In a significant step toward strengthening international partnerships, Samar Colleges, Inc. hosted a field visit for the twenty-one (21) Master of Arts in Education (English) students from Dong Thap University (DThU), Vietnam, on July 23, 2025, at the SC Auditorium. The visit features the largest delegation DThU has deployed for an academic exchange to date.

In his welcome message, Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, highlighted the importance of engaging with different cultures, saying that such exchanges help broaden perspectives, introduce new knowledge and technologies, and ultimately enrich one's own culture. He stressed that no one grows in isolation, and exploring what lies beyond familiar borders is key to meaningful learning.

Key representatives from partner schools, DThU, and Samar State University (SSU), also extended messages of gratitude to Samar Colleges. Mr. Phan Phu Cuong, DThU group leader, thanked Samar Colleges for the warm welcome.

Dr. Elmer A. Irene, Director of International Affairs of SSU, also gave remarks and recognized Samar Colleges’ efforts in global academic engagement. He congratulated the institution for sending its first two international students to Vietnam earlier this year. “This bold, commendable step signals your serious commitment to internationalization and academic world beyond borders,” Dr. Irene said.

Two of Samar Colleges’ international exchange students, Mr. Christian Paul Salentes and Mr. Miguel Tapia Jr., also shared their personal experiences. They described the exchange program as a “life-changing journey” that deepened their appreciation for other cultures and ways of learning.

To showcase SC’s approach to Communicative Language Learning (CLL) program, Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, presented the school’s best practices in the said program, which employs student-centered and outcomes-based approaches in teaching and learning.

This was followed by the segment titled, “English Instruction in Action,” an English teaching demonstration led by Ms. Henedina P. Reyes at the Speech Laboratory, where the student-delegates observed and experienced the actual use of the laboratory in learning English.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, Senior Vice President for Programs Development and Quality Assurance, emphasized how internationalization activities play a vital role in developing a global mindset among students and educators. She pointed out that these experiences help learners become more open, adaptable, and aware of different cultures and teaching practices.