St. Paul University Philippines hosted 14 international students (13 Taiwanese and an Indonesian) for a 2-week summer camp on August 6-18, 2018. The said pioneering activity aimed at offering variety of activities such as intensive English language courses, cultural immersion, heritage and environmental exposure/tour and capacity building.
In their courtesy call to Sr. Merceditas O. Ang, SPC (University President), the immersion participants together with other foreign students and interns in SPUP were presented by Dr. Jeremy Godofredo Morales, (Director International Relations). In her words of welcome, Sr. Merceditas highlighted SPUP’s whole-person approach in providing quality student services anchored on valuing the person regardless of nationality, race, economic status, and religion.
The immersion program featured intercultural learning and improving English language proficiency where the participants were exposed to a 54-hour English language courses (Survival and Advanced) facilitated by Dr. Concepcion Doyugan, Dr. John Kit Masigan and Mr. Brendan Tangan.
The immersion began with a heritage walk (campus tour) spearheaded by Ms. Alma Quinagoran (Director, Student Affairs). This was endeavoured for the participants to learn SPUP’s cultural and historical heritage. Meanwhile, Dr. Glen Cagurangan and Mrs. Marie Krizya Calagui (from the College of Hospitality Management) introduced the foreign students to Tuguegarao’s Pancit industry by observing and experiencing home-made noodle making at Eva’s Panciteria. They also had a glimpse of the 2018 Afi Festival celebration as they were brought to the Trade Fair at the City Hall grounds and witnessed the fiesta procession and parade on August 16, 2018. They also had an environmental tour at the Callao Caves and a pilgrimage at the St. Peter’s Cathedral before participating in a series of team complementation activities.
A cultural show topped off the summer camp where Taiwanese, Chinese and East Timorese students showcased their talents as a way of expressing gratitude to the host institution. Dr. Allan Peejay Lappay (Director of Alumni, External Relations and Advocacies) awarded the certificates of completion and participation to the students, on behalf of Sr. Merceditas and Dr. Morales. As he thanked the participants in his closing message, he also acknowledged the members of the committee who have greatly contributed to the success of SPUP’s first international summer immersion.
