Written by Atasha Salonga and Precious Jewel Varas
The University of Baguio – School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (UB-STELA) and Khon Kaen University – College of Local Administration (KKU-COLA) further strengthened their academic relationship through a cultural exchange program. This year marked a significant milestone as UB-STELA sent its first batch of English majors – five Bachelor of Secondary Education, one Bachelor of Arts in English Language, and four Bachelor of Political Science students – to Thailand. Guided by Dr. Xenia Ribaya Emperador-Garnace, these students actively served as student teachers, delivering engaging teaching demonstrations and spearheading English language events for KKU-COLA students. Beyond the classroom, the enriching experience fostered deep cultural immersion, reciprocal exchange, and meaningful connections with Thai peers, creating invaluable learning opportunities.
Their internship started off with the creation of a series of icebreaker sessions in COLA’s English classes. In pairs, the interns created a variety of interactive activities aimed at enhancing students’ English proficiency, with a focus on public administration-related terminology and concepts to improve speaking, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Moreover, the four interns from Political Science continued their internships at the KKU International Affairs Division and the KKU Demonstration School International Affairs Office. Under the supervision of COLA Assistant Professor Dr. Narong Kiettikunwong, this experience offered students practical training in administrative and international affairs.
Alongside the teaching of academic reading and writing, and the various types of academic discourse tailored to students in Urban Management Technology (UMT), Governance and Public Affairs (GPA), and Financial and Fiscal Management (FFM), they also launched “Tuk Talk Express: A Journey to English Proficiency,” an innovative English learning program for the Thai students. This program uniquely combines the iconic Thai “tuk-tuk” vehicle with talk, symbolizing the students’ journey toward English fluency. Different from regular classes, it offers practical speaking opportunities via one-on-one and small group discussions, fostering interactive learning for Thai students to improve their English speaking, reporting and presentation skills, as well as their social skills.
Moreover, they organized COLA’s first inaugural English Camp and Summit, “Visions & Voices 2025.” This two-day event brought together 36 students, including international graduate students, and featured two main program areas. “Visions” focused on developing skills in policy-making and treaty concept creation, while “Voices” centered around speech competitions. The event also included a warm-up “Battle of the Brains” Quiz Bee testing general knowledge related to public administration and Thailand, along with fun and engaging Team Building activities.
Beyond the classroom, their immersion into Thai culture became an integral part of their educational journey. Facilitated by Dr. Xenia, the interns had the opportunity to visit a province, a university, and various temples throughout their period of stay. Additionally, every Friday, they dedicated time to Thai language class, gradually building their vocabulary beyond basic greetings and enhancing their cultural awareness. Through this class, they successfully had casual conversations with Thai people, tried different Thai desserts and authentic Isan food, and wore Chut Thai – Thailand’s national costume.
The international internship experience in Thailand fostered in the interns a deeper appreciation for each moment, including conversations, the cuisine, and cultural engagement, enabling genuine cultural immersion rather than mere touristic observation. Throughout this cross-cultural exchange program, they engaged in multifaceted learning processes. Some cultivated greater self-sufficiency, while others developed increased self-assurance in navigating unfamiliar situations. Furthermore, all of them established meaningful connections and acquired a more comprehensive understanding of diverse cultural perspectives. The new languages and insights they acquired altered their perspectives. Despite the relatively brief duration of the internship, the personal development and intercultural relationships established represent enduring and significant outcomes of this educational endeavor.
