November 26, 2021
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 between 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. 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. 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
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 meeting. 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-a lifetime 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 at 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 its 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 to 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 was 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 how they preserve their culture, the 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 of since my first year of 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 about the event, as it was a golden opportunity. I was left speechless the day it started. It 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 different nations and learning about their cultures. 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 an opportunity comes.”
Eldiover, BSPh 2: “During our first virtual meeting with the students from DThU, I was excited about 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 at 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 encountering 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 were 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.”
