PURWOKERTO, INDONESIA – January 14, 2026 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) has once again solidified its commitment to international academic collaboration by officially welcoming a new cohort of pre-service teachers from the Philippines. The group, consisting of eight promising students, has arrived in Central Java to participate in the 11th Batch of the SEA Teacher Project, a prestigious exchange program facilitated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). Running from January 12 to February 8, 2026, this month-long initiative aims to foster pedagogical exchange and cross-cultural understanding among future educators in Southeast Asia.
The international delegation arrived at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) in two separate groups earlier this week, marking the beginning of their practicum journey. The first group touched down on Monday, January 12, hailing from Capiz State University (CAPSU). Based in Roxas City, the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” CAPSU is a premier public institution known for its excellence in agricultural and educational research. The delegates from CAPSU include Maria Antonitte R. (Food Service Management), Yeshua Regan M. (English Education), Devine G. Acurantes (English Education), and Frankie L. Luza (English Education). Their arrival signals a continuation of the strong existing partnership between UMP and CAPSU, institutions that have successfully collaborated on previous academic exchanges.
The second delegation arrived the following day, Tuesday, January 13, representing President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU). Located in the province of Zambales, PRMSU is a rapidly growing state university dedicated to proactive learning in a global society. This group includes Karrylle Isabella C. (General Science), Lieza S. Palaganas (Social Studies), Chezca Legaspi (English Education), and Ezekyle R. Santiago (Social Studies). For many of these students, this program represents their first opportunity to apply their teaching skills in a foreign classroom setting, bridging the gap between Philippine and Indonesian educational systems.
To officially inaugurate the program, a warm welcome ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 14, at the UMP campus. The event was presided over by the Head of the International Affairs Office, Condro Nur Alim, Ph.D. (“Pak Condro”), who greeted the students with enthusiasm. In his keynote address, Pak Condro highlighted the enduring and “good relations” that UMP maintains with both Philippine universities. He emphasized that this program goes beyond mere academic credit; it is an opportunity to build lifelong bridges between nations.
“We do not just welcome you as students, but as part of our extended academic family,” Pak Condro stated during his speech. “We hope that this event will be deeply memorable for all of you. It is our sincere wish that Indonesia, and especially the town of Purwokerto, will feel like your second home during your stay here.”
For the duration of the program, which concludes on February 8, 2026, the students will be deployed to UMP’s affiliated laboratory schools: SD UMP (Elementary School) and SMP UMP (Junior High School). During their placement, the student teachers will not only observe local teaching methodologies but will also actively assist in the classroom and eventually lead their own lessons. This hands-on experience is designed to challenge them to adapt to a new cultural environment while sharing the best practices from their home institutions in the Philippines.(shan)