Summary

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” — Bob Marley 

I never thought I could live a month a thousand miles away from my comfort zone...

But here I am—back home, looking through photos, smiling at random memories, and craving the spicy sambal I didn’t even like at first. My one-month journey in Indonesia was many things: memorable, eye-opening, challenging, funny, heartwarming, and honestly, life-changing.

Spending a month in Indonesia through the SEA Teacher Program was truly an adventure I’ll never forget. As a Social Studies teacher, I’ve always taught about the beauty of diverse cultures, but living it was a whole different experience! I never imagined I could survive a whole month away from home—thousands of miles away from my comfort zone. But, to my surprise, I not only survived but thrived! It was a mix of excitement, new lessons, and moments that pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Of course, in every journey, it's not always rainbows and butterflies. The language barrier was one of the toughest challenges I had to face. I may have arrived with zero knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia, but I quickly became an expert in using my hands to communicate and flashing my best smile. 😅 Of course, Google Translate came to the rescue more than once. There were moments I felt completely lost in translation, but I quickly learned that communication isn’t just about words—it’s about connection, patience, and humor. The Indonesian people’s warmth and openness made me feel right at home, even when we didn’t always speak the same language.

As a teacher, stepping into a new culture and classroom was both thrilling and challenging. I had to get creative with my lessons, adapt on the fly, and sometimes even rethink how to teach certain topics. There were days when nothing went as planned, and I found myself feeling a little out of my depth. But those moments taught me so much about resilience, flexibility, and the importance of embracing the unexpected. Being there as a Social Studies teacher wasn’t just about teaching; it was about learning too. I learned new ways to engage with students, new perspectives on education, and deepened my own love for teaching and understanding different cultures.

And let's talk about the food! Chicken became my unofficial travel buddy. I had it in all forms—fried, grilled, in soups, with rice, with noodles... you name it, I ate it. 😂 But it wasn’t just the food—it was the shared meals that made it special. I bonded with my buddies and teachers over the delicious dishes. The flavors, the heat of sambal (the spicy chili sauce that I now crave), and the laughter around the table made me feel so connected to the culture in ways I never expected.

In the end, it wasn’t just about the challenges or the lessons in the classroom. It was the people, the places, and the experiences that made this journey unforgettable. From the peaceful temples to the busy markets and beautiful beaches, Indonesia offered me a chance to experience the world in a deeper, more personal way. A heartfelt thank you to SEAMEO and the SEA Teacher Program for making this possible. This journey taught me so much about myself, the resilience of teaching, and the incredible value of stepping outside your comfort zone. I survived (and thrived), and I’ll forever treasure the memories, the friendships, and the lessons I took away from this experience.

SUGGESTIONS

First and foremost, I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to SEAMEO for providing such an incredible opportunity through the SEA Teacher Program. This experience has truly opened doors for personal and professional growth, giving me the chance to immerse myself in a different education system, meet inspiring educators, and build meaningful relationships with students and fellow participants.

While I am grateful for the entire program, I would like to suggest the inclusion of pre-departure cultural orientation sessions. These sessions could help participants better understand the customs, classroom dynamics, and expectations in their host countries before arriving. Having a clearer understanding of the cultural and educational differences would make the transition smoother and reduce initial challenges, especially when it comes to teaching styles and adapting to the local community.

Additionally, it could be beneficial to provide ongoing support and check-ins throughout the program, especially during the first few weeks. It would be reassuring for participants to have someone to turn to if they encounter any challenges or uncertainties in their classrooms or with their living arrangements. This kind of mentorship could help ease the initial adjustment period and ensure that everyone is supported in making the most of their practicum experience.

Once again, thank you to SEAMEO for this life-changing opportunity. I’ve learned so much from the experience and will carry these lessons with me as I continue my journey in teaching and education.