The Westernian Advocate
Newsletter – News Internal
Kathryn Rae Custodio
“We promote cultural exchanges”—IALSAO
In collaboration with the International Accreditation, Linkages, and Student Affairs
Office (IALSAO), American Field Service Intercultural Programs Philippines (AFS
Philippines) introduced the exchange programs and global citizenship to students during
the Selection Camp and Education Fair at the University of Batangas (UB) High School
Library, Nov. 10.
AFS Philippines is a private non-profit international organization that promotes
intercultural learning opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of
global citizens in order to create a more just and peaceful world through education.
“Selection camp is open to all students, not just from UB but also from other schools
and universities in Batangas province. It aims to introduce students to various exchange
programs offered by AFS Philippines and UB and also to encourage them to apply despite
still not having their passports,” said Ms. Florescel Gay L. Alido, IALSAO Program
Specialist and Liaison Officer.
As part of the university’s mission to create globally competitive graduates, the
Selection Camp and Educational Fair is one way to strengthen the internationalization of
the university, particularly the students, and to promote peace through cultural exchange
in the form of education.
“Among the benefits, there is to know more about different cultures, and appreciating
other cultures, build diversity and learn their language. Being a global citizen kasi is not
just about bridging cultures, but also promoting peace with different cultures, with different
nationalities”, stated Ms. Alido.
Moreover, the said event, which is also called as the Global Citizenship Education
Fair, was organized to orient the students on how to be global. Also, their main agenda
is to inform the students about the benefits and goals of being an exchange student.
“We are planning to continue this kind of program into our university because it will
not only benefit the university but also the community of Batangas into helping the future
professionals be more globally competitive and for them to learn more about cultural
diversity,” ended Ms. Alido.