DONG THAP, VIETNAM – Following the official launch of Samar Colleges, Inc.’s (SC) first-ever Student Exchange Program (SEP), exchange students Christian Paul M. Salentes and Miguelito M. Tapia Jr. have taken a deeper step into international academic engagement through faculty immersion at Dong Thap University (DThU).

Just two days into their week-long exchange program, Salentes and Tapia actively engaged in faculty discussions and classroom activities, gaining firsthand experience of the academic environment at DThU. Designed to foster cultural and educational exchange, the immersion program provided both students with opportunities to interact with professors and students in their respective fields.

Salentes spent the day with the Faculty of Foreign Languages (FFL), where he engaged in discussions with students and faculty members. A key highlight was an offer from the FFL Dean for a teaching position at DThU after graduation. The Dean also provided insights into the process of becoming an international faculty member—an opportunity that Salentes found both promising and inspiring. Throughout the day, he participated in English language classes, introduced SC to Vietnamese students, and exchanged perspectives on teaching methodologies and language education.

Meanwhile, Tapia was welcomed by the Faculty of Social Sciences, where he took part in academic discussions with the Dean and faculty members. He shared insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by Social Studies students in the Philippines, contributing to meaningful exchanges on international education systems. In the afternoon, he attended a history class, observing lesson presentations and introducing Philippine learner-centered teaching approaches to DThU students. Tapia also engaged in discussions with faculty members about Vietnam’s structured approach to lesson planning and collaborative teaching methods.

Beyond academics, the immersion program provided the SC exchange students with a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s culture and educational practices. Through interactions with faculty and students, they gained valuable insights that will contribute to their professional growth and broaden their global perspective.

These exchanges underscore the importance of international collaboration in education, allowing students to experience diverse academic environments and build lasting connections that can shape their personal and professional growth. With the strong support of institutional leaders, this exchange program is expected to further strengthen academic ties between SC and DThU, paving the way for more student exchanges and faculty collaborations in the future.