A Perfect and Brillian(t) Gio(Geo) for Teaching Internship: Indonesia

My Deployment to SMA 1 Kudus

On October 29, I was assigned to SMA 1 Kudus, where I met the teachers, toured the school facilities, and learned about my responsibilities for the coming weeks.

What surprised me was the schedule—I initially thought I would primarily observe, but instead, I received a full teaching load. I was assigned to teach multiple classes every day, meeting almost all sections in the school. At first, it felt overwhelming, especially during the second week when fatigue began to sink in.

However, this challenge also became one of the most defining parts of my experience 

My Schedule

Teaching, Learning, and Realization

Despite the demanding schedule, I learned a lot about myself and the true realities of teaching. On days when I wasn’t feeling well, I saw firsthand how teachers juggle their responsibilities while managing their health, emotions, and daily challenges. It made me appreciate the profession even more.

Since there were no assigned topics for my lessons, I designed my own learning sessions. I used the Socratic Method, allowing my fellow students to ask about:

• My experiences in Indonesia

• Cultural similarities and differences

• Filipino customs and daily practices

• Anything they were curious to know

This approach encouraged engagement, fostered meaningful dialogue, and helped them practice English in a natural and interactive way. Along with various games, each class became lively and enjoyable—not just for them, but for me as well.

After that, I'll make a transition for us to have an inspirational and motivational session to talk about the importance of English language in our lives. How they need it for them to be globally competitive, fluent in speaking, literate in terms of speaking, and how does it help them to be more intelligent as research shows.

Every session ended with group photos, and these small moments quickly became highlights of my stay at SMA 1 Kudus.

Kindness That Made Indonesia Feel Like Home

What truly helped me navigate the challenges were the people around me.

Brilli and Gio

I had two stars who made my Kudus journey feel like a heartfelt comedy series—Brillian Dian Nugraha (Brilli), my ever-reliable brilliant student buddy who picked me up and drove me home every day like a personal VIP service. He even let me drove us home when it was my last day at SMA N 1 KUDUS, and Gelasio Emanuel de Castro Andrade (Gio), the jogging buddy, late-night conversation partner, and certified bringer of peaceful chaos. He is the one who brought me to be closer with the other international students at UMK which makes our lives more comfortable, we shared bonds, laughter, meaningful conversations, and even breakfast, lunch and dinner and i can really say that: he became the Indonesia (place/geo) himself to me. Between the three of us, we formed an international trio powered by caffeine, laughter, and unity: especially that they are also Christians like me. 

The Teachers

The teachers of SMA 1 Kudus—Ibu Sri, Farida, and Kasiati—treated me with exceptional kindness. I still remember the Friday when they brought food for me, a gesture that meant a lot, especially in a foreign country. Their warmth and support made my everyday teaching experience lighter and more meaningful.

UMK Staff and Personnel

The staff of UMK, our host university, also ensured our comfort by providing essentials, guiding us, and checking on us throughout the exchange program. Their hospitality gave us a sense of security and belonging.

My Fellow Interns

My fellow NEUST interns, Richmond and Ivan, played an important role in making the experience enjoyable and also to my fellow interns in SMA N 1 Kudus who accompanied me with every class that I have and before I returned home, they even invited me for coffee—our last bonding moment that wrapped up the journey in the best way possible. We all shared our daily challenges, explored Kudus together, discussed our classes, and supported one another.

A Meaningful Farewell

My last day at SMA 1 Kudus was on November 14, 2025 and it was truly emotional. I was given a certificate and plaque of appreciation, symbolizing the connection and trust we built during my stay. I also held my final salim to the teachers of SMA 1 Kudus and a discussion with my students, encouraging them to continue learning English and striving for their dreams. In that day. I also delivered my farewell speech for my students, reminding them about all of the things that i taught to them pertaining to how important it is to practice English language, I particularly guide them to not be afraid of asking: because if you ask something, you will learn something, and if you learn something you will also gain something. After I delivered my speech, my student named Reisya from the class for XI-F9 s.y. 2025=2026, which made this man teary-eyed in front of the whole school.

On November 18, 2025, along with Richmond and Ivan, we were given a certificate of recognition: a symbol of the solidifying unity between UMK and NEUST and for hard work of the three of us throughout our internship journey at Kudus.

Saying goodbye to the students, teachers, staff, and fellow interns was not easy, they were included in the episodes of the series, not just in Indonesia but on my whole life. These memories and journey will be remembered forever.