Mathematics major completes SEA-teacher exchange in Thailand

A Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Mathematics student from Far Eastern University (FEU), Janelle B. Vergara, completed her participation in the SEA-Teacher Project Batch 11 hosted by Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU) in Thailand. 

The international exchange program, which promotes academic collaboration and cross-cultural engagement among future educators across Southeast Asia, formally concluded last November. 

Through the SEA-Teacher Project, pre-service teachers gain hands-on international teaching experience while engaging in cultural immersion and collaborative learning with partner institutions in the region. Vergara’s participation reflects both academic excellence and adaptability as she navigated new classroom environments and diverse learning contexts. 

Janelle Vergara (right) receives a certificate of completion.

Her completion of the program highlights FEU’s continuing commitment to providing students with opportunities for global academic exposure, professional growth, and intercultural learning—preparing future educators to thrive in increasingly interconnected educational landscapes.

Reflecting on the experience, Vergara shared that participating in the SEA-Teacher Project was more than an internship—it was a journey that reshaped her perspective on teaching and learning.

“Being able to teach in another country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone,” she said. “Inside the classroom, I learned how to adapt my teaching strategies to a different learning environment, communicate ideas more clearly, and design lessons that would engage students despite language and cultural differences.”

“Every demonstration lesson became an opportunity to grow—not only as a teacher, but also as a learner who continuously reflects and improves,” she said.

Beyond teaching practices, Vergara said the experience deepened her appreciation of cultural diversity in education.

“Living and working with people from different backgrounds allowed me to appreciate how culture shapes the way students learn, interact, and express themselves. It reminded me that teaching is not only about delivering content, but also about understanding students’ perspectives and creating a classroom where everyone feels valued,” she said

“As a future educator from [FEU], the SEA-Teacher Project strengthened my commitment to becoming a teacher who is globally aware, adaptable, and compassionate. The experience taught me that education goes beyond borders and that meaningful learning happens when we connect cultures, ideas, and people,” said Vergara.

To learn more about Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Mathematics, please visit: https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-education/bachelor-of-secondary-education/