Samar Colleges (SC), Inc. has taken a significant step toward global engagement by launching its first international student exchange program. From March 16 to 21, 2025, two fourth-year education students—Christian Paul M. Salentes (BSEd English) and Miguelito M. Tapia Jr. (BSEd Social Studies)—are the school’s representatives at Dong Thap University (DThU) in Vietnam.

The exchange program was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between SC and DThU in October 2024. This agreement paved the way for academic collaboration and student mobility between the two institutions.

A pre-departure meeting was held on March 15, 2025, attended by Senior Vice President for Programs Development and Quality Assurance (PDQA) Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso, Dean of the College of Education (CoEd) Dr. Nimfa T. Torremoro, and International Relations Officer and Teaching Internship Coordinator Ms. Cherylou Bacalan. Dr. Torremoro and Ms. Bacalan shall accompany the students throughout their travel to Vietnam and back to the Philippines.

Upon their arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on March 16, 2025, the students received a warm welcome from their student buddies from DThU. They then proceeded to Cao Lanh City, where they will be based during the exchange program.

The week-long program officially began on March 17, with Salentes and Tapia participating in a campus tour at DThU, accompanied by their student buddies. Alongside Samar Colleges, Inc., delegates from Samar State University and the University of Saint Anthony, Camarines Sur, are also taking part in the exchange program.

Throughout the program, the students will engage in various academic and cultural activities, including visits to landmarks, interactions with local communities, and classroom observations at DThU. These experiences will provide them with valuable insights into Vietnam’s education system and cultural heritage.

This initiative reflects Samar College’s commitment to promoting international academic collaboration and cultural exchange. Under the leadership of School President Mr. Rhett Caesar L. Piczon and key institutional officials, the program has received full support, including financial assistance for both local and international travel expenses.

As Samar Colleges, Inc. continues to expand its global partnerships, this exchange program is expected to lay the foundation for future collaborations. The experience gained by Salentes and Tapia is anticipated to inspire more students to embrace international learning opportunities in the years to come.