Article by Ashlee Jane S. Inso, Rob Johndy Cacnio, Princess Jaznine Rae Eyorcadas, and Ashlee Sebastian
The second series of English Language Skills Being Activated to Grow and Excel (EngAGE) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) program of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), held in partnership with Phenikaa University, Vietnam, concluded on November 27, 2025, via Zoom.
The initiative brought together the BA in English Language Program, the Master of Arts in English Language Program, the Language Students’ Society (LSS), the International Affairs Division (IAD), and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
CAS Dean Dr. Marnie Grace I. Sonico opened the program by expressing her deep gratitude for the initiative, which provides an avenue for students, faculty, and lecturers from both universities to share their best practices and cultivate mutual understanding. Dr. Sonico conveyed optimism that the partnership will spark more collaborations between the USeP and Phenikaa University in the coming years. Phenikaa University Faculty of English Vice Dean Dr. Dinh Thi Bao Huong echoed this view, noting the program’s role in deepening academic ties between the two universities.
USeP IAD Director Dr. Adora P. Zerrudo, highlighted the program’s impact on enhancing teaching skills for USeP English majors and supporting the language development of Phenikaa University students. She emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates how joint academic initiatives can create opportunities for growth on both sides.
AB English Language Program Head and LSS Adviser Assoc. Prof. Sajed S. Ingilan thanked the teams and offices that made the collaboration possible, noting the value of engaging with Phenikaa University through this platform. In his remarks, Assoc. Ingilan posed a reflective question, “What’s next?”, encouraging both students and faculty to continue seeking opportunities for growth, to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the program in their academic and professional endeavors.
After the opening speeches, the students were divided into two breakout rooms where lecturers from Phenikaa University delivered their sessions. In Breakout Room 1, Dr. Duong Thi Hong Thai, a Foreign Language Teacher from Phenikaa University with extensive expertise in TEFL and international studies, introduced the discussion by outlining Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen its English education system. She mentioned in her discussion that although English has been mandatory since Grade 3 under the 2008 National Foreign Language Project, national proficiency levels remain low due to poor exam results and systemic issues. She also noted that the new initiative for 2025–2035 aims to establish English as a second language in Vietnam by creating an English-rich learning environment and expanding English Medium Instruction (EMI) programs. In line with this, she highlighted that the EngAGE and COIL Program is an effective platform for enhancing students’ English language learning through international collaboration and authentic communication.
In Breakout Room 2, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kieu Le facilitated the learning session. She articulated that the primary obstacles for Vietnamese English learners stem specifically from linguistic hurdles, as well as psychological factors, both of which significantly affect learners’ ability to communicate confidently and accurately. She highlighted that these difficulties often result in their reluctance to speak, frequent hesitation, and tendency to overthink correctness, which limit opportunities for authentic, spontaneous interaction and hinder overall language development. To address these challenges, she recommended implementing safe-space measures where active participation is encouraged, and students feel supported in taking risks and gradually building their real-time application of language skills.
One of the most exciting parts of the program followed—the launching of a promotional video created by the students from Phenikaa University. With the theme “Experiencing the Philippines in USeP and Experiencing Vietnam in Phenikaa,” the promotional videos offered an engaging glimpse into the campus, academic programs, and vibrant student life at Phenikaa University. It also highlighted the rich cultural environment of the university, reflecting the students’ creativity and collaborative effort in presenting their institution to an international audience. Through this output, the students showcased the beauty of their universities and their programs, particularly the AB English Language Program.
Closing the program, CAS Associate Dean Asst. Prof. Joy R. Risonar expressed her gratitude to the working committee for their dedication and hard work. She also commended Phenikaa University for its high-quality promotional video and noted how the program highlighted the growth of teamwork and digital literacy among the participants. She concluded by saying, “Let this experience serve as a stepping stone for continued collaboration.”
The success of the second series of the EngAGE and COIL program was also made possible through the efforts of the working committee and the Technical Working Group, which included David Matthew M. Ng, Juliana P. Dinopol, Kyla Nadine M. Gamir, Von Angelo T. Dadapan, Jeanan Aya L. Opada, Michael Sam C. Montecillo, Ernest Adrianne Canoy, and Celestial T. Molos.
The culmination of the second series of the EngAGE and COIL Program marks another significant milestone in the internationalization efforts of USeP and Phenikaa University. Beyond enhancing English language skills and teaching competencies, the program has strengthened academic ties, fostered intercultural understanding, and opened doors for future collaborations.
