Members:

CAMACHO, John Alex M.

CRUZ, Maxene Kaye G.
DURANA, Kyla Patricia
INTON, Franzine Keith
JUSTINIANO, Wilhelmina P.
LAGANG, Paulo Miguel L.
LISING, Maryam D.
RENY ROY, Jeliian B.

Department proposal

Program: Creation of an International Student Department at Far Eastern University

(FEU)

The proposed initiative seeks to establish a specialized department at Far Eastern

University (FEU) devoted to the requirements and growth of foreign students. The Foreign
Student Affairs Department (ISAD) will be critical in providing comprehensive assistance,
creating a pleasant learning environment, and establishing long-term cooperation with foreign
partners. This overview covers the project’s primary objectives, tactics, and projected outcomes.

VISION AND MISSION:

Vision:
Our vision is to establish an interactive platform for academic collaboration that transcends
boundaries, uniting universities and institutions from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Through
this collaborative effort, we aim to enrich academic experiences, broaden intellectual
perspectives, and drive advancements that address the pressing needs of society. By promoting a
spirit of unity and cooperation, we envision a future where cross-cultural academic
collaborations lead to transformative discoveries, lifelong connections, and a shared commitment
to advancing knowledge for the betterment of humanity.

Mission:
We aim to develop strong alliances and connections with universities and institutions worldwide,
fostering global academic collaboration. Through this collaboration, our goal is to facilitate the
exchange of knowledge, ideas, and resources, ultimately enhancing education, research, and
innovation on a global scale. By overcoming cultural and geographical barriers, we strive to
create an inclusive and vibrant academic community that empowers students, researchers, and
educators to tackle complex global challenges collaboratively.

BACKGROUND:

Following the globalization of education, universities in the Philippines started accommodating

international students. However, Far Eastern University currently does not have any existing
department dedicated to international students leading to inadequate support in addressing their
special needs. On top of experiencing culture shock due to shifting to a new cultural
environment, many international students often experience difficulties and confusion in
navigating their admission requirements and academic procedures. Additionally, faculty
members seem to have insufficient training in accommodating international students. Without
specialized training, cultural differences may cause both teachers and international students to
experience difficulties in understanding each other, posing a hindrance in both teaching and
learning experiences. These issues highlight the need for a dedicated department for international
students as these may obstruct their academic and personal growth.
 PROJECT SCOPE:
Department
● Foster a team of like-minded individuals that might also pave the way into
employment attraction.
● Recognition of department; provided with budget allocation from the university
● Establish positions for office to have a clear administration of responsibilities and
due diligence
● Development of programs that will cater to both international students and faculty
● Strategize to properly market FEU as an institution in the international academe
market
● Create fruitful connections with affiliates abroad for research collaboration and
mobility plans
● Coordinate with the FEU Financial Assistance Office for available scholarships

FEU International Students

● Creation of a one-stop office for international students responsible for their
queries or concerns (academic or international affairs).
● Bi-annual satisfaction and feedback report from enrolled international students
(both who are staying and leaving)
● Annual enrollment and retention rate description
● Collaboration of IS Department with other departments to implement enjoyable
and productive activities to be enjoyed by international students
● Encourage student exchange with an assisted plan of action (orientation and
debriefing)

FEU IS Faculty
● Help faculties in training to be more efficient as IS educators
● Assist faculties with research collaboration with our international affiliations
● Encourage faculty exchange through skill endorsements
 PROJECT APPROACH:
- Use of social media to promote and market the department.
- Join/create international conferences about how to deal with or approach international
students when it comes to teaching.
- Create regular training for professors and regular surveys.
- Advertise with different universities abroad through the “university week fair” to promote
the school's initiative with the department.
- Advertise to current FEU students and potential incoming students about the department.
- Create a criterion for choosing international students. (i.e. willingness to learn,
open-mindedness, adaptability, grades. Etc. )
- Create organizations to supervise and help international students adapt and be engaged as
tamaraws.

PROJECT BUDGET AND TIMELINE :

Timeline for the Development of the International Student Department at Far Eastern University

(FEU):

​ Proposal Development (Month 1):

● The concept of establishing an International Student Department (ISAD) is
introduced.
● Vision, mission, background, project scope, expected barriers, and benefits are
outlined.
● Relevant stakeholders, including faculty members, administrators, and students,
discuss and provide input on the proposal.
​ Review and Approval (Month 2):
● The proposal is reviewed by the university administration and relevant
departments.
● Necessary revisions are made based on feedback and suggestions.
● Final approval is obtained from the university authorities.
​ Resource Allocation and Budgeting (Month 3):
● The project budget is finalized, taking into account the required resources, such as
staffing, infrastructure, and marketing.
● Funding sources are identified, which may include university funds, grants, or
collaborations with external partners.
●
​ Department Establishment (Month 4-5):
● Recruitment and selection process for department staff and faculty members.
● Physical space and infrastructure are set up for the International Student
Department.
● Necessary administrative processes, such as department registration, are
completed.
​ Department Promotion and Marketing (Month 6-7):
● Social media platforms are utilized to raise awareness about the ISAD.
● Collaboration with international conferences and workshops to showcase the
department's expertise.
● Participation in university fairs and events targeting potential international
students.
● Collaborative efforts with foreign universities to advertise the department's
initiatives.
​ Faculty Training and Development (Month 8-9):
● Organize regular training programs for professors on accommodating and
teaching international students.
● Develop strategies to overcome language barriers and ensure effective
communication in the classroom.
● Conduct surveys to gather feedback from faculty members and international
students for continuous improvement.
​ Department Operations and Student Engagement (Month 10-12):
● The International Student Department starts offering support services to current
and incoming international students.
● Establish student organizations or clubs to facilitate their integration into the
university community.
● Provide guidance and resources to help international students adapt to the new
cultural and academic environment.
​ Ongoing Assessment and Enhancement (Continuing):
● Regular assessment of the department's performance and effectiveness.
● Continuous improvement of services and support based on feedback from
international students and faculty members.
● Collaboration with foreign research institutions and participation in international
conferences to foster academic collaborations.
It's important to note that the timeline provided is a general guideline and can be adjusted based

on the specific circumstances and resources available at Far Eastern University. The timeline

allows for a systematic and phased approach to ensure the successful development and

implementation of the International Student Department, addressing the needs and requirements

of international students at the university.

EXPECTED BARRIERS
Language barriers: There may be a language barrier if the professors and international students
do not speak the same language of instruction or if the students do not speak in English well. To
assist learners with language development and ensure successful communication and
comprehension in the classroom, professors may need to build strategies and training to get used
to speaking in English.

Faculty Training and Development: It takes committing time and resources to train instructors
on how to work with international students and develop connections with colleges abroad.
Providing comprehensive training opportunities for faculty members may be difficult,
particularly if the institution has a lack of funding or competing objectives.

Institutional Support and Commitment: Reliable institutional support and dedication are
crucial for the establishment of a department for international students and the promotion of
partnerships with universities overseas. If there is a lack of institutional resources, rules, or
support mechanisms to make these projects possible, professors might get into complications.
 EXPECTED BENEFITS:
● Ensures daily interactions and peaceful productivity for every student
● Employ/hire a retinue of advisors for several areas of concern for example: course
change, inquiries, program training, etc
● Guide for international students as they work towards their academic goals
● Gain diversity in experience and community
● Administers a variety of programs to meet the needs of various students in a respectful,
nurturing cultural environment
● Faculty in that department are more trained and aware of how to guide and deal with
international students as well as their concerns

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the establishment of the International Student Affairs Department constitutes a

significant step forward for FEU on its path toward internationalization and the development of a
globally linked campus community. This initiative will help foreign students develop and
succeed in the long run, improve faculty readiness, and promote beneficial connections overseas.
Far Eastern University’s participation in this program illustrates the university’s dedication to
delivering an inclusive and rewarding educational experience for all students, regardless of
cultural background.