Kupang – Nusa Cendana University (Undana) warmly welcomed four students from the Philippines who are participating in the SEA-Teacher program on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. These students come from two prestigious universities in the Philippines, namely Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and Saint Louis University. They are majoring in Mathematics, English, Physics, and Early Childhood Education.
The welcoming ceremony, held at Undana’s Auditorium, was attended by the Rector of Undana along with vice-rectors, faculty deans, and several principals of junior high and high schools in Kupang. This event marked the beginning of a month-long program where the Filipino students will engage in a variety of planned learning activities.
During the introductory session, the Filipino students expressed their hopes for the program. “We are eager to discover countless new things here, particularly in learning about the rich culture,” said one of the students. They hope that the program will not only provide academic experience but also serve as a platform for cultural exchange between the two countries.
The SEA-Teacher program is an educational exchange initiative aimed at providing teaching experience for students from Southeast Asian countries. Participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the educational systems, cultures, and practices in the host country.
In his welcoming speech, the Rector of Undana expressed his pride in hosting the SEA-Teacher students from the Philippines. “We are very proud to welcome the SEA-Teacher students here. This is the second time we have hosted students from the Philippines. We hope you feel at home here. Whatever good you find here, keep it and take it home. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you need anything,” said the Rector warmly.
Throughout the one-month duration, the students will participate in a series of activities divided into four phases: the first week focuses on observation and teaching assistance, the second week is dedicated to lesson planning and material preparation, the third week involves teaching practice, and the fourth week concludes with a reflection session. These stages are designed to provide the students with comprehensive teaching experience as well as adaptability skills in different educational environments.
With the range of activities prepared, this program is expected to provide the participants with valuable experiences not only academically but also in fostering strong cross-cultural friendships.
