Understanding the Narrative Encounter of Taiwanese Students' First Cross-Cultural International Education Experiences in the Philippines

Abstract

Internationalization is currently one of the pursuits among universities to be globally competitive and offer pluralistic programs. Philippine universities pursue partnerships with schools from other countries to engage in collaboration of programs, create innovative courses, and offer remarkable ventures. This study was conducted to examine the perception of the participating international students ata university from Taiwan on the academic, social, and personal factors that impact their localized universityexperience in a university in the Philippines. Qualitative data from focus group discussion were analysed from the participants of the cross-cultural immersion program who went and studied for one term.The study identified several implications that mightbe utilized to enhance the experience of the students participating in the university’s international study program. A holistic approach in the creation of the program for international students is paramount. The program must navigate through culture, language, academic competencies, and supportservices with corresponding infrastructure facilities.Culture is integral for the delivery of lessons as well ascommunication in all transactions. Retooling mechanisms must be in place which may cover teaching strategies, access to information, a buddy system to bridge gaps and other related pursuits.