SEA Teachers of Northern Iloilo State University in partnership with Universitas Kristen Indonesia (UKI) arrived today as part of the SEA Teacher Exchange Program at Paon Beach Club.

 

The SEA Teacher Project, initiated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), aims to provide pre-service student teachers with opportunities to study abroad, strengthen intercultural understanding, and enhance their professional and pedagogical understanding.

 

Among the three representatives from Indonesia are Kezia Gloria, Jordan Angelo Gijantoro, and Jordan Luziano, who will complete their 30-day observation and internship at NISU Estancia and Ajuy Campus.

 

In a Facebook post, Dr. Fernan Tupas, Professor VI and former Director for Communication and International Collaboration (CICO) office, highlighted the significance of the program in NISU's thrust to become a globally competitive university.

 

"The SEA Teacher Program is more than just a teaching practicum; it is a bridge of friendship, understanding, and shared aspirations among Southeast Asian nations," Dr. Tupas added.

 

Moreover, Dr. Mary Jean S. Zaldarriaga, the new CICO Director, said that the program will strengthen friendship and solidarity between the Philippines and Indonesia through education collaboration.

 

"The endeavor of the student exchange with Northern Iloilo State University and Universitas Kristen Indonesia is to promote international academic collaboration, cultural understanding, and professional development among students and educators," Dr. Zaldarriaga added.

 

In a welcome lunch with the SEA Teachers, all of them expressed their excitement about working in a Filipino environment.

 

"In Indonesia, I just go back and forth from home to school, so I am not as adept in living alone yet, so this is a chance to hone my skills in living solo for almost a month," said Jordan Angelo Gijantoro.

 

Meanwhile, Kezia Gloria highlighted her aim to help students enhance their skills in Mathematics and see the differences between the Indonesian and Philippine curriculum.

 

"I want to see the difference between the children here and those from Indonesia - how they grow and learn. I would also love to know the system here in Iloilo so that after all of this, when I go back to Indonesia, I can collect a lot of experience," Luziano stated.

 

Tomorrow, the university will formally welcome the SEA Teachers, marking their month-long stay here in the Philippines.