Through the years, FEU – East Asia College has been producing professionals who understand the virtue of giving and sharing in line with its mission of bettering the society. This commitment has been apparent through the various outreach programs and services headed by the SACSO-CESU in cooperation with the different departments and units of the College.

Recently, FEU-EAC collaborated with Far East University Korea for a weeklong Socio-Civic Exchange Program. Fifteen Korean delegates composed of 13 students and two professors, Jihyun Kim and Chulsoo Ye, were accommodated by the College from July 3-10, 2011. Organized by SACSO-CESU and IALAP, the program was well-participated by different departments such as the ITE, CpE, MPS, EEE, HSC, Accounting Office and Facilities Office. FEU-EAC students also supported the program as the Student Coordinating Council (SCC) and various Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) joined the activities. Among the RSOs that participated were the English Guild, Artist Connection, Industrial Engineering Students’ Society, Electrical Engineering Society, Computer Engineering Society, Social Action Volunteer Corps, Association of Computing Machineries, iTamBayani, and The Cursor.

The weeklong activities started with a visit to the Corn Village, a partner community of the College, where the delegates were inspired to adopt/partner with a local community in the country after seeing the situation of the underprivileged residents. Throughout the week, the Korean delegates showed their passion for service and willingness to help. They joined in the In-House Training that was led by the various RSOs. These include training on MS Word and internet use participated by fifteen Grade 6 students from General Licerio Elementary School, basic household wiring participated by the urban poor youth, and dance workshop participated by 15 street children. They also joined in the Community-Based Livelihood Training on Accounting and Bookkeeping as well as on Dishwashing and Fabric Conditioner Making which were participated by 15 urban poor women under the program of Kaibigan Ermita Foundation, Inc. They also joined in the storytelling and arts and crafts activity with the Grade 2 and 3 students of Trinidad Tecson Elementary School where they had the opportunity to share a glimpse of their culture as they taught the students some Korean songs and stories and the art of paper folding or origami.

At the end of the week, the Korean delegates were treated to a tour around the city and its cultural landmarks including the National Museum, Fort Santiago and Quiapo. After the tour, they were invited to a cultural night wherein FEU-EAC’s Artist Connection (AC) performed a dance number together with the street children under Child Hope Asia Philippines. It also became a venue for cultural exchange after the AC performed a skit showing the Filipino way of life whereas the guests presented their Korean dance and song.

Inspired by the educational ideology of ‘Hongikingan’ (devotion to the welfare of mankind), FEU Korea has been partnering with various premier institutions around the world to materialize this commitment. Its collaboration with FEU-EAC strengthens its advocacy as both schools share the same mission.