Rica Mae Sagadraca and Erica Mae Pedro, both students of Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) of Cagayan State University – Sanchez Mira (CSU-SM), joined the delegation of the university in the Summer Exchange Program at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Kelantan, Malaysia from July 8-12, 2024.

Sagadraca, BSEd-English 3, and Pedro, BSEd-Math 2, are with 14 other students and five visiting lecturers and professors from the different CSU campuses to participate in the said program, allowing them to study at UiTM for the summer term.

The two BSEd students applied to the program and were chosen to join with the recommendation of Dr. Rodel Francisco Alegado, campus executive officer of CSU-SM, and Dr. Verlino Baddu, dean of the College of Teacher Education, making them the first two students of the campus to join in any of the university’s exchange student programs.

According to the Office of the Internalization, Partnership, and Resource Mobilization of CSU, the collaborative effort aims to build friendship and connections that transcends borders, allowing the students to immerse themselves in the Malaysian culture as well as their academic environment, and the lecturers and professors to share their knowledge and experiences with the UiTM community.

In an interview, Pedro and Sagadraca highlighted that they are looking forward to experiencing the multicultural environment of Malaysia and building a network with the UiTM students.

“The whole trip is a learning journey so I am excited with the new ideas and perspective I can integrate into my personal and academic growth,” said Pedro.

Sagadraca added, “I look forward to broadening my knowledge about different cultures—their practices, beliefs, and the kind of life they live as students. This experience will forever be cherished because I know that it is not only for the short term but for a lifetime of education, exposure, and experience.”