As part of the Pre-Service Student-Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia Program, the University of Northern Philippines (UNP), spearheaded by the College of Teacher Education (CTE), organized a welcome program to extend its warm reception to the arrival of seven inbound Indonesian student-teachers at the UNP Hostel on October 9.

The inbound student-teachers came from two different universities in Indonesia. Three students came from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and four from Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT). Three faculty members arrived from the two partner universities.

The program commenced with a welcome remark by Dr. Sally Jarin, Officer-in-Charge of the International Affairs and External Linkages Office. She expressed her great excitement and emphasized that the University is delighted with the presence of the seven inbound student-teachers, as it indicates the continuation of UNP’s international collaborations.

“As partners, we are both shaping the future of education with the value of collaboration and commitment to achieve excellence,” she stated. 

Moreover, Dr. Jose P. Pichay, coordinator of the SEA-Teacher Project, presented the overview of the Student Exchange Program and presented the SEA-Teacher participants. He emphasized that the SEA-Teacher Project is a collaborative effort among member countries of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) to enhance the quality of teacher education in the region.

The program was followed by a series of intermission numbers by the Physical Education and Arts-Dynamic Developers and Enthusiasts Club (PADDEC), highlighting the culture of Filipinos through their talents and skills in dancing.

Furthermore, UNP President Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna delivered his message, extending his warmest welcome to the inbound students. He highlighted that this program is an opportunity for student-teachers to gain hands-on teaching experience that will help develop their skills in becoming professional teachers.

“As future teachers, you should be able to develop the skill in dealing with different personalities. I hope you will be able to gain something or learn something from your experiences here in the Philippines,” he concluded.

Additionally, two SEA-Teacher participants, both English majors, one from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) and one from Universitas Borneo Tarakan (UBT), expressed their gratitude for the support and guidance of the host university, and they look forward to creating more experiences within their stay.

The faculty staff and SEA-Teacher participants from the partner universities also shared a gift with the President and Dr. Jarin as a token of appreciation for their warm welcome to the university.

UNP has always been committed to providing quality education and fostering cultural exchanges with students from different Southeast Asian countries. Hence, the University is looking forward to the arrival of more inbound students from partner universities in Indonesia and Thailand.

Article by Julie Anne Delos Santos. Photo by John Patrick Ecal.