Participating in the SEA-Teacher program marks an important step in my journey toward discovering my passion for teaching. I view this program as an excellent opportunity to boost my confidence, enhance my communication skills, particularly in spoken English, and expand my network by making new friends. At the same time, this experience allows me to reflect on my personal growth. I aim to develop effective classroom and time management skills through this practicum. Additionally, I hope to gain hands-on experience in teaching Biology in a real classroom setting, helping me refine my teaching strategies and instructional techniques. 

The practicum is structured into three main phases: observation, assisting, and teaching practice. During the first week, I focused on observing lecture sessions and laboratory activities, gaining insight into the teaching methods used in the classroom. In the second week, I continued observing while also assisting in the laboratory and preparing my lesson plan. The third and fourth weeks were dedicated to my teaching practice, where I conducted lessons based on my prepared lesson plan. Before delivering my lessons, I discussed and refined my plan with my Cooperating Teacher (CT) and my Buddy to ensure that my teaching approach aligned with the expected standards.

Participating in the SEA-Teacher practicum in the Philippines presented several challenges, particularly in adapting to a new cultural and educational environment. Coming from Indonesia, I had to adjust to differences in the teaching system, classroom dynamics, and daily life. One of the most noticeable challenges was related to food. Since Filipino cuisine often includes pork, my Muslim friend faced difficulties in finding meals that aligned with dietary restrictions. This required extra effort to ensure that the food choices were halal. Additionally, I personally experienced a significant difference in taste preferences between Indonesian and Filipino dishes. Trying new flavors and local delicacies was an interesting yet sometimes challenging experience, as the seasonings and cooking styles were quite different from what I was used to back home. Beyond food, adapting to different cultural norms and communication styles also required patience and flexibility. Despite these challenges, the experience ultimately helped me grow both personally and professionally, allowing me to develop greater cultural awareness, adaptability, and resilience in a diverse environment. 

My overall experience during the SEA-Teacher practicum in the Philippines was both enriching and transformative. Teaching in a different country allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and experience a new educational system, culture, and classroom environment. The students were enthusiastic and eager to learn, which made teaching more enjoyable and rewarding. Additionally, my Cooperating Teacher (CT) and fellow teachers were very supportive, guiding me through the teaching process and helping me adapt to the classroom setting. Outside of teaching, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Filipino culture, try new foods, and interact with wonderful people. Although there were challenges, such as language barriers and cultural differences, the overall experience helped me grow both personally and professionally. It strengthened my teaching confidence, communication skills, and adaptability, making it an unforgettable and valuable learning journey.