The College of Education (COED) of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST) held a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar on October 20, 2025, to prepare a delegation of 14 students and five faculty members for their upcoming participation in the SEA-Teacher Project and a faculty and student exchange program in Indonesia and Malaysia.
The delegation will take part in student teaching practicums, faculty exchanges, visiting lectures, research collaboration, and the benchmarking of academic and administrative best practices.
In her message, NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo commended COED for its proactive role in strengthening the university’s global partnerships. She charged the participants to serve as exemplary ambassadors of NEUST, encouraging them to uphold the university’s values by maintaining respect, fostering open communication, and prioritizing their personal well-being throughout their international engagement.
Dr. Feliciana Jacoba, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the statement of purpose, underscoring the university’s goal to strengthen academic collaboration and foster intercultural understanding through global mobility programs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marilyn Soliman, chairperson of BTLED/BSIE Programs, presented the delegates for the international internship and exchange program.
A group of students will join the SEA-Teacher Project Batch 11 at three universities in Indonesia from October 24 to November 18, 2025.
- Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA): Students Rovic Bautista, Joshua De Belen, and Hanz Jefferson Medalla (San Isidro Campus) will be joined by faculty member Mary Angelie Cabacungan for a faculty exchange, lectures, and research collaboration.
- Universitas Muhammadiyah Kudus (UMKudus): Delegates Ivan Marcelo (Talavera Off-Campus), Richmond Santiago (San Isidro Campus), and Hanz Lenard Bal (Papaya Off-Campus) will be accompanied by Dr. Aivin Balquedra for a faculty exchange and research collaboration. Dr. Alfredo Esteban Jr. will also join to benchmark best practices in communication and information management.
- Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS): Students Vlesielyn Baning (Sumacab Campus), Micaella San Pedro (San Isidro Campus), Edgar Domingo Jr. (Gabaldon Campus), and Mark Daniel Delos Santos (Papaya Off-Campus) will be joined by Dr. Balquedra for a faculty exchange. Rhandelle Santos will accompany the group for benchmarking activities focused on budget preparation, monitoring, and documentation.
A second group will proceed to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) from December 2 to 13, 2025. Four students from the Sumacab Campus—Chezka Sacatrapos, Harizel Dela Cruz, Emilyn Yñigo, and Pamela De Jesus—will be accompanied by Dr. Christopher Francisco for campus visits, a faculty exchange, and lectures.
Atty. Eric Claudio, Director of the Office of International Affairs, conducted the orientation and briefing, covering eligibility and application procedures, travel requirements, cultural adaptation, health and safety measures, financial matters, and post-program reintegration.
COED Dean Dr. Jo Neil Peria provided an overview of the SEA-Teacher Project Batch 11 and outlined the specific policies and guidelines governing the faculty and student cultural exchange.
Concluding the seminar, Dr. Mary Jane Tomas, chairperson of the BEED/BSNED programs, reminded the participants to uphold NEUST’s principles of inclusive education, cultural humility, and academic excellence throughout their international engagement.
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