By Johanaly Araña

Centralian preservice teachers Johanaly Araña and Christian Mark Fenequito participate in the SEA-Teacher Internship Program at Dong Thap University in Vietnam from March 8 to 28, 2026, gaining valuable teaching experience and cross-cultural engagement.

Two preservice teachers, Ms. Johanaly Araña (BSNEd) and Mr. Christian Mark Fenequito (BSED-Science), participated in a one-month internship at Dong Thap University (DTHU), Vietnam, under the SEA-Teacher Program of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Their internship duration was set from March 8 to 28, 2026.

They were both deployed in Future Integrated School, DTHU’s local partner institution.

Throughout the internship program, Ms. Araña and Mr. Fenequito conducted four demonstration teachings, applying classroom strategies and strengthening their confidence and management skills. They also joined a cultural outing that fostered connections with fellow preservice teachers and Vietnamese peers. A major highlight was the “Super Kids” event, which brought together preschool and kindergarten learners for interactive activities. The internship also featured a cooking activity where participants collaborated with peers from Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines to prepare traditional dishes, promoting cultural appreciation.

The closing ceremony capped the students’ internship experience with performances in music, dance, and theater, showcasing the diverse talents of interns and international partners. For the CPU preservice teachers, the program was more than just a practicum—it was a transformative experience, which helped them gain friendships from different countries. Ms. Araña expressed her gratitude for their internship journey. She said, “The experience helped us grow not only as future teachers but also as individuals.”