Educational cooperation and teacher professional development between Thailand and the Philippines continue to grow as West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the 11th cohort of Bachelor of Education students from the School of Science, Walailak University, under the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher) Project on 10 March at the West Visayas State University Conference Room.
Four Bachelor of Education students from the School of Science, Walailak University — Mr. Patcharapol Jitprapai, Ms. Runchida Saengsri, Ms. Apinya Meednui, and Ms. Phromphon Yoma — are participating in the program and undertaking their teaching practicum at the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School until 7 April. The program provides opportunities for the students to gain practical experience and exchange knowledge and perspectives on teaching and learning within the Philippine educational context.
During the welcoming ceremony, Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon, Associate Dean of the College of Education, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of Dr. Ricky M. Magno, Dean of the College of Education. She emphasized the importance of institutional collaboration in advancing teacher education and promoting excellence in teacher preparation. She also encouraged the Walailak University students to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn and exchange experiences in an international setting, while serving as ambassadors of knowledge, culture, and friendship between Thailand and the Philippines.
Prof. Mary June Pineda, Director of the Integrated Laboratory School, expressed the school’s readiness to support and care for the visiting students throughout their practicum. She emphasized the importance of providing a supportive environment conducive to learning and professional development.
Meanwhile, Ms. Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Director of the International and Local Linkages Office, highlighted WVSU’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration and developing students’ global competencies. Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado, Chair of the Division of Secondary Teacher Training, provided an overview of the teaching practicum under the SEA-Teacher Project, covering both its academic components and teaching and learning activities.
In addition, faculty members from Walailak University contributed to the academic exchange through presentations on Mathematics Education, delivered by Ajarn Paeema Jeasa, and Science Education, delivered by Dr. Nat Thanonimit, sharing perspectives and approaches to mathematics and science education within the Thai educational context.
The welcoming program concluded with remarks from Prof. Esperval Cezhar Cadiao, COE IZN Coordinator, who had previously visited Walailak University on 30 January, accompanied by two WVSU students participating in the SEA-Teacher exchange program.
The participation of Walailak University students in the SEA-Teacher Project marks another important step in promoting cross-cultural learning and professional competency development among Bachelor of Education students from the School of Science. The experience provides students with opportunities to explore different education systems, teaching and learning approaches, and social and cultural contexts, strengthening their professional experience and readiness for their future careers as teachers. It also contributes to strengthening and sustaining academic collaboration between Walailak University and West Visayas State University.
