Week 1 of The Sea-Teacher`s Program

My first week in the SEA Teacher program was full of new experiences, challenges, and excitement. I was the first student to arrive before the other participants. At first, I felt a little nervous because I was in a new place where I did not know anyone. However, arriving early gave me a great opportunity to explore the campus and adjust to my new surroundings before the program officially started.

I stayed at Capiz State University Pontevedra Campus. The campus was quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by nature. Since I had some free time, I walked around to see the buildings, classrooms, and other facilities. The environment felt very comfortable, and I started to feel excited about my journey in this program.

Meeting the Faculty and University Staff

One of the best parts of my first week was meeting the university faculty, staff and the students. I was introduced to the dean, several teachers, and other staff members at Pontevedra Campus. They were all very kind and welcoming, which made me feel more at ease. They helped me understand the university system and explained a little about what I would be doing in the next few weeks. Their hospitality made me feel at home, even though I was in a different country.

Welcoming My Friends at the Airport

After spending one day alone, I had the chance to go to the airport to pick up two of my fellow SEA Teacher participants. The trip to the airport was quite an adventure for me. It was my first time traveling outside the university, and I got to see more of the city and the local culture.

When I finally met my two friends at the airport, I felt so happy and relieved. I was no longer alone, and now we could share this experience together. We talked a lot on the way back to the university, sharing our excitement and expectations for the program.

Opening Ceremony at Pontevedra Campus

Before the main opening ceremony at the university’s main campus, we had a smaller welcoming event at Pontevedra Campus. This event was more personal, as it was attended by faculty members, staff and students who would be guiding us during our stay.

In this small ceremony, we were introduced to the professors and staff, and they explained what we could expect during the program. It was a great chance for us to start building relationships with the people we would be working with. The friendly atmosphere made me feel even more comfortable, and I started looking forward to my teaching experience.


The Grand Opening Ceremony at the Main Campus

After the welcoming event at Pontevedra Campus, we attended the official opening ceremony at the university’s main campus. This event was much bigger and included all SEA Teacher participants, university officials, and other important guests.

During the ceremony, we were introduced to our cooperating teacher , university leaders, and other people who would be supporting us throughout the program. There were speeches from the university officials, cultural performances, and an explanation of the activities we would be doing in the coming weeks. The atmosphere was lively, and I could feel the excitement from everyone in the room.


Following the grand Opening Ceremony at the main campus, the first week of the SEA Teacher program included a Courtesy Visit to key local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Offices. This visit provided an opportunity for student teachers to formally introduce themselves and express their appreciation for the support and hospitality extended by the host institutions. The delegation met with officials from the Mayor’s Office and the Governor’s Office, where they were warmly welcomed and given an overview of the region’s commitment to education. Additionally, visits to the DepEd Division Offices allowed student teachers to gain insights into the educational policies, curriculum standards, and teaching practices implemented in the local school system. These interactions not only strengthened institutional partnerships but also deepened the participants’ understanding of the educational landscape in the host country. This experience set a positive and professional tone for the teaching practicum, fostering collaboration between the SEA Teachers and the local educational community.

Reflections on My First Week

Looking back at my first week, I can say that it was a wonderful experience. At first, I felt a little nervous and unsure about what to expect. However, after meeting the faculty, university staff, and my fellow participants, I felt more confident and excited for the journey ahead.

Exploring the campus, attending two opening ceremonies, and getting to know new people made this week unforgettable. It was just the beginning, but I could already tell that this program would be an amazing learning experience for me.

I am looking forward to the next weeks, where I will begin my teaching activities and learn more about the education system in the Philippines. I am excited to see what new experiences and challenges await me!

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