Hybrid Seminar on Filipino-Japanese Intercultural Communication (Hiragana and Katakana review) – Hosted by MMS 198 and CODTL
Hosted against the lively backdrop of the UP Open University Sandbox in Laguna, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Associate Professor of Information Technology and Education Technology in UPOU, conducted an engaging seminar on April 19. Initially focused on his course, the seminar expanded to explore Filipino-Japanese intercultural communication and student exchange opportunities for UPOU students. Esteemed guests, including Eishi Senaha, a distinguished visiting researcher at the UP Third World Studies Center, and Kenichiro Kurusu, a dedicated Ph.D. scholar from the UP Diliman Filipino Department, graced the event.
Through their insightful narratives, the students gained a profound glimpse into the experiences of Filipino and Japanese cultures, where divergences converged with surprising parallels. Their firsthand accounts illuminated the transformative nature of student exchange, emphasizing the profound impact such ventures bestow upon scholars, and without a doubt, their personal growth.
As a student assistant at UP OIL, I was privileged to shed light on a unique avenue available to undergraduate UPOU students – the MOVE-UP Program. Briefly, I showcased the program’s requirements and financial assistance, addressed FAQs, and offered guidance through the open channels of the OIL system. Despite acknowledging the challenges inherent in such endeavors, I drew inspiration from the forthcoming journey of our fellow student speaker, Rajan Llaguno, poised to embark on a short-term exchange program at Seoul National University for a summer short program from June to July 2024.
The brief but comprehensive discussion resonated with the UPOU students, eliciting a sense of gratitude and optimism. Many expressed surprise at the accessibility of such opportunities, underscoring the importance of providing avenues for personal and academic growth. Indeed, these exchanges serve as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways to novel experiences and transformative learning opportunities.
On April 19, the UP Open University Sandbox in Laguna buzzed excitedly as Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Associate Professor of Information Technology and Education Technology at UPOU, led an engaging seminar. While initially centered around his course, the event soon expanded to encompass a broader discussion on Filipino-Japanese intercultural communication and student exchange opportunities for UPOU students.
Esteemed guests Eishi Senaha, a distinguished visiting researcher at the UP Third World Studies Center, and Kenichiro Kurusu, a dedicated Ph.D. scholar from the UP Diliman Filipino Department, graced the seminar with their presence. Their insightful narratives offered students a profound glimpse into the experiences of both Filipino and Japanese cultures, highlighting where cultural divergences meet and surprising parallels emerge. These firsthand accounts illuminated the transformative nature of student exchange programs, emphasizing their significant impact on scholars’ personal growth and academic development.
The seminar resonated deeply with attendees, eliciting a sense of gratitude and optimism. Many were surprised at the accessibility of these opportunities, underscoring the importance of providing avenues for personal and academic growth. Indeed, these exchanges serve as beacons of hope, illuminating pathways to novel experiences and transformative learning opportunities.
Through this seminar, it became evident that fostering intercultural communication and student exchanges is vital in preparing students for a globalized world. The event not only broadened horizons but also reinforced the value of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.