Melky David HasianHazuki ASAMI
Meiji Gakuin University, Japan
2024 Fall Semester

My name is Melky David Hasian, a second-year Physical Therapy student at Universitas Kristen Indonesia. I had the privilege of spending one semester at Silliman University in the Philippines as part of the ACUCA Student Mobility Scheme. During my time at Silliman University, I enrolled in several courses, including Applied Anatomy and Kinesiology, Human Growth and Development, Patient Care, and Therapeutic Exercises. My time was a balance of studying, exploring Filipino culture, and interacting with locals. Each night, I would review my course material in the dormitory, which made me stay on top of my studies while also allowing me to learn more about the rich culture of the Philippines.

Adjusting to life in a foreign country brought some challenges, especially with managing the time difference between Indonesia and the Philippines. The one-hour difference led to occasional troubles in my schedule, such as waking up too early or missing important events. The language barrier was also a challenge—though I could manage basic interactions in English, I often found myself mistaken for a local due to my appearance. This meant that people would speak Bisaya, the local language, and I had to rely on my limited understanding to keep up. Another surprise for me was the distinct culinary culture, where Filipinos often pair fried food with sugar, unlike Indonesia’s savory fried dishes. Despite these challenges, I adapted by learning a few phrases in Bisaya and finding more affordable food options like Chowking.

One of the most valuable experiences of this exchange was the academic differences. The teaching approach in the Philippines was more focused on practical application rather than theory, which initially took me by surprise. However, I found this method easier to follow, especially in classes like Kinesiology, where the professor used simple language to explain complex topics, making the learning process smoother. I also realized that the academic environment in the Philippines is quite rigorous, with frequent exams and assessments, but it helped me improve my academic skills and step out of my comfort zone.

This exchange program gave me more appreciation for the diversity of Asian cultures. I was amazed by the hospitality and warmth of the Filipinos, and I enjoyed their unique food traditions, such as banana-flavored ketchup. I also learned about their celebrations, like early Christmas and Thanksgiving, which I had never experienced before. This exposure has made me more open-minded and respectful of cultural differences, especially when it comes to food, traditions, and personal values.

My time in the Philippines was a fantastic learning experience. I am grateful to the International Offices at both my home institution and Silliman University for their support throughout the program. Although there were challenges, I feel that I have grown both academically and personally. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in a new culture. It was an unforgettable adventure, and I hope to return one day to continue exploring the beauty of Dumaguete and reconnect with the friends I’ve made.