International Center student volunteer program (IC buddy program)

• Main Author: Caballero, Rhodora B.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: De La Salle University (Philippines)—Foreign students; College student development programs—Philippines—Manila; Students, Foreign—Services for—Philippines—Manila; Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/5364
• Institution: De La Salle University

The IC Buddy Program originated from the need of the International Center to provide a type of student service that is more responsive, accessible and friendly to international students. More importantly, it was conceptualized and structured to respond to De La Salle University’s motivations for internationalization, specifically on the dimension of “international students and student programs” which suggests that internationalization is more focused on the successful and meaningful interactions of local and international students rather than just in the increase in number of international students on campus (Azcarraga, 2009). From the recent Green study, Azcarraga, 2009), Azcarraga further emphasized that there is a greater need and importance for universities to direct their internationalization efforts on student programs, like buddy program that will allow local and international students to learn from one another not only inside but outside the classroom as well. In response, this program development report presents ERIO’s approach in contributing to the development and formation of our local Lasallian students by tapping their sense of volunteerism and service, through participation in one of the university’s student support programs—the IC buddy program. It also underlines the importance of providing international student support through student organizations and a buddy system (Jackson & Heggins, 2003; Wang et. al, 2008) to help international students in their adjustment to university life. Finally, the program’s projects and activities are designed to train its members and prepare them to provide assistance to regular international students and exchange student in facilitating their cultural, social, and academic adjustments at De La Salle University.