SLSU-TO Holds Pre-Departure Orientation for Vietnam-Bound Student Interns

The General and Pre-Departure Orientation Briefing for Qualified Student Interns for School Year 2025–2026 was held at the SLSU–TO Conference Room on January 16, 2026, with parents, guardians, and school administrators present to formally prepare students for their upcoming internship deployment in Vietnam under the Student Internship Abroad Program (SIAP).

 

The program formally commenced with a prayer and the national anthem, both presented through multimedia, setting a solemn and patriotic tone for the orientation. In her welcome message, Dr. Norlyn L. Borong, Faculty Dean of the College of Teacher Education,  emphasized the importance of the activity, stating that the orientation served as “a vital step in ensuring that students, parents, and administrators share a common understanding of the expectations and responsibilities involved in international internship."

 

An inspirational message was delivered by the campus director, Dr. Clemente Cobilla, who reminded the student interns of the values they are expected to uphold. He stressed that “technical competence alone is not enough; character, discipline, and respect for other cultures will define your success abroad,” underscoring the responsibility of students as representatives of both the institution and the country.

 

The activity was also attended by key academic and administrative officials, including Dr. Erlinda Tibus, academic adviser of the four English major student interns; Dr. Violeta Felisilda, Department Head of the English Department; Mr. Joseph Añavesa, Student Internship Adviser; Dr. Leslie Elisa S. Cobilla, SIAP Supervisor; and Dr. Ingrid M. Uy, Head of External Linkages and Internal Affairs (ELIA), whose presence reinforced institutional support for the student interns and their families.

 

 

An in-depth overview of the SIAP Program was presented by Dr. Ingrid Uy and Dr. Leslie Elisa Cobilla, outlining the program’s objectives, structure, policies, and implementation guidelines. They addressed concerns related to academic requirements, student welfare, and coordination with parents, emphasizing that “effective preparation and constant communication are essential to ensuring a safe and meaningful internship experience.”

 

To provide a practical perspective, members of the SIAP 5th Batch—Ms. Jessa Bonita, Mr. John Cloyd Rocacurva, Mr. Kobe Spencer Juranes, and Mr. Justine Joe Balbon shared their experiences during their internship abroad. They candidly discussed cultural adjustments, professional expectations, and personal development, noting that “the challenges encountered abroad became opportunities for growth, independence, and global competence.” The program ended with the giving of certificates to the student interns, parents and guardians, and administrative staff, formally recognizing their participation in the orientation and their readiness for deployment. This activity supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 by promoting quality education, global competence, and lifelong learning.

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