By Lysander Tiu
Japanese exchange students engaged in local traditions, customs, and campus life as part of the annual Intensive English Program (IntEP) at Silliman University (SU).
This year, 18 students from Kobe International University (KIU) joined the three-week immersion program from Feb. 17 to March 7.
They were introduced to an enhanced cultural component, which included activities to deepen cross-cultural engagement and foster cultural adaptation.
The students also attended intercultural seminar workshops, cultural exposure and immersion classes, language buddy time, and intercultural exchange activities.
IntEP is the flagship program of the Language Learning Center (LLC) that aims to help participants experience immersion in English language communicative scenarios.
Enhancing English proficiency
According to LLC staff Joan Generoso, an “English for campus life” orientation was conducted to help exchange students navigate interactions in campus facilities.
These included activities that ensured “full immersion” in both academic and cultural aspects of the program.
Moreover, the students took up essential English language subjects such as reading-speaking, listening-speaking, and conversation.
“The program not only enhanced the students’ English proficiency but also helped them feel welcomed and supported in their academic and social environment,” she said.
Exchange students’ experiences
Third-year tourism student Wao Kawasaki said that SU teachers and students were friendly, making it easy for her to express her opinions.
“At first, I thought it would be difficult to live here for three weeks, but when I actually got here, I found it to be very comfortable with no inconveniences,” Kawasaki shared.
However, third-year business economics student Yuta Saimoto said that his experience was “scary since there were many challenges.”
“I haven’t really taken on many challenges in the past, but by participating in this program, I learned the importance of trying anything,” Saimoto stated.
Meanwhile, third-year tourism student Yumi Tanaka emphasized finding a different environment inside the university compared to Japan in terms of seeking “valuable time to grow” with the teachers and students.
The SU English and Literature Department and LLC held a closing ceremony that culminated last Mar. 7 to mark the students’ completion of the program.
