• A.V. DEL CARMEN
For the 10th year, a group of students from the Fu Jen Catholic University of Taipei in Taiwan spent part of their summer vacation in a Service-Learning immersion in Bacolod City for two weeks.
The team, supported this year by the Taiwanese Ministry of Education and FJCU, has been engaged in cultural exchange and humanitarian activities under the leadership of Prof. Tseng Shengyi (“Paul”).
The team’s Bacolod visit, from Aug. 1 to 19, was hosted by the Catholic Ming Yuan College in Murcia. Its members later proceeded for similar activities to Naga, where they were hosted by St. Joseph School, until they were scheduled to fly back to Taipei on Sept. 1.
While in Bacolod, the team taught the Chinese language and shared fun learning activities with pupils of Queen of Peace School and with students of the two biggest secondary schools in the province – Bacolod City National High School and Negros Occidental High School.
The visitors also engaged in cultural exchange interaction with Communication students of the University of St. La Salle and attended an activity at the Madrasah classroom of Graciano Lopez Jaena Elementary School.
The team went to Boracay and Legazpi City for their break from their Negros and Naga S-L series of activities.
Prof. Paul recalled that the FJCU team’s annual visit to Bacolod City started in 2012 upon the request of St. John’s Institute for help in Chinese language instruction. Its service areas eventually expanded to far-flung villages in the province.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added, the annual program was disrupted for three years – from 2020 to 2022.
Their physical absence from the country during the global health crisis, however, did not stop the Taiwanese group from extending assistance, like providing at least 10,000 face masks, shields and hygiene kits and other basic needs to the school community and nearby residents, as well as to school children in Suyac Island where the FJCU Service-Learners had earlier served, recalled Ma. Lorraine Venus Villarosa, then S-L coordinator at St. John’s.
Looking back and recounting the experiences of FJCU students through their 10 years of serving Negros communities, Prof. Paul said: “The experience of serving and living in the Philippines helps students discover different work models.”
Now, he further said, many of these previous students are working as Chinese teachers abroad as he added that their service experience has also helped them find the best model for those working in Taiwan. | Cover photo taken at Queen of Peace (with school officials)
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‘A rewarding and enjoyable experience’
NEGROS WEEKLY asked the seven Taiwanese students from FU Jen Catholic University for some thoughts about their summer immersion and details on their course and homeplace. Here are their reply.
Hsu Yu Chu (Jolyne), 19
許羽筑
Humanities and Social Services (Second Year)
Xizhi District, New Taipei City
What new things did you experience in Bacolod?
A: Both life and school service are new things. I never had any occasion for service in Taiwan, especially teaching. I came here just to learn more things. Coming here did not only mean teaching Chinese. It was also a good opportunity for me to learn more English.
Zhang Xiu Ying (Irene), 21
張秀櫻
Chinese Literature (Fourth Year)
Tuku Township, Yunlin County
What was most unforgettable to you during your Bacolod stay? Why?
A: This is my first time visiting Bacolod and what impressed me the most is how different the cityscape here is compared to Taiwan. You can see beautiful churches everywhere, which I really like. In Taiwan, most buildings are high rise structures, so you don’t get to see such views.
Liu Zi Rong (Eliana), 21
劉姿瑢
Information Communication (Fourth Year)
Gukeng, Yunlin County
What did you learn from or about Filipino university students?
A: After teaching in the Philippines and visiting various schools from kindergarten to university, I noticed that students here have a high level of respect for education and are very enthusiastic about their courses. The formal attire, with some schools requiring girls to wear heels and boys to wear dress shoes, reflects a level of seriousness that differs from Taiwan.
Despite initial assumptions that they might be shy, I found them to be highly interactive in class, respectful toward their teachers, and always greeting them warmly. Their politeness and the positive, relaxed atmosphere, free from the heavy pressure found in other places, made the learning environment enjoyable.
The unforgettable smiles of the people in Bacolod, whether on the streets or in schools, and their carefree, happy approach to life and learning, left a lasting impression on me and deepened my understanding of the Filipino students’ learning attitudes and methods.
Huáng Xīng Chán (Cherry), 21
黃星嬋
German Studies (Fourth Year)
New Taipei City
What adjustments did you do during your stay that made things pleasant and enjoyable?
A: During my time in Bacolod, I made a mental adjustment. At first, I was very resistant to the unknown, afraid that I wouldn’t do well and wouldn’t be able to adapt to life abroad. But once I arrived in Bacolod, I relaxed and enjoyed the pace of life here. The people here are very friendly to us, and the students are very serious in their studies, which have given me a sense of accomplishment.
Chien Hsing Ying (Mina), 17
錢星穎
Gezi Opera (Junior High)
New Taipei City
Other than memories, what will you bring back to family and friends? Please explain.
A: My experience in Bacolod gave me a strong sense of the importance local people place on building and maintaining relationships. Students are very willing to show their cooking skills and often bring food for us to taste. This enthusiasm makes me deeply realize that the true value of life lies not only in material things, but also in sharing and caring for others. This inspired me to be more intentional about my relationships in life, thereby increasing my emphasis on relationships and my satisfaction with life.
Lee Wei-Chen (Jane), 20
李韋臻
Business Management (Third Year)
Taipei City
What will you tell your best friend about the Philippines when you return to Taiwan?
A: After returning to Taiwan, the part I want to share most with my friends is the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines and the warm hospitality of the locals. First of all, I was very pleasantly surprised by the educational environment in the Philippines. At different schools, I had the opportunity to experience and participate in it.
The students in these schools are enthusiastic about learning Chinese, especially in the process of teaching and singing the Chinese songs “The Girl Opposite Look Over” and “Xiao Wei”. I am deeply gratified by the enthusiasm and curiosity shown by the students.
This kind of cross-cultural exchange not only deepened the students’ understanding of Chinese, but also made me feel the sense of accomplishment brought by language teaching.
In addition, the natural scenery and local food in the Philippines are also highlights that I highly recommend to my friends. Whether it’s the Philippines’ charming beaches, green hills, or local specialties such as barbecue, sinigang soup, and toast, they all make me feel how colorful and unique this country is. These experiences not only enriched my world view, but also gave me special emotions for this land. These are beautiful memories that I want to share with my friends.
Wang Shu Mei (Mavis), 45
王淑眉
Humanities and Social Services (Second Year)
New Taipei City
How did Filipino students react to you and your activities with them?
A: When we were serving at Queen of Peace and Catholic Ming Yuan College, I used humorous and interactive methods to teach them how to pronounce the tones in Mandarin. For example, I would use my hand and mouth to demonstrate the tones. For instance, for the number seven in Chinese, which is “qī,” I would put my finger in front of my teeth to illustrate the first tone, which is a high, flat tone.
Similarly, for the word “ride” in Chinese, which is “qí,” I would use my hand like an airplane rising to illustrate the second tone, which is a rising tone. Both primary school students and college students found this method very amusing and engaging.
The students reacted very positively to these activities. They often laughed and participated enthusiastically, which made the learning experience enjoyable for everyone.
Many students expressed that these interactive methods made learning Mandarin tones easier and more memorable. Some even mentioned that they felt more motivated to learn because the lessons were fun and different from their usual classes.
Additionally, when teaching grammar, I made it a point to walk around the classroom to ensure every student understood how to use the words correctly. I also provided individual guidance to students who needed extra help, which fostered a more supportive and effective learning environment.
This personalized attention made the students feel more confident in their learning abilities, and they appreciated the encouragement they received.
Overall, the students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, and they responded with great energy and interest to our activities. Their positive reactions and eagerness to engage made our teaching experience both rewarding and enjoyable. | NWI
