Malang — Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) has once again demonstrated a strategic step in expanding its international network through a teacher candidate exchange program in Southeast Asia. Through the International Relations (HI) office and the Institute for Educational Development and Learning (LP3), UM officially welcomed four students participating in the SEA Teacher program from Walailak University, Thailand, on Wednesday (8/4) at the Graha Rektorat Hall, 9th Floor.
The activity began with an introductory session for the participants, alongside an introduction to UM and the city of Malang as the academic and cultural environment where the program takes place. The four students come from various fields of education and will undergo teaching practice for one month at UM laboratory schools.
In his remarks, the Vice Rector IV of UM, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Munjin Nasih, S.Pd., M.Ag., emphasized that the SEA Teacher program serves as an important momentum for international students to understand educational practices while experiencing Indonesian culture firsthand.
“During your stay at Universitas Negeri Malang, we hope you can gain meaningful teaching experiences, collaborate with our academic community, and explore the rich culture of Malang. We also encourage you to share your unique Thai culture and become future ambassadors,” he stated.
A representative from LP3 UM, Zumroh Hasanah, S.Keb., Bd., M.Kes., explained that the SEA Teacher program is comprehensively designed, ranging from orientation to guided teaching practice. This program involves UM laboratory schools as primary partners in supporting the participants’ learning experience.
“The SEA Teacher program is designed to provide participants with comprehensive teaching experiences, starting from orientation and school placement to guided teaching practice. Through collaboration with UM Laboratory Schools, we aim to create a supportive environment for international student teachers to develop their professional competencies,” she explained.
During the program, which runs from April 7 to May 6, 2026, participants will go through several stages, including orientation, lesson planning, classroom observation and assisted teaching, guided teaching practice, and full independent practice accompanied by learning reflection.
Through the SEA Teacher program, UM aims to strengthen the exchange of educational practices, enhance the pedagogical competence of prospective teachers, and expand academic cooperation in the Southeast Asian region, particularly with Walailak University.
Reporter: Nazhifa Filza Darayanicha – UM Public Relations Internship
Photographer: Raihan Faiq Rahmatullah – UM Public Relations Internship
Editor: Muhammad Salmanudin Hafizh Shobirin – UM Public Relations