Education Abroad in the Philippines?? Say What?!

Let me start off by first introducing myself...

Hi! My name is Bemigrace Pascual, but most people call me "Bemi." It's very nice to meet you, you being whoever is reading this blog! :D

Last semester, Fall of 2009, I went on an exchange program through Pacific with Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. Mr. David Schmidt, our IPS Director, was actually the one who opened up this amazing opportunity to me last February. I was a bit reluctant and unsure initially, but I knew I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by, especially since a deadline was given in asking my parents for permission. (lol)
I was only 17 years old when this proposal was offered to me. I was fortunate enough to have my parents agree and to also have my airfare and housing/dorm paid for. I am still forever grateful for that!

This was my first time being away from home and away from my parents for a long period of time. One semester may not sound long to you, but it was to me. I've been sheltered and overly protected for 17 years of my life. This was a MAJOR step for me and my parents as well, of course.
With that said, it was a bit hard for me adjusting in Ateneo at first, especially when our orientation was canceled due to the H1N1 Virus scare, but no students were affected and I gradually got used to the swing of things in Ateneo. It wasn't as bad as I had initially thought. I took the initiative of making friends on the first day and being actively involved in various organizations on campus in the second week. One organization that I truly recommend joining, if you do plan on studying abroad to the Philippines, is Tugon (which means "reaching out" in Tagalog). It is an organization that addresses the plight of children who are survivors of sexual abuse and abandonment. This organization was where I met most of my close friends, who I still keep in contact with today. By the way, the campus is beautiful!! The school campus is a bit elevated, built on a hill, overlooking the rest of the city. The campus is also huge, but very manageable in getting around. Surprisingly enough, they do have tricycles to get you around in, both on and off campus. =]

The classroom settings were a bit similar to that here at Pacific. The student teacher ratio was nice. There were no more than 30 students in the classrooms I was in. I sensed that most teachers I had truly cared about the education of their students. They were easy going and very easy to talk to. I especially enjoyed my Psychology 101 class.

One major thing that I encountered and I knew that I would, was me being Filipino American. I'm full Filipino, but I was born and raised here in the U.S. What was interesting was that most students didn't think I was an "exchange student" because I pretty much blended in (being brown of course). It wasn't until I started speaking with my "American accent" that they did believe and conclude I was from the U.S, but most of them were pretty friendly and welcoming regardless. They did ask a lot of questions regarding the United States, and I did try my best to answer all of them. But I couldn't give a wholesome answer, since I live in California, which is only a PART of the U.S. Other than that, there were a lot of other international students from Korea, China, Japan, France, Germany, and numerous others. Most of which I was able to meet through their Office of International Programs, which is very similar to our IPS Office here at Pacific.

Besides the great education, the nice learning environment, and CHEAP textbooks! I also had fun in: going out with friends, trying different kinds of food that I know I wouldn't be able to back in the States, having the opportunity in being absorbed in a beautiful culture (my native roots), learning about the history of the Philippines first hand, and the list can go on and on.

As a former exchange student, I know first hand how scary it can be going to a whole different country and a different school, but the pros totally outweigh the cons. You really have to learn to get over your fears of making new friends. Once you get through that, it will mostly be smooth sailing from there. Don't let language be a barrier as well. Take the initiative to be-friend someone. It will be worth it in the long run. Don't be afraid to ask questions. That's a big one. Other than that, just be yourself and have fun! :)

I recently returned to good ol' California about two months ago. I'm glad to be back home, but I have to say, my greatest regret is not choosing to stay in Ateneo for a year. I wish I could have chosen a year to study abroad in the Philippines, but I know everything happens for a reason. So, I am still wholeheartedly grateful for the amazing opportunity given to me. I know this experience has opened my eyes in more than one way. From a national catastrophe as the worst typhoon hitting Manila in over 43 years to helping out in relief efforts that whole following week, that is one experience I will never forget.
We get so caught up in living busy lives that we forget to appreciate the little things in life that matter most. I know I'm going off on a different point here, but again, I learned a lot of things through studying abroad, beyond the classroom and textbooks.

Well, I shall end it here now. If you have any questions about anything or just want to talk, just let me know. I'll be more than happy to have a conversation with you! :)

Love, peace, and LOL!
-Bemi

(Btw, pictures will be uploaded soon!)
Thanks for reading!

Third Week of Spring Semester!!!

Hi Everyone!!!

My name is Marish and I am a senior at Pacific! I have lived in Stockton my whole life and I love it. There are ups and downs, but overall I don't think Stockton is a bad place to live.

So it is the beginning of our third week into spring semester. All I can tell you, it is getting crazy busy! I am majoring in biochemistry, so that can explain it all. I have chemistry and biology classes with lab, and that adds up! So far, this is our first week of lab which is not too bad, since we have so many events going on as well I can't concentrate. :) I actually am not in the school mode yet, since I had three weeks off!

Not only is it already bad to get into the school mode, the weather is making it worse. It has been raining for the past week or so and I just feel like staying home. Usually the weather here in Stockton is really nice and warm, but not at the moment. Everyone is out with umbrellas and their rain boots!

So that's what is happening so far in the third week!

Take care :)

Marish