In line with the Philippine Normal University’s (PNU) Strategic Development Plan (SDP) 2022–2032 and its strong commitment to internationalization, PNU continues to expand transformative global learning opportunities for its students through international teaching engagements. For this installment of the International Experiential Learning Program (IELP), two groups of PNU practice teachers were able to immerse themselves in a meaningful learning experience in Vietnam.
Kickstarting the learning program in Hanoi were five pre-service teachers from PNU Manila who participated in an international Practice Teaching program at the Academy of Policy and Development (APD) in Hanoi from March 23 to April 11, 2026. The participants—Bernadette Francyne Marbella, Miles Cunanan, Bryn Ashley Lakhanpal, Julianna Cassandra Barican, and Miguel Javier—engaged in classroom teaching, collaborative academic activities, and intercultural exchanges.
Shortly after, another group of PNU Practice Teachers hailing from various campuses also flew to Hanoi and underwent the IELP from April 1 to 15, 2026. Their program was under the supervision of Vietnam National University, University of Education. The group was composed of Vivienne Hannah Corbita (PNU Manila); Noela Aiah Jane Campos and Marielle Anne Javier (PNU Mindanao); and Stephen Marc Talaver, Trisha Kate Bumagat, Romy Dave Pabico, and Majesty Antolin (PNU North Luzon), representing various teacher education programs. As part of the program, Early Childhood Education majors were deployed at Vinschool, while secondary education majors were assigned to Phenikaa School. These placements enabled the interns to engage in authentic teaching experiences across diverse learning environments.
The immersion provided opportunities for classroom observation, lesson planning, instructional material development, and guided teaching practice. The interns also served as teaching assistants and facilitated lessons, demonstrating the application of outcomes-based teacher education and reflective practice, consistent with PNU’s mandate as the National Center for Teacher Education.
The programs not only strengthened the interns’ instructional capabilities but also deepened their appreciation of diverse educational systems. Their exposure to bilingual instruction, varied classroom dynamics, and cross-cultural collaboration reflects the SDP’s goal of producing globally competitive, culturally responsive, and research-informed educators.
Supervising teachers from partner institutions commended the PNU interns for their dedication, professionalism, and ability to integrate seamlessly into their respective school environments—affirming the quality of PNU’s teacher education programs.
As these international engagements conclude, the participating pre-service teachers return to the Philippines equipped with enhanced competencies, global perspectives, and a strengthened commitment to excellence in education. Their experiences exemplify the transformative impact of internationalization in advancing PNU’s vision of being a globally recognized teacher education university.
