October 29 (Thursday): Traditional Filipino Dance Experience and Closing Ceremony

On October 29 (Thursday), as the two-week language training program in the Philippines entered its final phase, students participated in a traditional Filipino dance experience and closing ceremony.

In the Philippine Culture class, students learned about “Tinikling,” a traditional Filipino folk dance. Tinikling is a traditional dance in which dancers leap with light, quick steps between bamboo poles that are moved in rhythm. It requires not only swift footwork but also well-coordinated teamwork between the dancers and those moving the bamboo poles.

Under the guidance of Filipino English instructors, students took on the challenge of learning the basic steps and how to move the bamboo poles. At first, there were moments when students struggled to match the timing, but with repeated practice alongside the instructors, they were eventually able to perform the dance in front of their classmates. Moving their bodies while experiencing Philippine traditional culture firsthand became a valuable opportunity for the students.

In the afternoon, a closing ceremony was held to mark the end of the two-week language training program. During the ceremony, each student gave a speech in English, reflecting on memories and lessons from the training period while expressing gratitude to the instructors and staff members who had guided them.

Students demonstrated the English-speaking skills they had developed through group lessons and one-on-one lessons, conveying their thoughts in their own words. Following the speeches, students received completion certificates, marking a milestone as they reflected on the sense of accomplishment from completing the two-week program.

October 30 (Friday): Filipino Folklore and Halloween, Final Level Test

On October 30 (Friday), on their final day at De La Salle University, students engaged in a class on Philippine culture, Halloween-themed activities, and a final level test to confirm the results of their training.

To mark Halloween, Filipino English instructors greeted students in costume. During breaks in class, students participated in a scavenger hunt, listening to English-language announcements broadcast throughout campus while searching for ghost stickers hidden on campus grounds. The collected stickers could be exchanged for candy. Students tested their English listening skills while enjoying themselves, experiencing English in a form different from their usual classes.

In the Philippine Culture class, students learned about traditional folklore, mythological creatures, and legends. One example presented was the “Duwende,” a small spirit. It is believed to live in underground areas and near gardens, and while it is thought to be a friendly presence, it is also said that if one disturbs its dwelling, it brings misfortune and illness.

Through these stories, students gained exposure to the traditions passed down among the Filipino people, deepening their understanding of the values underlying their culture, including respect for nature and their perspectives on right and wrong. At the end of the class, students also tackled an assignment in which they created their own original mysterious creatures and expressed their characteristics, abilities, and weaknesses in English.

Additionally, a final level test was administered to confirm the results of the training program. The test measured students’ English-speaking, vocabulary, reading, and writing skills, and students took exams in formats centered on IELTS or EFL according to their proficiency levels. For the speaking test, individual interviews with Filipino English instructors were conducted, requiring students to listen to questions and communicate their thoughts in English. Through dialogue with instructors, students experienced the difficulty and importance of expressing their thoughts in their own words.

After completing all activities, students and instructors gathered to take a final group photograph. Students who participated in the Halloween scavenger hunt exchanged their collected stickers for candy, spending an enjoyable time right to the end.

After Completing the Two-Week Language Training in the Philippines

As the two-week language training program drew to a close, some students expressed a desire to stay longer.

During the training period, students participated in English classes as well as various cultural experiences and exchange activities. In one-on-one lessons with Filipino instructors, students were required to engage directly in English conversation, honing their practical English skills in an environment different from their usual classes. Additionally, while experiencing local culture and values, they also learned about the enjoyment and challenges of studying in an environment different from Japan.

For students unaccustomed to speaking English regularly, there were moments when expressing their thoughts in English felt challenging. However, as they progressed through daily classes and exchanges, an attitude of attempting to communicate in English was cultivated, and each student became aware of new challenges and their own personal growth.

These two weeks, in which students not only learned a language but also touched upon different cultures and values while building connections with people, will become a precious asset. The experiences and encounters gained through this training program will likely lead to greater motivation for future English learning and international exchange among the students.