
“We are thrilled to host De Anza College students in our transformative study abroad program. This partnership broadens perspectives and fosters meaningful connections between our institutions. By sharing Philippine culture with international students, we encourage them to enhance global awareness while promoting our rich heritage,” said IRO Director Driselle Pajuyo.
With the advent of globalization, there is increasing interest among students worldwide in studying abroad. In 2023, there was a 10.2% increase in international student enrollment in the Philippines.
FEU’s extensive network of global partnerships, now including 43 universities, indicates its commitment to enhancing education and promoting global citizenship. The Study Abroad Program with De Anza College exemplified this commitment by offering international students valuable cultural experiences and academic enrichment.
On the first day, exchange program participants were given a guided tour of the FEU Manila campus, the country’s largest Art Deco complex, and a recognized National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
As part of their community engagement activities, the students visited the Gawad Kalinga headquarters, attended lectures on Philippine indigenous peoples, and met with the Aeta communities in Pampanga. FEU planned these activities to deepen the US students’ understanding and appreciation of Philippine communities and to help enhance cross-cultural knowledge and skills essential in a globalized world.
Karen Wang, an Asian-American Studies delegate, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am deeply grateful for the welcoming community at FEU, who taught me that rather than being a passive observer, I could become part of a wider network of social relations, commitments, and responsibilities.”
Another delegate, Sarah Gibbs, said, “The most rewarding experience was exploring my Filipino identity and meeting other Filipinos,” adding, “I’ve never felt so loved and cared for by a group of strangers who soon became friends.”
FEU’s international study initiatives align with the Commission on Higher Education’s internationalization strategy to integrate the Philippines into the global academic community. By fostering partnerships with international institutions, FEU contributes to promoting sustainable development and international solidarity.
