Written by Angelica Tamayo, International Affairs Staff
The deployment of students to Thailand for the Student Exchange Program and Cultural Immersion in partnership with the College of Asian Scholars (CAS) in Khon Kaen marks a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural engagement. Accompanied by the dean of the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) and the International Affairs Staff of the Linkages Office, the students were warmly welcomed into this vibrant exchange initiative, setting the stage for a transformative experience.
From January 8 to 12, 2025, Dr. Aida Dapiawen, Ms. Angelica Tamayo, and five students from STELA under the programs Bachelor of Elementary Education (2) and Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English (3) embarked on a 2-month cultural educational exchange journey to Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Upon arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by Dr. Sujitra Arampongpun, Director of the Student and Foreign Affairs Office at the College of Asian Scholars (CAS) and accompanied them to the campus to formally meet the CAS officials and students.
A formal meeting set the stage for collaboration, with discussions led by CAS President Asst. Prof. Dr. Kasom Chanawongse together with Asst. Prof. Dr. Artit Chutchaipolrut, Assistant to the President and Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts; Mr. Patrice Virte, Advisor to the President, and other key officials.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Chanawongse expressed his gratitude to the University of Baguio and shared his positive experiences with previous batches of exchange students, noting how much they had learned. He also set high expectations for the current batch, encouraging them to actively participate, showcase their teaching abilities, and demonstrate their talents to enhance their overall experience.
Dr. Dapiawen introduced the UB team to the CAS attendees and emphasized the importance of molding young learners into the best versions of themselves, remarking on the valuable experience that the exchange students will be having. “I hope that the training and experiences UB has provided will help our students solidify their aspirations to become outstanding professional teachers”, she said.
On January 9, the UB team also immersed themselves in Thai culture through visits to iconic landmarks like Wat Nong Wang Temple and Wat Thung Setthi. They explored the CAS campus, toured faculty facilities, and visited affiliated schools, including Phon Commercial and Technical College (PCTC) and Krasaepattana School (KSP), where students are set to undergo training rotations.
Dr. Dapiawen and Ms. Tamayo further strengthened ties during meetings with Khon Kaen University’s College of Local Administration (KKU-COLA) together with Dr. Michelle Ranges, Program Chair, Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Ms. Beverly Laltoog, Faculty Member, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and 10 UB STELA students who are set to undergo their immersion at KKU-COLA.
The event was honored by the presence of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Peerasit Kanmuansilpa, Founding Dean and Senior Advisor of KKU-COLA, together other KKU-COLA lectures and Dr. Xenia Emperador-Garnace who led the event.
The successful deployment underscores the shared commitment of both institutions to cultivating globally minded individuals. As the program unfolds, it is expected to further enhance the students’ understanding of cultural diversity and solidify the partnership between the universities, paving the way for future collaborations and enriched learning opportunities.
