When the Adventure Ends, the Teaching Begins: 

A Story of Gratitude and Growth

The SEA-Teacher Exchange Program has been a transformative and life-changing experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to grow from a hesitant student-teacher into a more confident, knowledgeable, and capable future educator. While the journey was not always easy, SEAMEO’s unwavering support and dedication turned challenges into stepping stones, allowing me to fully embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Without their initiative to connect educators across borders, I would never have gained such invaluable insights into teaching practices, cultural diversity, and global collaboration. This program has truly shaped my perspective on education and equipped me with skills I will carry throughout my career. 

Ateneo de University played a pivotal role in making this dream a reality. Being part of the 10th SEA-Teacher batch was an honor, and I owe this opportunity to the trust and encouragement of my mentors. Special thanks go to our Dean and the faculty members of the Education Department, who guided me through every step of the application process. Their teaching on lesson planning, classroom management, and cultural sensitivity prepared me mentally and professionally for the challenges of teaching abroad. Without their tireless efforts, I would not have had the courage or tools to embark on this journey to Indonesia.

During my practical training at Brawijaya Smart School, I was welcomed with open arms by teachers, students, and the school’s hands-on principal. Their warmth and generosity created a safe space for me to teach and learn. I was particularly inspired by the teachers’ creativity in engaging students—whether through interactive games or thought-provoking discussions for older grades. Their mentorship taught me that being a “better” educator is not about perfection but about patience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from every interaction.

While I am deeply grateful for these opportunities, I believe the program could be enhanced further by allowing participants to teach multiple grade levels. For instance, guiding Grade 7 students requires playful energy and simplicity, while teaching high schoolers demands critical thinking and structured lessons. Exposure to these differences would help future participants develop versatility in their teaching methods. Additionally, managing varied classroom behaviors—from the curiosity of young children to the independence of teenagers—would better prepare educators for real-world challenges.

My gratitude also extends to Universitas Brawijaya, which served as our home. From arranging comfortable dormitory accommodations to organizing cultural immersion activities, their faculty members ensured we felt supported throughout our stay. The heartfelt welcome ceremony—complete with traditional foods and warm greetings—eased our transition into Indonesian life. However, I suggest improving the scheduling of cultural activities for future batches. Providing a detailed itinerary before arrival would allow participants to prepare adequately, whether mentally for workshops or logistically for field trips. For example, knowing the dates of temple visits or local market tours in advance would help us research their cultural significance and engage more meaningfully.

Despite being their first time hosting the program, Universitas Brawijaya exceeded expectations in many ways. The faculty’s openness to feedback and eagerness to refine the experience demonstrated their commitment to creating a meaningful exchange. Small gestures, like checking in on our well-being or offering translation help during grocery trips, made daily life in Indonesia manageable and enjoyable.

Looking back, this journey taught me that education is not confined to textbooks or classrooms—it thrives on empathy, cultural exchange, and collaboration. Teaching in Indonesia challenged me to rethink my methods, embrace flexibility, and find joy in small victories, like a student’s smile after mastering a difficult lesson. The SEA-Teacher Program also highlighted the importance of global partnerships in education. By connecting institutions like Ateneo de University, Universitas Brawijaya, Brawijaya Smart School, and SEAMEO, this initiative bridges gaps between teaching philosophies, enriches curriculums, and fosters mutual respect among educators worldwide.

To all the institutions involved: Thank you for believing in the power of such exchanges. Your efforts have not only shaped my professional skills but also deepened my appreciation for the universal values of education—kindness, curiosity, and lifelong learning. I hope my suggestions contribute to refining this program, ensuring it continues to inspire future educators to teach with passion, adaptability, and a global mindset.