February 24, 2025, 9:00 PM — The hum of airplane engines marked the start of an adventure that would redefine my understanding of education, courage, and connection. Alongside my classmates Hannah, Monica, and Aileen, I boarded a flight to Indonesia, hearts pounding with equal parts fear and wonder. Our journey began with a midnight layover in Singapore, a city that glittered like a constellation beneath us, mirroring our restless anticipation. Eleven hours later, we soared above seas, finally landing in Surabaya at 1:30 PM on February 25—a moment etched forever in my memory. 

February 25, 1:30 PM — At Juanda International Airport, a staff member from Universitas Brawijaya—our home for the next 28 days—greeted us with a printed sign and a tentative smile. Communication faltered—he spoke only Bahasa Indonesia; we, only English and Filipino. Yet, in that silence, we learned resilience: gestures, nods, and shared laughter became our bridge. Hunger gnawed at us after hours of travel, but relief arrived at the university gates. Dr. Frida, our program coordinator, welcomed us with steaming Japanese food and arms wide enough to embrace our anxieties. Her warmth transformed a foreign dormitory into a sanctuary, proving that kindness needs no translation. 

That evening, Monica, Aileen, Hannah, and I faced our first Indonesian challenge: grocery shopping in a heavy rain. Armed with broken Bahasa phrases and zero umbrellas, we sprinted through rain-soaked streets, laughing as rain showers drenched our clothes and mispronounced words. It was chaos—the kind that turns strangers into sisters. 

February 26, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (Facultas Ilmu Budaya) hosted a welcome party where deans, lecturers, and other faculty staff gathered to celebrate our arrival. The dean’s words still echo: “You are pioneers—the first SEA-Teacher batch to walk these halls.” They welcomed us with heartwarming assurances of guidance and treated us to a feast of Indonesian food. That day, we also met Aquila, our student buddy, whose patience and humor would later guide us through bustling classrooms, chaotic Gojek rides, and the winding cultural labyrinths of Malang.

The room buzzed with curiosity as we exchanged stories with Indonesian peers. They taught us phrases like “terima kasih” (thank you), while we shared tales of Bicol’s festivals and the melodic lilt of our local dialects. In that moment, we weren’t just exchange students—we were cultural ambassadors, stitching together the vibrant tapestries of the Philippines and Indonesia through laughter, language, and shared culture. 

February 27, 2025 — Inside the hushed library of Universitas Brawijaya, Dr. Frida and Aquila mapped our path forward. We learned how Indonesian educators blend structure with creativity: lesson plans rooted in tradition, classrooms buzzing with collaborative energy, and respect as the foundation of every interaction. In return, we shared Filipino strategies—storytelling that ignites imagination, debates that spark critical thinking, and the art of turning chaos into teachable moments.

This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a masterclass in global pedagogy. We dissected cultural nuances, from classroom discipline to the rhythm of student-teacher dynamics, realizing that education is both universal and deeply personal. 

On February 28, 2025, in Dr. Frida’s class, we watched third-year students lead demonstration teaching sessions. During these demonstrations, students were not required to use technology, as the emphasis was on traditional materials—primarily printed materials and a blackboard for outlining key concepts. I noticed differences between Indonesian and Filipino teaching styles, yet also similarities—particularly our shared desire to inspire and educate effectively. After the demonstrations, Dr. Frida invited our group of four to provide feedback. I was nervous, having been a quiet observer in Philippine classrooms, but to my surprise, this challenge bolstered my confidence. We suggested strategies common in the Philippines, such as presenting learning objectives at the start of lessons to clarify expectations. This cross-cultural exchange enriched us mutually, making it a profoundly valuable experience.