Each One Reaches One in the Philippines at Wesleyan Church Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teaching methods of my sending school were poor. It was a self-paced program which provided little motivation to meet expectations and develop knowledge and understanding of the culture I would be studying in.

On-site administration of your program

The strength was that the professor was very knowledgable and traveled overseas with me for the first portion of my internship. The weakness is that it was self-paced and an independent study so there was no one to keep me accountable. There was also no follow up or time of debriefing to work through my experiences.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The host family treated me as a guest but I would have liked to have transitioned more into a family member role so that I had my own responsibilities. I felt as if I was taking advantage of them because they always worked to serve and entertain me. I wanted to give back to them through service, but they never offered me an opportunity. They put me in a gated community and in my own apartment off of the house, which gave me the necessary privacy for myself and studying time.

It is important to be culturally sensitive and try new foods that are offered. You need to be appropriately polite and compliment the food you like, as well as being sensitive to how you talk about food you don't like. It should be described as "interesting" never "gross" or "bad". However, it is also imperative to take care of your health and maintain diet restrictions. If you get sick you will be ineffective on the field and unable to participate in the learning experience. You should have meds and take healthy snacks (dry fruit and protein supplements).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting the local universities and campuses that have my program of study. visiting different social service organizations that had my programs similiar to my interests. Exposure is vital. Social events, such as theme parks, nature reserves, malls, and youth centers are important and fun places to interact and learn the culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Students should never travel alone, even if the nationals think it is safe and appropriate to do so. Students need to have a cell phone and contact information for multiple individuals. They need to familiarize themself with the area and know where to go and what to do in case of emergency.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family