Marjorie Tan 
SURABAYA, Indonesia — Far from the confines of the Samar State University’s campus, six representatives from the College of Arts and Sciences and SSU Graduate School ventured to Universitas Negeri Surabaya spanning from August 30 to September 16, 2023 for an international exchange program aiming to collaborate and experience Indonesian educational practices.
Accompanied by Prof. Mary Jane B. Cinco, Jevah Mae V. Piamonte from Graduate School; Kyla Mae P. Bacunawa and Renee Agnes C. Palencia, fourth- and third-year Psychology students respectively; Deloraine Ann S. Abina, fourth-year Information Technology student; Ricky N. Ortiz, second-year Information Systems student; and John Bernard A. Mabao, a second-year Statistics student, all set forth on a remarkable journey that extends far beyond the traditional classrooms.
While the international exchange program was originally scheduled to commence on September 2, their journey began early as they enthusiastically joined the International Cultural Festival festivities serving as a vibrant prelude before their formal endeavor.
“International engagement like this will not only give us an experience that changes our perspectives considering diverse cultures and beliefs, it will also inspire us to strive to become better in all aspects,” Prof. Cinco uttered on being asked about how this experience will impact the delegates and the university as a whole.
“It is also not what we can get from internalization, but what we are capable of contributing, too,” she added.
While the program was originally slated to begin in May, a shift in policy from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) pertaining to international programs necessitated a rescheduled start date, now set for the said time.
