University of Northern Philippines

Tamag, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Marius Clifford R. Billedo

Participating in student exchange program is a perfect opportunity for us students to visit foreign countries, learn more about other cultures, and learn a foreign language. International learning and knowledge propel us students towards acceptance and understanding of an array of different cultural and community perspectives. Cultural awareness is the major impact of any student exchange program. Being aware of other culture also teaches us, student, how to be open-minded, thus, molding the student's personality for the better. Furthermore such kind of activity promotes maturity and social poise, fuelled by the necessity to confront challenges outside a familiar support network and comfort zone. Im expecting that it will be an experience of a life time, full of learning and fun. Although students really love traveling, studying is not at all times a travel-fun activity. Instead, it will be an offering of diverse opportunities for us students. For instance, we can learn through a different teaching strategy that our university does not offer. I personally expect to be exposed to a new learning environment, which is a great advantage for learning new things. Aside from that, I also expect that we will be able to experience the differences of educational format, academic program offerings and educational philosophies. As an exchange student, I can contribute to the recovery of the country from recent disasters by promoting a positive outlook of life. We Filipinos are known to be happy people; indeed we can share that happiness with them and let them realize that life doesnt end with disasters. Ill be in one with the government in empowering my fellow youth. Thus promoting the preservation of nature will also be my concern for I believe that when we take good care of Mother Nature, in return she will also take good care of us. If given the chance to participate in the said activity, upon returning home, Ill suggest that there should be a re-echo seminar in which participants will share their experiences, new learning, knowledge and everything that happened in the said students exchange program. This will certainly promote a deeper understanding on Japans culture and the different facets of its society and learn how the country recovers from the devastating earthquake and other calamities. Hopefully this will inspire my fellow youth with strong determination to be in one with our government in promoting disaster preparedness, active campaign in the use of nonplastics, rigid implementation of clean and green programs in every home, costal cleaning, etc. which I believe are the most powerful tools to lessen mortality in times of natural calamities.