Program Overview

TASTE Overseas Short-Term Language Study (English) Spring Dispatch

The TASTE Overseas Short-Term Language Study (English) Spring Dispatch is a program designed for students to improve their English language skills in an overseas setting.

Program Details

• Location: De La Salle University, Philippines
• Duration: February 26, 2019 - March 23, 2019
• Academic Year: 2nd year of undergraduate studies
• Department: Department of Engineering, Major in Management Engineering

Overview of the Host Institution

The program is hosted by De La Salle University's language school, CIESOL.

Curriculum

• Class Schedule: 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks
• Class Structure:
  • 1st period: 8:00-10:00
  • 2nd period: 10:15-12:15
  • Lunch break: 12:15-13:15
  • 3rd period: 13:15-15:15
• Course Selection: Students choose 3 out of 4 subjects: Pronunciation, Reading, Grammar, and Conversation
• Class Size: Small classes with 4-5 students per class

Course Descriptions

1st Period - Grammar

A course that teaches English grammar using English, focusing on basic concepts similar to those taught in junior high school in Japan. It provides an opportunity to learn English grammar from a different approach.

2nd Period - Reading

A class that involves problem-solving exercises, discussions based on provided texts, and spelling activities. It surprisingly offers many opportunities for speaking practice.

3rd Period - Conversation

A class that focuses on contemporary issues, such as LGBT-related mini-debates and discussions on social media, incorporating the teacher's lectures and students' mini-presentations. It's a valuable class for considering not just English but also Filipino and global cultures and modern societal issues.

Extracurricular Activities

• First Week: Mostly spent on procedures and had ample free time.
• Weekends: Completely free, allowing for travel and exploration.
• Weekdays after classes: Free time allowed for outings.
• Transportation: Primarily used GRAB, a ride-hailing app, for convenience and safety.

Places Visited

• Mall of Asia (MOA): A gigantic mall with a beautiful sunset view.
• Island SPA: A foot massage service located within a department store.
• Manila Ocean Park: An aquarium with a spectacular last show.
• Tagaytay: Participated in a tour organized by Tokyo Institute of Technology.
• Intramuros: A world heritage site, also part of a tour.
• Robinsons Place: A shopping mall close to the university.
• Harrison Plaza: A smaller mall near the university, but the path is not very safe.
• Camayan Beach: A beautiful beach visited with friends from other universities.
• National Museum: Unfortunately, could not enter due to time constraints.
• Board Game Cafe: Offered affordable and enjoyable board game experiences.
• Greenbelt and other Makati malls: Large shopping districts that are hard to explore in one day.
• BGC (Bonifacio Global City): The most well-developed city in Manila, with good security.
• Solaire Theatre: Watched the musical "The Phantom of the Opera."

Reflections on the Experience

The experience in the Philippines was eye-opening, highlighting several key differences from Japan:

• Wealth Disparity: Significant contrasts between rich and poor areas.
• Labor Force: Many employees in service industries, reflecting a large labor force.
• Security: Visible security measures, including armed guards and thorough checks.
• Traffic: Severe congestion, especially during rush hours.

Pre-Departure Preparations

• Information Gathering: Received information through the Global Engineer's mail newsletter.
• Flight and Visa Arrangements: Flights were booked through the university, and a visa was not required for short-term stays. However, an SSP (Special Study Permit) was necessary.

Expenses

• Prepaid Expenses:
  • Flight: ･65,600
  • Insurance: ･15,488
• Expenses in the Philippines (in pesos):
  • Program fee (including SSP): 33,565 pesos
  • Accommodation: 23,975 pesos
  • Living expenses: variable, but meals could be found for 100-300 pesos per meal.
• Scholarship: Received a scholarship of ･70,000.

Accommodation

• Location: WH Taft, a 30-story building, 9th floor, within a 3-minute walk from De La Salle University.
• Security: 24/7 front desk, elevator access requires a card, and auto-lock doors.
• Facilities: Large bed, study desk and chair, 4-person dining table, kitchen, refrigerator, electric kettle, closet, safe, TV, washbasin, shower room, toilet, and toilet paper holder.
• Amenities: Hair dryer, electronic range, toaster, frying pan, pot, water boiler, knife, spoon, fork, cup, coffee cup, dishes, hand soap, hangers, and Wi-Fi.

Challenges Encountered

• Daily Garbage Collection: Was unaware that garbage is collected daily.
• Cockroaches and Other Insects: Encountered cockroaches and grasshoppers in the room; using insect repellent or buying it locally might be helpful.
• Health: Experienced occasional stomachaches.
• Limited Interaction with Local Students: The program did not include direct interaction with local students, but participation in a party organized by the Japan Studies Association of De La Salle University provided an opportunity to make friends.

Advice for Future Participants

• SIM Card or Wi-Fi: Essential for communication and navigation.
• Planning: Researching places to visit on weekends can make the experience more fulfilling.
• Electronic Dictionary: Useful due to weak Wi-Fi signals.
• Convenient Items to Bring:
  • Wet tissues
  • Pocket tissues
  • Small wallet for daily expenses
  • Room slippers
  • Insect repellent
  • Body insect repellent
  • Dish sponge
  • Chopsticks
  • Eye drops
  • Light jacket for air-conditioned classrooms
  • Formal outfit for special occasions
  • Sandals
  • Swimsuit
  • Japanese snacks for gifts or personal consumption
  • Instant miso soup
  • Water bottle or tumbler
  • Laptop
  • A4-sized bag for carrying items
• Items That Are Not Necessary to Bring:
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, as they can be purchased locally
  • Toilet paper, available for purchase locally

Conclusion

The TASTE Overseas Short-Term Language Study (English) Spring Dispatch program offers a valuable experience for improving English skills and understanding cultural differences. With proper preparation and an open mind, participants can make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow in an international setting.