Purwokerto — Four student teachers from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, successfully completed the SEA-Teacher (Southeast Asian Teacher) Program Batch 11, a SEAMEO initiative promoting academic collaboration and teaching exchange in Southeast Asia, during their one-month practicum in Indonesia from October 22 to November 21, 2025. The program was conducted through a partnership between Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) and MMSU, highlighting their commitment to internationalization and professional development in teacher education.
UMP hosted the participants, coordinating school placements, supervising teaching, and facilitating cultural immersion. Joan S. Mercado and Dominic S. Arellano (Elementary Education) taught at SD Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, while Jomari S. Visco (Mathematics Education) and Irenjohn A. Tomas (English Education) completed their practicum at SMP Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, engaging in lesson planning, teaching, and academic support for junior high students.
During the program, participants observed classes, applied innovative teaching strategies, and collaborated with students under the guidance of cooperating teachers. They also engaged in cultural exchanges, introducing Filipino culture and learning about Indonesian traditions, language, and school customs, fostering mutual understanding and interpersonal connections.
UMP and MMSU coordinators praised the students’ dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm, emphasizing that SEA-Teacher Batch 11 enhanced both teaching skills and the academic and cultural atmosphere of host schools. The program concluded with a formal ceremony on November 21, 2025, where participants shared reflections, received certificates, and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between UMP and MMSU.
The successful implementation of SEA-Teacher Batch 11 reinforces the strong cooperation between UMP and MMSU, supporting regional educational partnerships, intercultural learning, and the preparation of globally minded, culturally competent, and resilient educators. Programs like SEA-Teacher remain vital platforms for developing teachers who contribute meaningfully to education across Southeast Asia.