Short-term Students Exchange between SSU and DThU
ELMER A. IRENE, Ed.D.
Dong Thap University
Dong Thap University (DThU) is a regional tertiary educational institution located in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province in Vietnam. DThU offers a multi-level, multi-disciplinary and multi-level of training models for people of Vietnam and continues to seek international partners and expand cooperation with universities and organizations through programs, projects, scientific research and academic exchanges. It is guided by their vision of “Being a qualified and prestigious training center in the Mekong Delta and one of the universities training highly-qualified teachers in Vietnam”, DThU is recognized as one of a prestigious educational institutions that is very respected in Vietnam, every year it manages to enter the ranks of the top 60 universities of the country out of more than 400 higher education institutions in Vietnam.
Last August 2019, a delegate from Samar State University headed by the University President Dr. Marilyn Cardoso, together with Dr. Gina Españo, Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Alex Cardoso, Focal Person for QA of the College of Industrial Technology, and Dr. Elmer Irene, Director for International Affairs went to DThU to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between SSU and DThU for academic and research collaboration.
Partnership Agreement
As stated in the MOU, the two institutions agree to develop the following collaborative activities including but not limited to: a) Exchange of faculty, lecturers and researchers and other research and administrative staff; exchange of students; conduct of collaborative research projects; conduct of lectures and organizing of symposia; exchange of academic information and materials that are of mutual interest; and promotion of other cooperative opportunities as mutually agreed.
A year after, several engagements have been conducted in 2020 despite the pandemic. The students exchange was marred by the declaration of lockdowns and travel restrictions due to outbreak of the Virus in February in Vietnam, yet the students proceed and successfully conducted their program. Research conferences were made online and two joint research conferences by DThU and SSU were conducted and in those two fora, presenters from SSU successfully presented their papers, namely: The 1st International Conference on Mathematics and Mathematics Education on July 25, 2020 and on the morning of December 27, DThU in collaboration with SSU held an international conference on Natural Science and Environment in offline and online platforms with 21 articles printed in the Conference Proceedings and 6 presentations at the conference. In both events, Dr. Marilyn Cardoso delivered a Welcome message virtually and was applauded by the DThU participants.
Short-term Students Exchange between SSU and DThU
On February 1, 2020, a delegation of four BEEd students accompanied by a faculty chaperone went to Dong Thap University in Cao Lanh City, Dong Thap Province, Vietnam. The delegates were the first students to be sent to Vietnam for students exchange. The student-participants were: Mr. Ariel Abarratigue, BEED 4th year (Main campus), Ms. Madelyn Ilao, BEED 4th year (Main campus), Ms. Josefina Gracia Navidad, BEED 4th year (Main campus), and Ms. Angelica Pesito – BEED 4th year (SSU-Paranas Campus). The faculty chaperone was Dr. Laura Boller, BEEd program chair and formerly the Student Teaching Supervisor of the college of Education. The delegates were housed at the Guest house of Dong Thap University.
Evaluation of the Program / Impressions from the Participants
Ariel Abarratigue, BEEd graduate:
“My experience in Vietnam made a big impact to my life in a way that it made me realize that diversity is not a hindrance for us not to understand each other. English language gives us the chance to connect with foreign people but there is a universal language that bridges us to understand each diversity in every way whether you are a Vietnamese or a Filipino. The experience in Vietnam changed my perspective in life that travelling can gain more knowledge about other people’s culture and adapting some of it makes us a better version of ourselves. It gave me the chance to show the richness of our culture and being a Filipino is something to be proud of.”
Madelyn Violin Ilao, BEEd graduate:
“Sometimes, an opportunity just only comes once, this is the reason why I grabbed this Students’ Exchange Program in Vietnam without hesitation. Vietnam is a beautiful place with big-hearted people. They were so generous and hospitable, and my journey there became more memorable because of them. Despite of our differences in language, beliefs, practices, and personality, we became one, like a family. This journey has a big impact to my life, I became more confident, in a way that unlike before, I was so hesitant to try many things, because there is a doubt in myself, there’s always a question “Can I do this?” But, this journey made me realized that we should not limit our ability to do things, before we say no, we must give first a try. We will not discover the better version of ourselves if we are afraid to try, and sometimes we missed a big opportunity because we’re scared to fail. Lastly, the most important is to trust our Almighty Father. For He knows what is better for us, and His plan is better than ours.”
Josefina Navidad, BEEd graduate:
“The year 2020 wasn’t really a great year for everyone. In fact, most people would even call it the worst year of the century. But despite that, I wouldn’t say it was all bad. After all, the year 2020 was the year I met other amazing people from the beautiful land of Vietnam. Going to Vietnam for the short exchange student program was memorable and was a beautiful experience. With the short amount of time, I would say that some aspects of my life did change.
Back then I was so naïve. Always scared of the unknown. But after going to Vietnam, experiencing a different culture, and meeting new people, opened new possibilities and opportunities. One, I was an introvert but I was able to slowly open and extend my social circle. Second, I have never been away from my family and with that, I was even skeptical about joining the exchange student program back then. But going there made me realize that I can actually live alone and that I must learn to live alone. Lastly, working abroad was imprinted in my mind. With such a beautiful experience, I think it is only right and just to keep and treasure all those memories. I still keep pictures with me. I would sometimes share my experience back in Vietnam with my family and friends.”
Virtual Cultural Exchange Program with Dong Thap University, Vietnam, 2021
by: JONAS REY L. MACABANGON – 4th year BEEd
What is the Virtual Cultural Exchange Program?
Samar State University (SSU), in collaboration with Dong Thap University (DThU) in Vietnam, organized a Virtual Cultural Exchange Program from November 15-26, 2021, to continue to forge the international partnership of the two educational institutions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was conducted through a video and audio conferencing platform, Google Meet, starting from 6:00 to 7:30 PM (Vietnamese Time). Participants from both universities actively engaged in learning the unique culture and tourist destinations of each other’s country and respective provinces. Additionally, participants enjoyed creating new friendships with each other through fun activities, strengthening the international linkage between the said universities.
Program Features
- E-certificate for all Participants
- Virtual Tours
- Cultural Exchange Presentations
Number of Participants Attended in the Program
In total, there were 32 participants in the program representing the two universities. Specifically, there were 7 participants from Samar State University, and 25 participants from Dong Thap University.
SSU Participants
| STUDENT’S NAME | COLLEGE/CAMPUS | PROGRAM | YEAR |
| 1. Jonas Rey L. Macabangon | College of Education | BEEd | 4th |
| 2. Jevah Mae V. Piamonte | College of Arts and Sciences | BSPsych | 3rd |
| 3. Christian A. Aban | College of Education | BSEd English | 3rd |
| 4. Jan Carl E. Abarratigue | College of Nursing and Health Sciences | BSPh | 2nd |
| 5. Eldiover P. Igdalino | College of Nursing and Health Sciences | BSPh | 2nd |
| 6. Esperanza S. Rarugal | College of Industrial Technology | BITE Electronics | 2nd |
| 7. Victor M. Tan III | College of Nursing and Health Sciences | BSPh | 1st |
Impressions from Student Participants
Jonas, BEEd 4: “I was surprised and ecstatic when I found out that I was one of the chosen students for the Cultural Exchange program between Samar State University and Dong Thap University, Vietnam. On the first day of the program, I first felt uneasy, for it was my first time meeting students from Vietnam. However, that feeling of uneasiness quickly faded once we had small talks during the virtual meet. The two-week-long Cultural Exchange Program did not only give me a platform to proudly share my own culture and my university. But I was also able to learn the cultural essence of the province of Mekong Delta and Vietnam as a whole. This once-in-alifetime opportunity gave me more than the things that I came to discover because, at the very end, I was able to build something better, friendship. I am happy to say that I have new friendships with my co-SSU students and students in Dong Thap University, Vietnam. I will forever cherish this for my lifetime, and I am forever grateful to Samar State University for expanding opportunities through their international linkages. I hope that in the future, more students will be able to join the program and help in fostering positive relationships beyond the land of Samar.”
Jevah, BSPsych 3: “It was a whole new experience, a very interesting and enjoyable one. I’ve been into several virtual programs but this one was very different because it did not just showcase the culture and tourist spots of the Philippines and Vietnam, but also, it was a great avenue to meet new friends and strengthen the relationship between SSU and Dong Thap University. At first, it was a mixed emotion of excitement and nervousness because it’s my first time meeting and dealing with Vietnamese people but as our sessions started and we began to communicate with each other, I already felt comfortable and at ease. And, despite conducting the event virtually, I’ve learned and discovered a lot about Vietnam, especially on how they preserve their culture, same as how we Filipinos preserve ours. With that, I am beyond grateful to SSU because I was given the chance to participate in this marvelous program. Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic will never be a hindrance in conducting this kind of program, full of opportunity and discovery, which we, student participants, will treasure forever.”
Christian, BSEd English 3: “The Cultural Exchange Program was a huge opportunity I’ve been dreaming since first year college. Never in my wildest imagination had I thought that it would come true and knocks at my door. When it came, I’ve known that it would only be held virtually, and I thought it would be full of boredom and will not be interesting. Nevertheless, still I was very enthusiastic with the event, as it was a golden opportunity. I was left speechless the day it started. If was fun, wholesome, and positively overwhelming, and it moreover exceeded my expectations. It was supposed to be a face to face Program, but with the pandemic it was held virtually. It was sad, but I have realized that it only proves that no matter what circumstances we’ll be in, the foundation of strengthening the bond between Samar State University (SSU) and Dong Thap University will remain steadfast.”
Jan Carl, BSPh 2: “At first I thought that the event will just be a plain old webinar but it turned out to be different. It was interactive and amazing. It had a different feel when interacting with people from a different nation and learning about their culture. It would also be much better if the pandemic never hindered the idea of actually visiting Vietnam. But despite that, the event truly delivered its goal. It was fun and I would join again when such opportunity comes.”
Eldiover, BSPh 2: “During our first virtual meet with the students from DThU, I was excited for what will happen. I was a little bit pressured, and at the same time-honored to represent Samar State University in a Cultural Exchange Program. That time, during their presentations, I was shocked to see their serious faces. It was kind of intimidating for me, but I did not dwell on those things. Rather, I focused on our presentation-especially my presentation which was about the history and the courses offered in SSU. Though I was pressured, I enjoyed the virtual meeting. It was my first time talking with foreigners, especially from Vietnam. It was also my first time to encounter their culture. Going down to our last virtual meeting, I was not expecting a cloud-9 of emotions. I was crying when I was saying goodbye to them. The virtual cultural exchange program ended well. Though it is hard to say goodbye, I know that those memories will be kept inside our hearts.”
Esperanza, BITE Electronics 2: “On the first day of the cultural exchange program, I thought it was boring because it was too serious. But in the following days, I was impressed, because at that time there was a friendship being built between the students and teachers of the two universities. Even if I am not a person who is a fund to socialize with, I enjoyed seeing them virtually and listening to their discussions. It was my first time joining that cultural exchange program. Usually, I do not participate because I feel shy. But through the program, I have learned a lot about their culture, values , and tourist spots in Vietnam that was unforgettable. I extend my gratitude to everyone who was present at the event and hopefully next time, we will have this event to give the opportunity of some students to experience the program.”
Victor III, BSPh 1: ” I initially thought of the cultural exchange program to just be an event of two universities sharing their customs and ways of life but I didn’t expect to gain so much knowledge about their roots & culture and have the utmost respect for each other’s customs and values in the process. We were able to build a shared and mutual connection despite our indifferences. The event was very productive because it was a give and take type of learning experience for me, Not only did I learn about the rich culture of Vietnam but I was also able to learn so much about my very own country’s and province’s beginnings, rich culture and all the breathtaking landmarks and different places it has to offer. I have widened and enriched my perspective of my roots and I am really glad I get to be a part of this event, it was an amazing experience and I know that now and then I’d feel nostalgic walking down memory lane with all of it.”
Photo Documentation of the Virtual Cultural Exchange Program
