Remarkable Jouney

Pre Departure

Solo Balapan Station

On October 31, 2023, marked the eve of our departure for Sea-Teacher Batch 9, Two distinct student groups were seeing us off at the train station: one destined for Udon Thani Rajabhat University and the other bound for Thepsatri Rajabhat University in Thailand. Our train was set to depart at 8:30 PM, with Gambir Station in Jakarta as its final destination. The pre-departure day was filled with excitement as we began on this journey, each group poised for a unique experience in their respective Thai universities. The anticipation of the adventure ahead and the cultural exchange that awaited us added to the sense of enthusiasm. The train journey, departing at 8:30 PM, would take us through the night and drop us on our final destination, Gambir station.

Our Departure

Upon arriving at Gambir station at 3:30 a.m., our excitement grew as we prepared to continue our journey to Soekarno Hatta International Airport. We took a bus to the airport and eagerly began the process of checking in, passing through immigration, and preparing for takeoff. We were filled with anticipation as we looked forward to reaching Thailand.

We had to take two flights because the first one landed at Don Mueang International Airport, and from there, we caught our connecting flight to Udon Thani Airport. Upon our arrival at Udon Thani airport, the excitement of embarking on this new adventure was amplified as we were graciously received by our cooperating teacher, Teacher Ponlawat, affectionately known as Teacher Phet. This marked our inaugural encounter with Teacher Phet, who would play a crucial role in guiding us through our teaching experience at Udon Thani Rajabhat University (UDRU). The hospitality of UDRU, our host university, was evident from the outset. They warmly welcomed us and, recognizing the significance of our journey, promptly arranged transportation to convey us to our dormitory. This warm reception not only eased our transition but also set a positive tone for the experiences that awaited us at UDRU.

UDRU 100th Anniversary

Upon our arrival at the host university, our initial engagement was to participate in the 100th-anniversary celebration of UDRU. The event took place at the second campus, as UDRU boasts three distinct branches. The anniversary proved to be a captivating experience, featuring a diverse array of activities. The festivities kicked off with an impressive opening ceremony, followed by an enlightening speech from the director. Traditional performances added a cultural touch to the celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A discussion session allowed participants to engage in meaningful conversations and reflections on UDRU's rich history and accomplishments. The celebration also showcased the multifaceted talents of the university's faculties through various booths. Each faculty demonstrated its creativity, highlighted achievements, and proudly exhibited products they had developed. This not only provided insights into the academic prowess of UDRU but also allowed attendees to appreciate the innovative endeavors of the university's community. In summary, the 100th-anniversary celebration at UDRU was a spectacular event filled with diverse activities, cultural richness, and impressive displays of academic achievements and creativity from the different faculties.

UDRU Welcoming Party and Ceremony

City Tour

Pothisompon Temple

At last, in our first week here, we were thrilled to kick off our city tour in Udon Thani. We were instructed to be ready at 9:00 a.m., and our initial destination was the Pothismphon Temple. Upon arriving, I witnessed a truly beautiful temple. What an impressive building! It happens to be one of Udon Thani's historical landmarks. The beauty of the structure left me in awe. That was our initial exploration, not just visually pleasing but also enhancing our understanding of its cultural heritage. Our city tour continued, each stop revealing new layers of Udon Thani's history and charm. This first visit to Pothismphon Temple set the stage for an ongoing discovery, leaving a lasting impression on our first week in this captivating city.

Udon Thani City Museum

Our next stop was the Udon Thani City Museum, a significant historical attraction that holds the essence of Udon Thani's past. This museum is a treasure trove of the city's history, showcasing its cultural heritage, history, archaeology, art, and traditions, including the lifestyle of Udon Thani's people from the past to the present. With two floors to explore, the museum takes you on a journey through the development of Udon Thani. Following the directions, we were impressed by the exhibitions and the way videos were presented in each room. It was quite interesting, and everyone enjoyed exploring the beauty of the museum, capturing pictures to preserve this incredible memory.

Having Lunch Together with Sea-Teacher Batch 9

Following our exploration of two historical sites, Teacher Phet treated us to an authentic Thai restaurant, creating an immersive culinary experience that allowed us to savor a diverse array of traditional Thai dishes. That was increadibly warm and delicious lunch for us. Thank you so much

Chinese Shrine and Museum

Leaving the shrine, we carried with us not only the memories of a captivating cultural exploration but also a newfound appreciation for the intertwining of history, spirituality, and the enduring power of human belief. The Chinese Shrine and Museum had, indeed, left an indelible mark on our journey, adding a spiritual exploration dimension to our travel experiences.

Ban Chiang Heritage Site

In the second week of our city tour, we visited the Ban Chiang Heritage Site, a renowned international destination in Udon Thani. Ban Chiang holds significance as one of the world heritage conventions, and the Ban Chiang Museum narrates the origin story of this historical site. During our visit, a special session included a video presentation offering insights into the rich history of Ban Chiang. Additionally, someone provided a detailed explanation, enhancing our understanding of this culturally significant location. Of course Ban Chiang was an authentic and classical destination, everyone here captured many photos to cherish the moment.

Pottery Paint and Practice

School Farm (Border Patrol Police School)

During the third week, we received an invitation to tour the border patrol police school in Thailand, and the experience was truly delightful. Situated at a considerable distance from the city, the journey took us about two hours. However, upon reaching the school, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring natural landscape, showcasing the area's exceptional beauty. The students at the border patrol police school were not only welcoming but also exceptionally kind. Their warm reception made our visit even more enjoyable. Accompanied by Teacher Phet and two educators from the English Education Department at UDRU, our journey was not just a physical one but also a journey of engaging conversations along the way. The scenic drive was an opportunity for us to have meaningful and pleasant discussions. Despite the lengthy travel time, the captivating beauty of the surroundings and the anticipation of the visit made the two-hour journey feel worthwhile. The friendly atmosphere, both among our group and with Teacher Phet, facilitated an enjoyable exchange of thoughts and experiences.

The visit to the border patrol police school not only enriched our understanding of the local educational landscape but also left a lasting impression with its blend of natural beauty and the warmth of the students. It served as a reminder of the diverse and vibrant educational experiences that exist beyond the urban centers, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such an enriching and eye-opening excursion.

Phu Foi Lom National Park

Phu Foi Lom National Park is one of the national parks in Thailand. This place was covered by beautiful flowers in each spot. We enjoy the moment there by taking pictures and having chit chat along the way. The park not only served us a visual feast but also became a stage for connection. It was a simple joy—capturing the beauty of nature, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of newfound friends. Our visit to Phu Foi Lom National Park was more than a sightseeing excursion; it was a tale woven with colorful petals and the warmth of shared moments.

Thank You for a Wonderful Journey

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has made this program an unforgettable journey. A special acknowledgment goes to our coordinating teacher, the exceptionally kind Teacher Phet. His unwavering support and guidance have been the cornerstone of our experience, consistently ensuring that we felt welcomed and well-supported in every single activity. Teacher Phet's generosity in taking us to various places and addressing our needs have made our time in the program truly enriching.

A warm appreciation also goes out to our buddies, starting with Muta, whose companionship added immeasurable value to our experience. The joyful and kind presence of Nun and Ploy, and the uplifting spirits of Ko, Prem, and Sa, brought happiness to our days and made the exploration of new things a delightful adventure. Each of them played a unique role in creating a supportive and joyful atmosphere throughout our journey. To all the other buddies who have been part of this incredible experience, I want to express my gratitude, even if I couldn't mention each one individually. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and collectively, you have played a vital role in making this program a truly memorable and enjoyable chapter in our lives.

To all my friends from Della Sal, UNP and of course from Sebelas Maret University thank you so much for being the increadible partner of this Sea-Teacher program. As we part ways, I carry with me not only the knowledge gained but also the cherished memories of the friendships forged during this unique journey. Your presence has been an integral part of the success and joy of this experience, and I am truly grateful for the incredible partnership we've shared. Thank you all so much.

Thank you all so much for your warmth, generosity, and the lasting memories we've created together. This journey wouldn't have been the same without each and every one of you.

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