Article by: Darthon Ventura, Laureen Tauli, Marienel Ramos, Kyth Manuel
University of Baguio (UB) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) students have embarked on a five-month journey of Student Exchange Program and Cultural Immersion hosted by the College of Asian Scholars (CAS) in Khon Kaen, Thailand. This collaborative transnational education program aims to provide participants with a meaningful academic and cultural engagement that promises an enriching and comprehensive learning experience.
The program, which runs from January 8, 2025 to May 22, 2025, features 4th-year pre-service teachers from the Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English and the Bachelor of Elementary Education programs. During their journey to Thailand, the students were accompanied by Dr. Aida A. Dapiawen, Dean of STELA, and Ms. Angelica B. Tamayo from the UB Linkages Office.
Throughout their stay, the exchange students will engage deeply with Thai culture and language while honing their teaching skills in practical classroom settings. Beyond skill acquisition, this opportunity allows future educators to explore Thailand’s rich traditions and customs while gaining valuable insights into global educational practices.
This long-standing partnership between UB and CAS, which began over two decades ago with the friendship of their founders—Dr. Fernando “Tatay” Bautista and Dr. Krasae Chanawongse—continues to thrive. Dr. Dapiawen highlighted the enduring strength of this collaboration during the students’ arrival orientation, which was attended by Dr. Kasom Chanawongse, President of CAS, along with the executives, associates, and representatives of CAS, Phon Commercial and Technical College, and Krasaepattana School. She remarked, “This partnership has been ongoing, and every year it continues to grow. The students who join this program are among the best in their fields.” Her words emphasized the program’s collaborative spirit and the excellence of UB’s representatives.
Ms. Tamayo also emphasized the value of the partnership, stating, “Programs like this build meaningful connections and promote cultural understanding,” reflecting the shared commitment of UB and CAS to nurturing globally competitive educators.
This initiative underscores the significance of cross-cultural understanding in today’s interconnected world. It showcases UB’s dedication to building global partnerships and promoting borderless education, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration and enhancing teaching practices, the program contributes to creating inclusive and equitable learning opportunities while strengthening global partnerships.
As this partnership continues to flourish, it paves the way for future collaborations that inspire growth, learning, and mutual respect across borders
