THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has advised students scheduled for internships overseas to abide by the rules and regulations of their would-be host countries.
The CFO raised the need to guide students preparing for internships overseas during a forum it conducted at the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) in Manila.
The Student Globalization Conference, themed “Education Beyond Borders,” was organized by LPU’s College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management (CITHM) in collaboration with the CFO.
The CFO said the event is aligned with its core mandate of ensuring the welfare and well-being of all Filipinos departing for overseas opportunities through proper pre-departure education.
Ann Mizer Hernandez, CITHM-Practicum and Internship Department chief, underscored the significance of properly guiding students as they embark on global training.
Marita del Rosario-Apattad, CFO’s Project Management Division chief, provided crucial details about the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) between the Philippines and the US.
Apattad clarified that the J-1 visa used for these internships is “not a working visa.”
She warned participants against unauthorized employment in the US and instructed them to adhere to the activities specified in their DS-2019 documentation.
Apattad said EVP participants are required to return to the Philippines upon completing their program, fulfilling the program’s objective of fostering cultural and educational exchange.
During an open forum, students raised concerns about seeking help if problems arise overseas.
Apattad urged them not to hesitate to contact the Philippine government for assistance.
She assured participants that the CFO maintains constant coordination with various agencies to attend to their concerns, whether they are in the US or the Philippines.
Rita Sescar, chief education program specialist from the Commission on Higher Education, discussed the role of international internships in higher education globalization.
While highlighting benefits such as enhanced employability, workforce readiness, and cultural exposure, Sescar also presented the realities and challenges of interning abroad, including safety concerns, cultural adjustment and language barriers.
Janet Ramos of the CFO’s Migration Integration and Education Division led a session defining the elements and channels of trafficking, distinguishing it from illegal recruitment.
Ramos shared real-life cases to illustrate potential risks and informed students about the 1343 hotline for reporting suspected cases.
CITHM Dean Dr. Lilibeth Aragon cited the critical roles of government, academe, and industry partners in protecting students by ensuring they are well-informed of their rights to prevent vulnerability to abuse and exploitation abroad.
