A month is not enough to conclude everything. My journey as a pre-service teacher in Indonesia really hone me to become nationally and internationally competent future teacher that will serve my own country in the future. I learned a lot from my experiences about what is the real essence of being a teacher, about what should we do the cope up in the needs of the modern learners nowadays and about how to respect other’s culture.

            SEATeacher project is an opportunity to all pre-service teacher to have a practicum to other countries in southeast Asia. It is a way to connect and share the expertise of the different professional teachers across the countries to build a strong and competent teacher that might change the educational system to the better one in the future. I’ve been to Indonesia for less done a month to have my practicum. I observed and experienced the curriculum they have. I tried also to make my lesson plan based on their format which more simple than the lesson plan we have on the Philippines. Some teacher that I observed focused only on what is being written on the book and they don’t make some effort to innovate for new since they have the resources like high speed internet etc. however they are all skilled it’s just that they just need to add some spice on the approach, method and techniques because it all varies depends on the type of learners that you have.

            Upon having my practicum, I tried to use games, video presentations and different visual materials that is related to our topic to help me catch their attention. They are so happy because those things are new to them, those things help me to extract their wonderful ideas. I even learned about their language then I also taught them some of the basic Filipino words. In short period of time we (student and I) are able to build a relationship wherein we enjoyed every single moment while learning. Furthermore, I also received also some suggestion and comments from my cooperating teachers on how to improve my skills as a teacher which is the main purpose of this program.

            Aside from the learning I acquired because of the project, I also enjoyed Indonesia itself. I was able to deal in a new environment far on my own. I was able to see the deepest meaning of culture to them. Most of the people doesn’t know how to speak English and for me it is a sign of their love and concern to their own mother land. Language is not a barrier for them to become developed country. Indonesians are also friendly and respectful to the others. They assisted us and help us understand everything about their country.  They keep smiling even there is a struggle they keep smiling even there is something hassle. I really appreciated their culture when went to Anklung udjo wherein all the performance here really reflects to the rich and diverse culture that they have.

            In every beginning there is an ending. I felt different kind of emotion. I’m happy because I successfully finished this program and I learned something new that I could use once I become a teacher, but I’m also sad because I will miss everyone. My students, our buddies, my new friends from Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. My heart broke when I left them. This program might already have done but the friendship we build will stay and last forever. For now, I will be bringing home all the happy memories and learnings that we had and I hope someday somehow we can meet again as professional teachers.