Geared up for the College of Teacher Education’s (COTED) first Academic, Cultural Immersion and Research Collaboration program, Central Philippines State University’s COTED team touched down at Phranakhon Rajabhat University (PNRU), Thailand.

College Dean Dr. Merfe C. Hucalinas and Professor Eleanor T. Castro were joined by teacher education students Ms. Kiah Cassandra S. Serios and Kristine Joyce C. Buhat in the week-long activity held from November 18 to 24, 2025.

Doctor Hucalinas and Professor Castro delivered lectures to students of the Panyapiwat Institute of Management (PIM) and to English majors at PNRU—showcasing Cenphilian and Filipino expertise in instructional delivery that transcends borders.

Professor Castro also conducted an experimental research study among second-year Aviation students of PIM who were non-swimmers at the First Class Sports Pool following the team’s seminar at the said university.

Using Professor Castro’s self-developed Swimming Confidence Floater which is certified as a utility model by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the participants successfully acquired basic floating skills within an hour.

CPSU donated three units of the Swimming Confidence Floater to the Aquatics Class of Aviation students, who found the model helpful in learning essential water survival skills.

In addition, the team interacted with English language learners from one of PNRU’s Deputy Director’s classes, offering tips on excelling in language acquisition; they also observed several collegiate classes in English and Psychology.

The immersion program encompassed official visits and classroom observations at PNRU’s Secondary Demonstration School and Primary Demonstration School, where the team was given overviews of each school’s history, curriculum, and best practices in instruction.

As part of the cultural exchange, the CPSU team taught PNRU dance majors the Philippines’ traditional Cariñosa dance and its fundamental techniques, while PNRU students showcased their own traditional dances.

The team also visited Dhurakij Pundit University (DPU), where they met with administrators, discussed potential partnerships, and toured the university’s facilities and landmarks.

Moreover, the CPSU delegation experienced Thai hospitality at PNRU through guided tours of the university’s buildings and cultural sites; they received orientation on Thailand’s culture and traditions and gained insights into PNRU’s history and biodiversity through artifacts displayed in the university showroom.

In her written statement, Miss Serios expressed, “Observing and experiencing their traditions and cultures in Thailand and in their schools gave me many valuable lessons. This will help me in the future as I work hard and accomplish my goals. I want to express my sincere appreciation to CPSU and our esteemed President, Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, for having me with this wonderful opportunity.”