By Rigel Kent D. Delfin
| University key officials join the SEA-Teacher exchange students for photo opportunity.
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Capiz State University (CAPSU) formally welcomed the international delegates of the 11th Batch of the SEA-Teacher Student Exchange Program during a ceremonial reception held at the CAPSU Roxas City (Main) Campus on January 14. The activity marked the official start of the visiting student teachers’ academic and cultural immersion in the province of Capiz.
The welcome ceremony served as an avenue to introduce the exchange students to CAPSU’s academic leadership, institutional culture, and commitment to global education. University officials, faculty members, staff, and students gathered to extend their warm hospitality to the participants coming from partner institutions in Indonesia and Thailand.
Among those recognized during the ceremony was Sidik Ali Sofyan, a student teacher from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, whose international teaching internship is facilitated by CAPSU Mambusao. Along with his fellow SEA-Teacher delegates, Sofyan will engage in supervised teaching, classroom observation, and academic activities across CAPSU campuses and partner schools.
The event was graced by key university officials led by CAPSU President Dr. Efren L. Linan, highlighting the university’s strong support for international academic exchanges. The ceremony was organized by the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs and Linkages, headed by Dr. Salvacion J. Legaspi, which continues to strengthen CAPSU’s global partnerships and linkages.
A total of nine student teachers—eight from Indonesia and one from Thailand—officially began their international teaching practicum under the SEA-Teacher Program. The Indonesian participants represent Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, and Universitas Riau, while the Thai delegate hails from Lampang Rajabhat University. The delegates are hosted by two CAPSU campuses and six satellite colleges, where they will be guided by faculty mentors and cooperating teachers.
Speaking during the program was Ms. Noor Rizky Irmasari Hasibuan, S.Pt., M.Sc., a visiting academic lecturer from Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In her message, she underscored the value of international academic collaboration and encouraged the SEA-Teacher participants to embrace cultural differences, remain open to learning, and maximize the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally during their stay in the Philippines.
Delivering a message on behalf of President Linan, Dr. Mary Ann Martelino, Vice President for Administration and Finance, assured the exchange students of CAPSU’s guidance and support throughout their practicum.
“You are not embarking on this journey alone. From your first lesson plan to your final teaching demonstration, Capiz State University will stand with you—supporting, mentoring, and walking alongside you. As you begin this new chapter, know that you are now part of our shared academic community,” Dr. Martelino said.
To add color and vibrancy to the occasion, the Indonesian SEA-Teacher students presented a series of cultural performances featuring traditional songs and dances, offering a glimpse into their rich heritage. In return, the CAPSU Main Chorale and Dance Troupe captivated the audience with performances of Philippine folk songs and dances, highlighting the beauty and diversity of Filipino culture and fostering a spirit of cultural exchange.
The SEA-Teacher Exchange Program, spearheaded by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), serves as a platform for pre-service teachers across Southeast Asia to broaden their educational perspectives, enhance teaching competencies, and strengthen international cooperation among neighboring countries.
As part of the 11th SEA-Teacher batch, the participants will soon be deployed to selected Department of Education (DepEd) cooperating schools across the province of Capiz for their month-long international practicum. During this period, they will engage in actual classroom teaching, participate in school activities, and observe Philippine educational practices.
Throughout their stay, the exchange students will be immersed in the Filipino educational environment, allowing them to gain hands-on teaching experience while developing cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of diverse learning contexts.
To formally conclude the program, Dr. Annalie G. Campos, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the broader impact of the SEA-Teacher Project.
“This initiative is more than an academic exchange. It is an opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding, share best practices, and build lasting connections among future educators. Through collaboration and shared experiences, we hope this journey will be both enriching and inspiring for everyone involved,” Dr. Campos said.
She further encouraged the SEA-Teacher participants to draw strength and inspiration from the experience.
“May this program empower you to become globally competitive, culturally responsive, and compassionate educators,” she added.
Dr. Campos also expressed gratitude to the partner schools, mentors, and cooperating teachers who will host and guide the exchange students.
"We are deeply grateful to our partner schools and mentors for their steadfast guidance and support throughout this journey," she concluded.
Through initiatives like the SEA-Teacher Exchange Program, Capiz State University continues to strengthen its role as a hub for international learning and collaboration, fostering meaningful educational partnerships across Southeast Asia.