Fo Guang University Interns Showcase Achievements, Bringing Interdisciplinary Expertise to Mabuhay Temple

【Life News Agency, Manila, Philippines】August 23, 2026

Six students from Fo Guang University completed nearly two months of overseas internship training at Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple in the Philippines and presented their achievements on August 23. Coming from the Departments of Social Work, Product and Media Design, and Information Application, the students applied their respective areas of expertise to Chinese-language teaching, children’s activities, graphic design, photo and video documentation, and website development.

Ven. Chueh Lin, Superintendent of Mabuhay Temple, introduced the interns’ learning experiences and contributions during their time at the temple. She commended the students for applying their professional knowledge to practical service while learning communication, teamwork, and responsibility in a different cultural environment. BLIA Philippines leaders also prepared gifts for the students. Supervisor Lee Hsiung-Tsai, BLIA World Headquarters Board Director Liu Tien-Min, Chief Supervisor Lee Shao-Chu, and other representatives presented the gifts in appreciation of the students’ dedication over the past two months.

First-year master’s student Wang Wei-Ling and second-year students Lo Wei-Ru and Yeh Chih-Keng from the Department of Social Work conducted Chinese-language classes for Mabuhay Temple staff during their internship. They also led arts and enrichment activities for Filipino children from nearby communities, Chinese-language classes for Chinese-Filipino children, and extracurricular activities for Grades 3 to 6 students at the elementary and secondary schools affiliated with Guang Ming College. During the showcase, a video highlighting the temple staff’s learning progress was presented, while the Chinese-Filipino children demonstrated their achievements by singing songs in Chinese.

Wang Wei-Ling shared that the staff initially felt shy and hesitant to speak Chinese, but by the end of the program, they were able to respond confidently and loudly on their own initiative. Seeing this transformation allowed her to experience the growth that teaching can bring. She was also deeply moved to see the children gradually learn to solve problems independently rather than immediately seeking help whenever they encountered difficulties.

Lo Wei-Ru said the internship gave her valuable experience in interacting with children and facilitating activities while teaching her to observe each child’s individual needs and personality. In the future, she hopes to strengthen her ability to respond to unexpected situations and to accompany children with greater patience and attentiveness, continuing to learn and grow through service.

Yeh Chih-Keng said that preparing for and facilitating arts and enrichment classes helped him better understand the importance of advance preparation, classroom management, and individual support. Working with children of different personalities and learning paces also taught him to adjust his approach when necessary. Through these practical experiences, he became more aware of areas in which he could improve and was encouraged to continue learning and growing.

Fourth-year Product and Media Design students Lee Yi-Heng and Yu Shun-Hsiung applied their expertise in design and communication to support Mabuhay Temple in graphic design, promotional brochures, the Water Drop Teahouse menu, and photo and video documentation of charitable relief efforts. Lee Yi-Heng said the overseas internship gave him a deeper appreciation of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s spirit of “giving others convenience.” He learned to first take good care of himself, proactively assume responsibility, and then use his abilities to serve others.

Yu Shun-Hsiung shared that over the two-month internship, he progressed from familiarizing himself with the new environment to participating in graphic design, event support, handicraft instruction, visits, and exchanges. Through these experiences, he gradually strengthened his skills in design, communication, adaptability, and observation. He also realized that design is not simply about visual presentation; it must take into account the users, culture, and actual environment. The overseas internship gave him greater confidence in facing the future while reminding him to continue learning and growing.

Hsu Chia-Ling from the Department of Information Application was responsible for developing the Fo Guang Shan Philippines website, creating digital designs featuring Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Dharma words, and providing instruction on AI-generated video production and editing. She also assisted in preparing the presentation A Lamp of the Heart Illuminates Southeast Asia and in handing over website maintenance responsibilities. She traveled to Cebu to observe rehearsals for the Star and Cloud musical, strengthening her communication and adaptability through inter-island assignments and unexpected tasks.

Through the achievement showcase, the six interns shared what they had seen, learned, and experienced during nearly two months in the Philippines. By bringing their classroom knowledge and professional skills into overseas temples, schools, and communities, they learned through service and grew through practice, making their internship in the Philippines a valuable and memorable experience.