By Ligaya Lychelle Villalon (BSEd English 4)
After sending off the first batch of participants of the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia Program (SEA-Teacher Project) on September 25, the University of Northern Philippines once again welcomed 15 inbound students from different universities in Indonesia through an arrival program at the UNP Auditorium on September 27.
The inbound students came from five different partner universities. There are five students from Universitas Muhammadiya Surakarta (UMS), five from Islamic University of Kalimantan Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari Banjarmasin (UNISKA), two from Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL), two from Universitas Negeri Malang (UNM), and one from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI).
The event started with the welcome remarks from Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan L. Manzano, Dean of the College of Teacher Education. In her speech, she shared the importance of internationalization and how it promotes quality education among students.
Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan L. Manzano, CTE dean, delivers the welcome remarks.
“The practice of internationalization fosters an immersed and inclusive learning environment that goes beyond recognizing an international student’s culture. It understands and integrates diverse cultures into the educational experience,” she said.
Moreover, UNP President Erwin F. Cadorna also delivered a message, extending his warmest welcome to the second batch of SEA-Teacher participants.
Dr. Erwin F. Cadorna, University President, shares his hope that every College will soon have vibrant internationalization programs, like the UNP College of Teacher Education..
He also mentioned his hope for the South East Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Program. “From this program, we can have international programs for every college and university. I hope that we can become an internationally recognized university.”
In addition, the Director IV of CHED Region I, Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, also extended her warm welcome to the SEA-Teacher participants through a video presentation. After that, Muhamad Choirul, a SEA Teacher Participant from Universitas Mulawarman, shared a message expressing his gratitude to the University.
The second batch of the SEA-Teacher participants will be deployed at the Laboratory Schools, where they will undertake their class observation, teaching assistantship, and teaching internship.
The event was attended by faculty members from the different colleges of the University.
A student from Universitas Mulawarman shares his excitement for being at the University.