As part of the SEA Teacher Program, it is a must for an international student to undergo class assisting and observation, and final demonstration. The practicum aims its purpose on implementing International Student Teacher Exchange to widen the coverage of the program, broaden student's knowledge and understandings, expanding scopes of this program for more partnerships and achieve a meaningful, fruitful, and successful collaboration between institutions.

I was given a chance to observe classes for a week. Observing teacher's way of teaching and how was the flow of the discussions every class. By this observation, it helped me in composing myself and it prepared me for my final demonstration performing the techniques they used and following their format in delivering the lessons to the students.

The procedures of the practicum were based always on their curriculum, which is the Merdeka Curriculum (Independent Curriculum).

It is designed to provide flexibility to teachers and schools in organizing the teaching and learning process. The Independent Curriculum offers several advantages in the context of Vocational Schools.

Chief among these is the capacity to facilitate learning that is aligned with the specific interests an aptitude of students. It enhances the alignment between academic learning and requirements of the professional world. Also, with the involvement of the correct format of the plans in preparing the lessons. For it places an emphasis on the development of soft skills and student characters.

Every competitive outcome of the practicum in this curriculum does have an alignment to the Learning Assessment being implemented.

Purpose: Assess the extent to which the students understand vocational and general competencies.

Principles: Fair, Transparent, Valid and Accountable, and Competency oriented.

Approaches: Formative and Summative Assessment

It assists students in identifying strengths and areas for improvements, also to support the development of student's competencies.

This is concerned with evaluating the extent to which learning outcomes have been achieved, whereas the Assessment of Learning is oriented towards facilitating and enhancing the learning process itself, and it facilitates the development in a manner that is more effective and relevant to the world of work.

• Language Barrier

As an International student from the Philippines, with an English and Tagalog language spoken, I found it quite hard to understand and learn the Indonesian language. Especially most of my students doesn't have that courage to speak in English and aren't good enough in verbal communication in using the English language. That is why it pushes me to somehow learn their own language to communicate with them well.

• Lack of Resources

As an international student, having complete resources especially materials needed in compliance to the reports, lesson plan, and other requirements is highly needed.

During my stay, my laptop suddenly didn't work, and it causes me hard time in making my reports for compliance to my reports in SEAMEO and in our university in the Philippines. I borrowed my buddy's laptop and used my phone instead.

I am immensely grateful for being part of the SEA Teachers Program Batch 10, with the collaboration of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) and Universitas Nusa Cendana (UNDANA) with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO).

This great opportunity is a once in a lifetime changing experience in my life and into my journey. It helped me grow personally, and it has a big impact on the field I am in.

I'll forever cherish my memorable experiences during my stay in Indonesia as an international student. At first, I thought i will be having a hard time in dealing with the lifestyle, weather, people, and the community. But then, all of m worries turned into a great moment. I found my new family, friends, and most especially I found home. A home that will always welcome you, accept you and make you feel in comfort.

This program is undeniable a great opening of new opportunities and heights of knowledge and broad learnings.

 As a SEA Teacher Program Batch 10 participant, I would like also to give my insights and suggestions for the purpose of innovation and improvements for the betterment of the program and for the welfare of the future participants.

1. Provision of needed materials to be used by the participants.

• Teaching materials

• Technological Materials (Laptop)

• Food and Accommodation (with complete inclusion)

• Financial Aid and Services 

2. The welfare of students in terms of their free time and personal space.

• Limitations on the time spent of the student buddies with the international students.

3. Staffs involved in this program should stick to what activity and instructions written in the schedule. To avoid future inconveniences.