After the successful global engagement last year, Biliran Province State University, through the School of Teacher Education (STEd), is set to conduct another International Cultural-Teaching Immersion Program in Thailand from March 7 to 23 this year.

Fifteen pre-service teachers and three faculty members from STEd Naval and Biliran campuses will participate in the internship program at Tepum Nouy Hatyai School in Songkla, Thailand, where they will engage with Thai students and educators.

This immersion program, aligned with BiPSU’s mission to empower students through global exposure, aims to provide participants with hands-on teaching experience in a different cultural context. It seeks to enhance their cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills while expanding their global network of contacts.

During a courtesy visit by the participating students, University President Dr. Victor C. Cañezo, Jr. expressed his enthusiasm about how global exposure will equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected educational landscape.

“Competition in the academic field is rapidly evolving, and we need to prepare our students to adapt to these changes,” Dr. Cañezo said. “One way to do this is by exposing them to the international market.”

Dr. Cañezo also announced that the university would provide P10,000  financial support to each participating student.

The two-week immersion program will allow participants to experience the Thai education system and culture firsthand. They will engage in direct teaching and share their knowledge in various subjects, including music, science, math, arts and crafts, food, Philippine traditional games, and cultural exchange activities.

The participants from BiPSU Naval campus include students from various programs.
Four Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) students will participate: Francisca Mae Bernales, Dutches Lhoren E. Majait, Irra L. Vermug, and Rose Abigail S. Bastida.

Four Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) students are also joining the immersion: Jesfer P. Ligutan, Kirby A. Asubar, Niña Grace S. Gutierrez, and Joebert A. Reyes.

Moreover, three Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) students will participate, namely  Mary Rose H. Navarosa, Allana Janine De la Rosa Nartea, and Christy Mae Jireh P. Roldan; while two Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) students, Joshua P. Abanes and Lora Mae C. Gervacio, will also join the program.

Meanwhile, from BiPSU Biliran campus, two Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) students, Jonel E. Delantar and Rowena G. Jimenez, will participate in the cultural-teaching immersion.

Accompanying them are three faculty members; Dr. Grace L. Concepcion, Mary Joy Gelizon, and Cyril V. Padar, who will supervise the international travel.

According to STEd Naval Campus Dean Dr. Maribel N. Zipagan, the international internship program, which began last year, is now an annual activity of the school. Dr. Zipagan also revealed plans for a future teaching and cultural immersion in South Korea.

[This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education.]