There is no stopping Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) and its zealous internationalization efforts as it successfully hosted the Grand IZN Event on 25 July 2023 which has strengthened and expanded existing collaboration in the region, with latest institutional players Ansan Haesol Elementary School from South Korea and University College MAIWP International from Malaysia, joining the league.
OLFU’s earlier pact with fellow South Korean academic forces including Mokpo National Maritime University (MMU), University of Ulsan and Cheongju University preceded the inter-institutional cooperation whose delegates also became witnesses in the momentous move to challenge cultural and economic differences.
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The solidified alliance signed anew will allow Ansan Haesol Elementary School and University College MAIWP International to reap mutual gains in the future with OLFU’s Basic Education Department (BED) and the College of Medical Laboratory Science, respectively.
A jovial dance opening in the rhythm of Philippine regional festivals led by the Sariasi Dance Troupe of OLFU Quezon City and select Grade 7 students of OLFU BED Valenzuela greeted the guests at the Assembly Hall, RISE Tower, kicking off the highly-awaited affair.
Further setting the ceremonial tone of the event was the rare and thrilling recitation of Philippine, Korean, and Malaysian national anthems ushered by a series of audio-visual presentations.
OLFU BED Administrator Rafael Vicente Enriquez formally welcomed the esteemed invitees. In his speech, the young academic leader described the student exchange as a “very alien idea,” adding that “there was no willful exchange” before.
Turning the table today, Enriquez cited the initiative to change the playing field. “It’s either you interact with your neighbors or you sink as an island,” he stated while affirming that as global citizens, “we have much to learn from each other.”
Key people headlined the Grand IZN including Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez, OLFU President; Dr. Heracleo Lagrada, OLFU Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Wan Mohd Azizi Wan Sulaiman, University College of MAIWP International Vice Chancellor; Dong Mok Kim, Ansan Haesol Elementary School Principal; Taejong Lee, OLFU International Coordinator for Korea; Joseph Hyun, Executive Director for Academic Linkages and Internationalization of De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU), among others.
Rendering a special message to the attendees, OLFU President Enriquez casually trivialized the inevitable challenges by, instead interpreting these as opportunities to establish lasting relationships cultivated with tolerance and understanding.
“It’s the respect and learning the patience that go along [with] the interaction,” emphasized Enriquez recognizing the communication gap given the participants speak unique languages.
The academic executive further stressed the core motivation of the student exchange that is “no[t] only academic in nature” but more importantly, a “recognition of cultural differences.” As a gracious host, this was precisely testimonial to the week-long reception arranged by OLFU from July 21 to 27, 2023 where 20 students and seven teachers of Ansan Haesol Elementary School intensively immersed themselves in Filipino culture as they visited historical sites and amusement parks in Metro Manila and neighboring towns; teachers attended the new exhibit at the Fatima University Gallery that surveys Philippine sculptures, and students and teachers alike experienced local cuisine and indulged in Filipino games, which of course, included the trending lato-lato.
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Anchored in humility, President Enriquez also expressed her appreciation to the foreign partners which she referred to as future second homes of OLFU outbound delegates abroad, all built with confidence and cross-border relationships.
“I hope that we continue our sharing; we continue our exchange program because we can gather strength and learn from each other,” concluded the University chief.
In return, foreign allies voiced their gratitude to OLFU. Ansan Haesol’s Kim was simply impressed by the hospitality of the university-host, describing their official visit as a “good opportunity to enhance understanding of the Philippines.” Taejong Lee, speaking in behalf of Mokpo National Maritime University, only had good words for OLFU for being “fully supportive” of the entire program.
Representing University of Ulsan and Cheongju University, Jabez International Chief Executive Officer Hyun credited OLFU for providing their students a comprehensive four-week clinical immersion program, while the University College MAIWP International’s Sulaiman reiterated future collaboration with OLFU, also recognizing the host’s “kind reception” in his speech.
To cap off the special occasion, Vice President for Academic Affairs Lagrada, in his closing remarks, articulated the nuts and bolts of internationalization in today’s academic arena.
“Internationalization is a means towards globalization, which is characterized by the flow of ideas, resources, people, economy, values, culture, knowledge, goods, services, and technology,” Lagrada concisely averred while underscoring “internationalization is no longer regarded as a goal in itself but as a means to improve the quality of education.”
Meanwhile, formally bidding farewell to the latest batch of student exchange delegates from Ansan Haesol, BED in a lengthy Facebook post along with a series of documented photos and videos of their packed activities, chronicled what they recounted as a “remarkable journey.”
“Throughout this exchange, we have challenged ourselves to step outside of our comfort zones, to embrace new perspectives, and to forge connections that surpass geographical boundaries. We have witnessed firsthand the power of cultural exchange in fostering empathy, understanding, and mutual respect,” said the department in their online statement, 29 July 2023.
“This program has provided us with a unique opportunity to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create lasting bonds that will forever shape our lives. We encourage everyone to carry these bonds with us, nurturing them through ongoing communication and fostering a sense of unity that surpasses borders,” it added.
As BED honored their hardworking educators for making the student exchange a “resounding success,” the motivated department is already looking forward to discovering what more is stored in the “beginning of a lifelong journey of exploration and connection.”
