Vietnamese Graduate Students Engage in Academic Exchange with NwSSU and SSU MAEd Programs
CALBAYOG CITY — As part of an ongoing international academic collaboration between Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), Samar State University (SSU), and Dong Thap University (DThU) in Vietnam, 21 graduate students from DThU visited NwSSU on July 25, 2025, for a meaningful academic exchange program centered on English language teaching. The highlight of the visit was an academic session titled “Language Matters: Reflection”—a key component of the Field Trip course under the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) major in Language Teaching at NwSSU.
The activity was primarily designed for DThU’s Master’s Program in Theory and Methodology of English Language Teaching and aimed to provide a collaborative academic platform for exploring pedagogical perspectives and methodologies in English education. The Vietnamese delegation also engaged with the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English program of the College of Education, gaining insights into both graduate and undergraduate instruction within the Philippine context.
“This academic visit is part of our master’s program requirement, and it’s been an insightful experience to witness English language instruction from a different Southeast Asian perspective,” shared Mr. Phan Phu Cuong in an interview with The Courier. He emphasized the distinctive academic atmosphere at NwSSU, including its facilities, and appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas on teaching practices between Vietnam and the Philippines.
The 21-member delegation included Truong Vo Thai Thi Thuy, Ngo Thanh, Le Xuan, Dang Hoang, Le Thanh, Tu Ngoc, Nguyen Tuyet Anh, Do Huynh, Trương Thi Thu, Phan Phu, Vo Thi Kim, Le Hai, Van To, Vu Chau Thien, Nguyen Nhut, Nguyen Tuyet, Pham Thi Thanh, Tran Van, Trinh Do Bao, Phan Tran Quoc, and Pham Anh.
The academic sessions were led by Mr. Avin Carl V. Cruzada and Mrs. Maria Lourdes Mae V. Billate, both faculty members of the MAEd program, who discussed the structure, focus areas, and innovative methodologies of NwSSU’s graduate-level English education curriculum. Mr. Albros D. Mañanita, BSED English faculty member, offered additional perspectives on undergraduate program delivery.
NwSSU extended a warm institutional welcome to the delegates. Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director for Student Affairs and Services, spoke on behalf of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, highlighting the value of building international academic networks. Dr. Teody Lester V. Panela, representing Graduate School Dean Dr. Eliza V. Gamusa, shared his excitement about the visit, stating,
Dr. Gil Leovigildo Ancheta, Director for Finance and representative of University President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, expressed hope that the visit would lead to more sustained international exchanges. In her closing remarks, Dr. Iris B. Bejasa, Director for Internationalization, affirmed, “This collaboration—together with SSU and DThU—marks just the beginning of more academic partnerships that will empower our learners and educators across borders.”
As part of the culminating activity for their Field Trip course, select MAEd students—Philip Joseph Franco, John Lloyd Tarrayo, Emelyn B. Menil, and Drake Kian Alera—assisted in guiding the guests around campus, offering academic reflections and personal experiences related to educational planning and research.
The visit was further enriched by a mini-exhibit presented by the English Educators Association (EEA) of the BSED English program, showcasing student outputs from various English courses. This allowed the Vietnamese delegates to witness the scholarly and creative work produced by NwSSU’s future English educators.
At the exhibit, Dr. Jannel C. Alviola welcomed the delegation, saying, “You are most welcome here at NwSSU. May this visit deepen your learning and broaden your academic vision.”
Mr. John M. Tan, Internationalization Coordinator of the Graduate School, served as the master of ceremonies, facilitating the smooth flow of the program while also extending his warm hospitality to the DThU visitors.
This academic exchange—co-hosted by NwSSU, SSU, and DThU—reaffirms the institutions’ shared commitment to internationalization and to providing globally relevant, transformative academic experiences for future educators.