The International Affairs Office and the College of Education held the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar for 6 pre-service teachers and their parents as they prepare for the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA Teacher) Project at the Academic Affairs Amphitheater, January 29.

The senior students, who come from various undergraduate programs under the College of Education, will spend one month at their respective host universities beginning February. Two students will be deployed to Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Khon Kaen, Thailand; two to Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) in Bandung, Indonesia; and two to the University of Tsukuba in Tsukuba, Japan.

Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, Chief of the Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Unit, introduced the host universities and oriented the students and parents on the key components of the exchange program, emphasizing the expected conduct and responsibilities of participants in the host institutions. Assistant Professor Joseph A. Villarama, Project Manager, shared essential travel reminders and discussed the forms of assistance that the College of Education and the International Affairs Office will provide throughout the program.

Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Florante P. Ibarra, Dean of the College of Education, encouraged the participants to make the most of the experience while underscoring their role as ambassadors of Central Luzon State University and the Philippines in the international academic community.

Faculty alumni Dr. Sharon E. Lazaro, Dr. Jennifer T. De Jesus, and Dr. Jerwin Undan also shared their experiences and practical insights based on their participation in the SEA Teacher Project in Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan, respectively.

The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) initiated and manages the SEA Teacher Project since 2014. The pilot batch was launched by the University of Tsukuba in collaboration with SEAMEO and initially involved CLSU in the Philippines, KKU in Thailand, and UPI in Indonesia.

In return, the University will also welcome 6 students from the partner universities for Pilot Batch 5.

Financial assistance for the students was provided by the Student Development Initiative.

Interested students who wish to join future mobility programs are encouraged to follow and stay tuned at our social media platforms or email the Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Division of the International Affairs Office.

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