DONG THAP, Vietnam—Samar State University (SSU) and its partner, the Dong Thap University (DThU) of Vietnam, are currently staging the 2025 International Exchange Program from March 16 to 21, 2025, at DThU, Vietnam. Hosted by the DThU, this student exchange program (SEP) shows the dedication of both institutions to establishing a global partnership along the lines of education and cultural diversity.
SSU deployed a diverse delegation of eight (8) students from various academic disciplines, including:
- Dr. John Michael C. Jalayajay (Ph.D. in Educational Management)
- Krizley Armaneth A. Repol (Bachelor of Science in Architecture)
- Vincent Joshua D. Cruz (Bachelor of Physical Education)
- Leahrine Cabangunay (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
- Dave A. Prudenciado (Bachelor of Elementary Education)
- Chassey R. Gabon (Bachelor of Science in Information Technology)
- Justine Mae Cabarles (Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology)
- Magic M. Vidad (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering)
The program commenced on March 17, 2025, with a campus tour and an exploratory meeting on potential international collaborations between the two universities. The meeting was joined by SSU and DThU officials who discussed key areas for joint initiatives along student exchange and internship programs, faculty and lecturer exchange programs, and other training programs and research collaborations.
The afternoon activities for Day 1 also included the DThU SEP 2025 Opening Ceremony, participated in by the SSU delegation and the faculty and students of the host university.
The second day, March 18, highlighted the delivery of insightful lecture series by SSU officials, including a talk by SSU President Dr. Redentor S. Palencia on “Leadership and Management: Insights from Wharton School” (Lecture Series 1), where he talked about the strategies to attain a global executive mindset. Moreover, SSU International Affairs Office Director Dr. Elmer A. Irene gave a talk on “Engaging Academic and Research Collaboration between DThU and SSU” (Lecture Series 2), where he discussed the present and future collaborative relations of the two universities.
Alongside this, the exchange students were deployed to their assigned units in DThU for exclusive tour and learning sessions. Mr. Prudenciado, Mr. Jalayahay, and Ms. Cabangunay were deployed to the Faculty of Primary and Preschool Education; Mr. Cruz was sent to Physical Education: Art Pedagogy; Mr. Vidad, Ms. Repol, and Ms. Gabon were deployed to the Faculty of Technology & Engineering; and Ms. Cabarles was assigned to the College of Natural Science.
The six-day SEP continues to focus on academic and cultural exchange. Today, the delegation is on a field trip at the Tram Chim Ramsar 2000 of the Tam Nong District, Vietnam. By combining knowledge and resources, SSU and DThU are setting a benchmark for a meaningful international collaboration that benefits the stakeholders of both universities.