Three education interns from Vives University in Belgium, namely Tiana Opsomer, Lieselot Deforche, and Siam Vroman, have arrived at Saint Mary’s University (SMU) as part of the university’s inbound global mobility program. The interns will be completing their teaching internship at the SMU Grade School from January to March 2026.

Upon their arrival, the interns were oriented by the Internationalization Office (IO) about the University, student life in Bayombong, and essential survival tips for international students. This was followed by a courtesy visit to SMU President Dr. John Octavious S. Palina, who warmly received and expressed support for the interns. Members of the Student Advocates for Global Assistance (SAGA) are tapped to serve as buddies. The group assisted the interns in becoming familiar with the campus and the local community through guided tours of the town. 

Today, they were formally endorsed to the SMU Grade School, where they were welcomed by SMU Grade School Principal Dr. Ma. Cristeta Aduca, along with the faculty and pupils, in preparation for their class observation and classroom teaching.

Their internship is proof of the quality of education at SMU Grade School, which has become a preferred internship place for international teacher trainees. The school’s strong reputation and supportive environment make it an ideal placement for students from Vives University, with whom SMU has had an active partnership agreement since 2022.

The collaboration aims to strengthen global engagements, promote student and staff mobility, and provide opportunities for international internships and classroom-based activities.