In a bold stride toward globalizing education, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) has successfully sent its first batches of student-teachers under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP), sending Education students to Vietnam and Thailand for international teaching experience. These initiatives mark a significant milestone not only for DLSL but also for the region, as it becomes the first institution in Region IV-A to deploy student interns abroad this year under the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) prestigious program.
The pioneering batch of interns to Vietnam includes Kyla Peña De Jesus and Hasley Mijanna Ilagan Macatangay, both Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English students. They are currently undertaking their teaching internship at Truong Vinh Ky Secondary and High School, thanks to a historic partnership signed in 2024. This move is part of DLSL’s long-term goal of preparing students for a globally competitive teaching landscape.
To formalize their international engagement, the students and DLSL representatives paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate General in Vietnam. The group was graciously received by Atty. Nguyen Gia Viet Huy, Vice Consul, and assisted by Mr. Henry Dimayuga Roque, a proud DLSL High School Batch 2001 alumnus and current Area Manager of Philippine Airlines Vietnam.
Meanwhile, on March 13, 2025, five 4th-year Education students embarked on another SIAP journey—this time in La Salle Chanthaburi, Thailand. Representing both the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) and Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) programs, Jacob Babao (BEED), Brixster Bacao (BSE English), Kyla Eunice Capuy (BEED), Reylianne Therese Simplicio (BEED), and Jovelyn Taala (BSE English) were warmly welcomed by the La Salle Chanthaburi community, led by Br. Eugene Prapas Sricharoen FSC and fellow Filipino educators. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Noriel Navita, DLSL Education Program Chair.
Their internship spans teaching assignments from Kindergarten to Senior High School, as well as community tutoring for students from the Br. Miguel Community in an outreach program for underprivileged learners. With food and accommodation provided, students are given the full opportunity to focus on cultural immersion, academic contribution, and professional growth.
These international placements are direct outcomes of DLSL’s robust and expanding international linkages. In addition to its agreement with Truong Vinh Ky in Vietnam, DLSL signed a Memorandum of Agreement with La Salle Chanthaburi, Thailand, in May 2024. These strategic alliances aim to foster innovation in academic programs, enhance faculty collaborations, and promote global internship exchanges.
Transforming Future Educators
The benefits of the Student Internship Abroad Program are immense. Interns gain exposure to diverse teaching methodologies, enhance cross-cultural communication skills, and acquire practical experience in international education systems. They not only refine their pedagogical skills but also develop the adaptability and global perspective needed to thrive in any classroom, anywhere in the world.
For DLSL, these international opportunities affirm its commitment of delivering world-class education. For the interns, it is more than just a program—it is a life-changing journey that empowers them to become future-ready educators and true global citizens. As these young Lasallians teach beyond borders, they carry with them the values of faith, service, and communion, proudly representing De La Salle Lipa on the international stage.
Written by Cristina Alfarita Larombi
Source: DLSL