April 4, 2025
Exchange students Dave Prudenciado, Leahrine Cabangunay, Magic Vidad, and Vincent Joshua Cruz took to the airwaves of the university radio station DYSY for the second batch of interviews on April 4, 2025. The students shared stories, insights, and reflections from their unforgettable two-week student exchange in Vietnam.
These students were among those who represented Samar State University (SSU) at Dong Thap University (DThU) and Tra Vinh University (TVU) from March 16 to 29, 2025. They shared their experiences regarding their cultural immersion, academic growth, and personal development during the program. The interview was aired live and watched by their student buddies, as well as some of the officials from DThU and TVU.
Expectations vs. Reality
“It surpassed my expectations,” said Magic. “My expectation was that I would not enjoy the food.”
The other interviewees shared the same sentiment. They initially thought the food would be a challenge but found it to be one of the highlights of their experience. The local dishes not only satisfied their appetites but also gave them a deeper appreciation of the culture.
First Impressions
Leahrine and Vincent shared how amazed they were to see their student buddies from DThU waiting at the airport at 2:00 AM, proudly wearing their SSU shirts. “It was a different kind of feeling,” Leahrine expressed. “Even though they were already tired, they still made the effort to wait for us.”
What surprised them even more was how warm and caring the student buddies were, even though some of them were meeting SSU delegates for the first time. Magic also expressed appreciation for the hospitality and respect shown by the Vietnamese community, particularly their remarkable punctuality and thoughtfulness.
Academic and Campus Life
In terms of the teaching plan, Dave shared that their approach is centered on play-based learning. “I was amazed that they are integrating technology—they’re using various applications during their lectures,” he said. He further added, “What impressed me even more was how the teacher encouraged the students to think critically about their lessons and activities.”
This innovative teaching approach not only keeps students engaged but also helps develop essential 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy. It reflects a progressive learning environment where students are encouraged to be active participants in their own education.
Cultural Experiences
The group observed that removing shoes or slippers before entering an establishment is a common practice in Vietnam, reflecting their strong cultural value of respect. Leahrine noted that Vietnam shares many similarities with Filipino traditions, including traditional games such as “Tumbang Preso” and “Skip Rope.” She also pointed out that some of their dishes are quite familiar, like their version of “Pancit,” highlighting the shared cultural connections between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Reflections
Dave shared a powerful insight, saying, “You need to take a risk in order to grow” and emphasized the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.
Reflecting on the program, Leahrine realized that, “There can be no positive result with a negative mindset.” She described the two-week exposure as a life-changing experience and a personal milestone.
“Life is really simple,” Magic expressed as he reflected on the way of life in Vietnam. He appreciated the slower, more intentional pace of living, adding, “We don’t have to rush things—we don’t have to figure everything out all at once.”
Vincent, on the other hand, was struck by how deeply rooted Vietnamese culture remains. “Vietnam is a country where you can still observe the past,” he said. “They’ve managed to preserve their culture and identity despite modernization.”
Advice to Future Exchange Students
The delegation advised aspiring exchange students from SSU to secure their passports early, emphasizing that it is the most essential document required to join the program. They also highlighted the importance of holistic preparation—not just in terms of travel documents, but also mentally, emotionally, and academically—to fully embrace the experience and represent the university well.
The exchange students’ experience in Vietnam was not only a journey of academic and cultural exploration but also a transformative period of personal growth. Their reflections highlight the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing new perspectives, and appreciating the shared values that connect different cultures. As they look back on their two-week exchange, the lessons learned and the bonds formed will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime, inspiring future generations of SSU students to embark on similar enriching experiences.
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