EU hosts cultural exchange, campus tour for BJP Elite Academy Thailand
The Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) Basic Education Department (BED) in partnership with the Office of the Vice President for External Relations (VPER) and Institutional Marketing and Promotions hosted its first cultural exchange and campus tour since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured a collaboration with BJP Elite Academy of Pattaya City, Thailand, showcasing the vibrant cultures and fostering international camaraderie between the two institutions, Jul. 10-11.
The 'GLOBAL CONNECT The MSEUF Cross Cultural Exchange and Campus Tour" aimed to reconnect students and educators, emphasizing the significance of cultural understanding and global cooperation. The two-day event featured various activities designed to enhance cultural appreciation, academic collaboration, and personal development.
The first day of the exchange began with a warm welcome ceremony at the MSEUF AEC Little Theater. VPER Celso D. Jaballa , BED Principal Fe Q. Bartiana, IMP Officer-in-Charge Mark Gaylord, event coordinators, faculty members, and students greeted the delegation from BJP Elite Academy with traditional Filipino hospitality.
The opening ceremony highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, including a traditional dance performed by the 9 student counterparts from MSEUF, and a song from National PRISAA qualifier for vocal solo, John Joseph Husana II. The opening ceremony concluded with exchange of tokens from MSEUF and BJP Elite Academy.
Following the opening ceremony, the students from both institutions participated in a campus tour which allowed the visitors from BJP Elite Academy to experience the state-of-the-art facilities and resources available at MSEUF. They visited various departments, libraries, and laboratories, gaining insights into the academic environment and student life at Enverga University.
The second day focused on team building with a series of cultural immersion activities. These included language exchange sessions, workshops on Filipino and Thai traditional dances, Filipino palarong lahi, and discussions on cultural similarities and differences. Joint cultural performance where students showcased traditional dances from their respective countries, highlighted the event, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect,
The cultural exchange and campus tour concluded with a closing ceremony where both institutions expressed their gratitude and commitment to continuing their partnership. The event was a significant step towards strengthening international ties, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering academic collaboration between the MSEUF and BJP Elite Academy.
The students from both institutions shared sentiments, expressing their appreciation for the warm hospitality and enriching experiences they had during their visit.
"We are grateful for the friendships we have made with each other, the hospitality of the Filipinos, good food, and the knowledge we have gained,” said one of the student representatives of BJP Elite Academy.
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Source: Facebook post
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being - The cultural exchange promoted mental well-being through social interaction and cultural immersion. Engaging in team-building activities and learning about different cultures can significantly contribute to reducing stress and enhancing overall mental health for students and educators.
- SDG 4: Quality Education- The event emphasized the importance of global education and academic collaboration. By facilitating cultural exchange and academic discussions, both institutions contributed to a holistic educational experience, enriching the participants' knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures and educational practices.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities - The collaboration between MSEUF and BJP Elite Academy fostered inclusivity and equal opportunities for students from different backgrounds. By sharing cultural experiences and educational resources, the event worked towards reducing inequalities in education and promoting social inclusion.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - The cultural exchange highlighted the power of international partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. The collaboration between MSEUF and BJP Elite Academy showcased the importance of global cooperation in education, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting cultural diversity