ISO members and officers during the University Parade.

Central Philippine University is internationally known not only for its exemplary Christian professionals but also for its hospitality to everyone who enters its portals from whichever part of the globe they may have come. For years, the university has welcomed students from every part of the continent. It has become a global corner where Centralians, regardless of language and background, come together to experience the “central life.”

With the growing number of foreign students every year, CPU created the International Students Organization (ISO), a student group catering to the needs and concerns of foreign students. Park Beom Cheol, current ISO President, shared that his stay in the university has been more memorable because of the said organization.

Park, a graduating Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication student, has been a Centralian since 2010. According to Park, he chose to study in CPU after visiting the university because of a football program. “I was studying in Dasmariñas when I visited CPU back in 2006 to play football. I liked the university atmosphere and also the fact that it is a Christian university. I chose Mass Communication because I want to be a sports reporter.”

As President, Park, along with his fellow officers, has been spearheading programs that promote cultural awareness of the different countries represented by their members. They also conduct outreach activities to different communities in the city.

One of their activities is reaching out to Kopino (Korean-Filipinos) children. They organize arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and book drives to create a healthy and fun learning environment. “Together, with a local church, we reach out to the children and hold activities for them. Most of the Kopinos have been left behind by their Korean father but we want to assure them that there are people who care for them. We want to motivate them.”

During the celebration of the university week, the organization also set up a food booth showcasing the different cuisines of the members’ countries.

Currently, ISO has 80 members and to unite the group, Park said it was important to promote an environment where diverse ideas and opinions could be heard. “We have 80 members from 16 different countries. It’s really important that we listen to them and to address their concerns and to motivate them to participate.”

Park encourages other foreign students in CPU to be positive and to make the most of their stay in the university. “It is really hard at first but I want to encourage and motivate foreign students to voice out their concerns. ISO will be there for you. Don’t be afraid to share your difficulties because there are people who will help you.”

He also advises them to trust in God’s plan. “Be patient and positive. Everything depends on God’s plan. Changing plans is okay but do not change your goal. Change how to get there; do not change where God is leading you.”

Park’s study in the university made him appreciate Filipino culture and values and he gladly shares his experiences with fellow Koreans by writing in “Manila Seoul,” a feature page in the website www.srook.net. Here, Park promotes Iloilo City as a fun and friendly place for Koreans to stay at or visit.