Strengthening international academic partnerships and fostering cross-cultural learning, Philippine Normal University (PNU) Visayas warmly welcomed student teacher delegates from Kasetsart University, Thailand, for the AsTEN Student Teachers Exchange Program (AsTEN STEP)—marking another milestone in the University’s continuing commitment to global engagement and internationalization.
The delegates arrived safely in Negros Occidental and were officially received by PNU Visayas through its Linkages and Internationalization Unit (LIU). The visiting student teachers will be hosted by the campus from November 6 to December 1, 2026, as part of the University’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful international learning opportunities and strengthen academic cooperation among higher education institutions in Southeast Asia.
Throughout their stay, the Thai student teachers will immerse themselves in various teaching and learning activities, gaining firsthand exposure to the Philippine educational system, classroom practices, and local school environments. The program is designed to provide avenues for international classroom immersion, professional development, and the exchange of pedagogical perspectives between future educators from the Philippines and Thailand.
As an international student mobility initiative, AsTEN STEP offers a valuable platform for pre-service teachers to observe and experience diverse approaches to instruction, classroom management, and learner engagement. Through their participation in teaching-related activities, the delegates are expected to deepen their understanding of the professional responsibilities of educators while developing the competencies necessary to teach in increasingly multicultural learning environments.
Beyond the academic component, the exchange places significant emphasis on cultural immersion and community engagement. By experiencing the traditions, customs, language, values, and everyday life of the Negrosanon community, the visiting delegates will gain a deeper appreciation of Filipino heritage and the rich diversity of the Philippines. These interactions also create opportunities to build friendships, share local traditions, and foster mutual respect and understanding between Filipino and Thai participants.
For PNU Visayas, hosting the Kasetsart University delegates is not only an opportunity to showcase the University’s academic programs, facilities, and institutional strengths, but also a meaningful expression of Filipino hospitality. The exchange reinforces the University’s role in promoting international academic partnerships while highlighting the value of cross-cultural understanding and people-to-people connections in advancing educational cooperation.
As the delegates begin their international learning journey in Negros Occidental, the PNU community looks forward to a productive and memorable exchange filled with meaningful teaching experiences, cultural discoveries, and lasting friendships.
