FEU, Singapore students engage in one-week learning program

Students from Nanyang Polytechnic University (NYP) Singapore immersed themselves in a week-long Overseas Education Learning Program (OELP) in the Philippines from Sept. 20 to 26, hosted by Far Eastern University (FEU). The program aimed to sharpen intercultural intelligence, broaden global perspectives, and foster academic collaboration between NYP and FEU.

Throughout the seven-day program, 22 NYP students engaged in a mix of cultural, academic, and industry-related activities designed to promote global awareness and build meaningful international connections. On the second day, the group explored Manila’s rich history through a guided city tour, visiting heritage sites such as San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, the Manila Cathedral, and the National Museum, capped by an industry observation tour in Bonifacio Global City and leisure time at Bonifacio High Street. 

Their third day featured an FEU campus tour, and an academic lecture on “Filipino Language and Linguistic Features of Philippine Languages” by Ameerah Milano. Student buddies accompanied the visitors, fostering cultural exchange and camaraderie. The day concluded with a culinary workshop led by FEU Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management students, allowing participants to experience Filipino cuisine firsthand. The day after, the group visited FEU Cavite for an agricultural workshop and tree-planting activity, emphasizing sustainability and environmental awareness. The visit ended with a farewell lunch celebrating collaboration and friendship between both universities. 

“The most memorable part of my experience as a student buddy was the trip to FEU Cavite because that was the day we really started to loosen up and be comfortable with each other, especially during the tree planting. I made friends and we exchanged knowledge from each other's cultures. Through this program, I was able to deeply understand different cultural values and become more compassionate toward people from different backgrounds,” said Alexa Andresan, an FEU student. 

“The best part of being a student buddy is gaining new friends. The NYP students’ interest in Filipino culture and our curiosity about Singaporean culture allowed us to exchange ideas and find similarities despite our differences. Our shared humor made their short trip in the Philippines, and our experience with them, truly memorable,” said Sofia Viloria, another FEU student. 

The OELP was designed to increase global awareness, strengthen intercultural competence, and enhance leadership, communication, and teamwork skills among participants. Through interactive learning sessions, cultural immersion, and collaborative projects, the program encouraged them to apply classroom concepts to real-world settings while developing a deeper appreciation of Southeast Asian diversity and shared educational goals. 

“Our partnership with NYP is a prime example of how we enrich our students' academic learning experience. The academic, cultural, and industry immersion is something we have customized for the NYP students. This is to add value to the OELP as an asset that can contribute toward their growth and careers in the future. Beyond that, we bring the world to FEU. Through these student mobility programs, our aim is to create a sense of belongingness to the world they're in,” said Agnes Beatrice Silva, director of the International Relations Office. 

For participating students, the OELP experience served as a transformative learning journey, preparing them for higher education and future careers. By interacting with peers and educators from different cultural and academic backgrounds, they developed confidence, cultural sensitivity, and practical skills essential in a globalized world. The program also opened opportunities for future collaborations and exchange initiatives between FEU and NYP, further strengthening international academic partnerships.