Last October 15-17, 2019, AFS Philippines conducted a three-day Filipino Language Camp for the YES Abroad participants hosted for the NH19 cycle. Every year, all YES Abroad participants attend an intensive language workshop with 20 hours of language instruction. The primary objective of the workshop is for the YES Abroad participants to be familiarized with and learn the Filipino language as part of their intercultural immersion here in the Philippines.
For three days, the students were able to learn about the Filipino language and culture and practice their Filipino writing and speaking skills by learning the basic grammar and singing Filipino children’s songs. To showcase what they have learned throughout the 3-day camp, the participants had a Talent Show where they sang Filipino songs.
Last October 18-19, 2019, the YES Abroad participants had a half-day activity with the English Access Microscholarship Program (ACCESS) scholars of Taguig City (October 18) and Culiat, Quezon City (October 19). During the interaction, the YES Abroad participants introduced themselves and shared a bit about the American culture, highlighting their respective home states. They also had a short Q and A session wherein the ACCESS students had the chance to ask the YES Abroad students about the American and Filipino culture and even personal questions like their hobbies and interests. During the interaction with ACCESS Taguig, Nina Lewis, U.S. Embassy Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer also facilitated a short activity on acknowledging and addressing the students’ similarities and differences.
