CLASSROOM SU students take part in int’l Service-Learning Program in Japan
Two Silliman University (SU) senior-year students joined the Japan Service-Learning Program hosted by the Service-Learning Center of International Christian University (ICU) on December 8-22, 2025. The program brought together students from Lady Doak College in India, Petra Christian University in Indonesia, and SU in the Philippines for community-based service-learning activities across various parts of Japan.
Designed with a strong intercultural focus, the program allowed participants to work closely with local community partners while engaging in collaborative learning and reflection with students from different cultural and national backgrounds.
Thomas Dave Rixan H. Garganian, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology student from the College of Arts and Sciences, said the program helped reinforce the idea that education includes meaningful service and community engagement.
According to Garganian, working with others across cultures developed empathy and showed how even small acts of service can create a positive impact.
Jam Francine G. Gramatica, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Social Work student, described the program as a step outside her comfort zone that led to growth and deeper reflection.
She shared that service-learning involves intentionality, empathy, and self-reflection, and that participating in an international program helped her better understand the true meaning of service.
Through hands-on service, participants applied classroom concepts to real-life situations, emphasizing learning that extends beyond traditional academic settings.
The Japan Service-Learning Program promotes empathy, global awareness, and civic engagement among students. It reflects ICU’s commitment to experiential education and its goal of developing globally minded individuals grounded in service and social responsibility.
SU and ICU have a long-standing partnership in advancing service-learning initiatives. This collaboration is facilitated by the Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning (OCESL) of Silliman University.
