SEA-Teacher Program Bridges Borders as UM CTE and VRU Forge Strong Global Ties

The University of Mindanao – College of Teacher Education (UM-CTE) has launched its first international partnership with Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University (VRU) in Thailand through the prestigious SEA-Teacher Program (Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia). This collaboration supports the advancement of SDG 4 : Quality Education, aiming to enhance both professional competencies and cross-cultural understanding among pre-service education students.

As part of the 2025 SEA-Teacher Program cycle, VRU warmly welcomed four student interns from UM-CTE for a 30-day teaching internship, which began on May 26 and concludes on June 25, 2025. The exchange offers student-teachers real-world experience in Thai classrooms, structured teaching practice, and rich cultural immersion.

Two Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) English majors — Iver Bitoy and Geterel Abregana — were assigned to teach secondary-level students at VRU Satit Demonstration School (Mathayom level). Meanwhile, Bianca Angela Lagrada, a Bachelor of Elementary Education student, and Charles Vincent Juegos, a BSEd Science major, were deployed to the Prathom level, serving primary school learners.

The program included classroom observations, teaching demonstrations, and cultural tours designed to provide a well-rounded experience. In one highlight, Charles Vincent Juegos conducted his teaching demonstration at the VRU Satit Demonstration School, showcasing instructional strategies and classroom engagement techniques.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in UM-CTE’s efforts to internationalize its teacher education curriculum and contribute to the global commitment to SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Over the past academic year, the college has actively sent aspiring educators to global teaching internships, allowing them to gain first-hand insights into diverse educational systems. These experiences not only enhance teaching skills but also foster intercultural awareness among future educators.

Building on the success of this exchange, UM-CTE is now preparing to welcome inbound student-teachers from VRU’s Faculty of Education in October 2025. The college is committed to offering its Thai counterparts a meaningful and immersive experience in the Philippine education system.

Looking ahead, UM-CTE continues to strengthen its international linkages and seeks new global partnerships to create more opportunities for professional growth and global exposure for its students—further supporting the realization of SDG 4.