Published: 8:25 am February 1, 2024 | Updated: 8:25 am February 1, 2024

These helped her to set a clear direction in achieving her dreams and continue her advocacy for Filipino arts and culture

Local work immersion is an academic requirement to graduate senior high school according to the Department of Education (DepEd). To offer Grade 12 students an opportunity to gain cross-cultural insights, develop global competencies, and expand their understanding of international work environments, FEU High School recently introduced its international work immersion program.

Embracing opportunities beyond her comfort zone, Grade 12 student and General Academic Strand (GAS) Society president Ayisha Ameerah Asistio joined the eye-opening work immersion in Vietnam, adding and sharing a new dimension to her learning journey. Here are some of the memorable and valuable learnings she gained during the work immersion:

Being a future-ready GAS student

Ayisha aspires to work in the information and communication industry. Aside from various workshops on entrepreneurship and business management, strategic management, team motivation, and job enrichment, VTC Academy Plus Da Nang introduced advanced technologies, facilities, and work-related areas. It is a student-oriented information and communication-based institution that also focuses on in-demand job opportunities for students after college.

“They specialize in futuristic courses like what I want to pursue. I learned how to manage and motivate myself by creating a goal to achieve my aspirations – to be good and knowledgeable in the field for my success,” said Ayisha.

Authentic joy in learning

Ayisha also observed that Vietnam has a forward-looking outlook on education. Their student-centered educational system enables schools and universities to set goals for each of their students.

“They focus on educating their students by practicing their culture. They center on studying tradition, and it makes their country better because each citizen wants to make their own stronger,” she added. With this appreciation, it gave her a clearer look at what she wants to do in the future.

Start of friendships and exchanges

According to Ayisha, the Vietnamese people are very welcoming and celebrate inclusivity. They took basic Vietnamese language classes, breaking language barriers and giving an opportunity for them to build connections and friendships. They also visited the Hoi An Coconut Village and rode the coconut boat. Finally, she shared one of the cherished experiences she had – community outreach.

“We also had a community outreach program for the Agent Orange victims. We gave out snacks and food, sang, and danced with the kids. This is the best and most fulfilling part of immersion,” said Ayisha.

Its vibrant culture

She also notes how very culture-centric Vietnamese people are that they want foreign travelers to see and deeply understand their culture. After a cultural and dance performance exchange with the Vietnamese students, Ayisha shared, “My love for Vietnam grew because of their people’s deep patriotism and rich cultural heritage. Their passions, cuisine, and long-lasting traditions make me want to stay and delve deeper into their culture. You cannot go to Vietnam and not fall in love with their love for their country.”

Connecting through food

As a culinarian, cooking in a different setting is ideal for Ayisha. Aside from trying their food, they also prepared local delicacies such as spring rolls and the crispy Traditional Vietnamese pancakes, or, which are cooked in a hot skillet and wrapped in rice batter with a main ingredient, such as shrimps. Ayisha noted that some of their dishes evoke the flavors of our local cuisine, such as Vietnamese Ginger Chicken and.

“Both have a similar taste because of its rich ginger taste. The chicken is simmered in water with a lot of fresh ingredients like garlic, onions, ginger, lemon grass, and other Vietnamese herbs then served with steaming rice. Food truly brings us all together,” she said.

Vietnam’s art expression

As an art student, Ayisha sees how rare opportunities to showcase their works in the country are seeing how Vietnam values local artists and their artworks inspired her to be confident with her own art expression.

“From student exhibitions on campus to local art shops fostering creativity and beauty that is non-negotiable, showcases abundant opportunities for artists—I admire Vietnam for their pride and safe space for art,” she said.

At the end of the immersion, she was able to get to know herself better and how important bravery is. “I do encourage my fellow students to be braver in trying and exploring new things, especially those that can help them in their ambitions, both inside and outside the country as much as possible,” she added.

This international work immersion was made possible with FEU High School’s partner, FPT Education Global, the leading international student mobility provider as well as the international student recruiter for FPT University, Swinburne University and Greenwich University in Vietnam.

For more information, please visit feuhighschool.edu.ph 

Also posted in You.PH