International collaboration in teacher education continues to grow as West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 11th batch of pre-service student teachers from Walailak University, Thailand under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project on March 10 at the university board room.
The ceremony introduced four practice teachers from Walailak University—Mr. Patcharapon Jitprapai, Miss Ranchida Saengsri, Miss Apinya Meednui, and Miss Prompond Yoma—who will complete their teaching internship at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School until April 7.
Delivering the welcome message on behalf of Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon, Associate Dean, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in teacher education. She noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision among institutions to advance excellence in teacher preparation and reminded the visiting students that they serve as ambassadors of their country, bringing with them culture, knowledge, and compassion.
Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed her support for the visiting practice teachers and highlighted the school’s commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment that will support their professional growth during the internship.
The message was echoed by Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, who reaffirmed WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting global competence among future educators.
An overview of the internship program was presented by Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, who outlined the academic and teaching components of the SEA-Teacher engagement.
Following the introduction, faculty members from Walailak University shared academic insights through presentations on Mathematics Education by Miss Pha-emah Chesa and Science Education by Dr. Nutt Tananimit, providing perspectives on teaching practices in Thailand.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Esperval Cezhar Cadiao, COE IZN Coordinator, who also visited Walailak University in Thailand on January 30 together with two WVSU COE practice teachers who participated in the SEA-Teacher exchange program.
The SEA-Teacher Project continues to serve as a platform for cross-cultural learning and professional development, reinforcing WVSU’s dedication to internationalization in teacher education.
By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO
