They said that the purpose of this Exchange program is to open our minds snd develop our teaching skills and pedagogy, to encourage us to practice our English and communication skills for the broader view.
I just didn't expect that DLSUD's students are the only 3rd year in our batch in Thailand. But we still managed the work. I believe that this SEA-TEP opened my mind and heart to practice another culture and live in another country with different environment. Through this program, I learned a lot not just from my cooperating teachers but also from my loving students.
On our first week, we orient about our 30-day stay in Udon Thani. We observe and tour the school. The second week is the observation of the students and it went well. Third week is the teaching-assistantship and Actual teaching. It was exhausting but I really enjoyed it a lot. And the fourth week is the evaluation for the actual teaching. I was scared at first but my cooperating teacher said that I did a great job.
Every Saturday, the receiving university would bring us around Udon Thani. And on our last day in Udon Thani, we went to Laos because it's near in Udon Thani. I was kind of scared at first but my friend is with me that's why I am happy that we go there together.
Every Sunday, we have a free time. My friends and I are always goes to a grocery or souvenir shop to buy some foods and something for our dorm. Sometimes our cooperating teacher will go with us to eat Thai foods and explore some part of Udon Thani.
Exploring the school during that time was eye-opening. The second week was all about observing the students, and it went smoothly, giving me a good feel for the environment. Then came the third week—an exhilarating mix of teaching-assistantship and actual teaching. It was exhausting but incredibly fulfilling; I enjoyed every bit of it. The fourth week brought evaluation, and I was nervous, but my cooperating teacher's feedback was a confidence boost—they said I did a great job.
Exploring Udon Thani with the university every Saturday and having the opportunity to venture into Laos on our last day, despite initial apprehensions, must have been an exhilarating experience, especially with my friends by my side.
Overall, my time in Udon Thani was a whirlwind of learning, teaching, and cultural exploration, making it an incredibly enriching experience
The challenge that I encounter was just the communication with the students, because most of them can't really understand English. They sometimes misunderstood what I am saying, but with the help of our cooperating teacher and google translate, we're able to face those kind of challenge.
My time in Udon Thani was an incredible journey of learning, growth, and adventure. The structured approach to acclimating to the school and observing the students set the stage for a fulfilling teaching experience. The transition to teaching-assistantship was both challenging and rewarding, and the feedback I received at the end affirmed my efforts.
Exploring Udon Thani every Saturday with the university broadened my cultural horizons, and the impromptu trip to Laos on our last day was a highlight—initial nerves melted away with the support of a friend, turning it into a cherished memory. Sundays provided a balance of leisure and exploration, allowing me to immerse myself in the local lifestyle, discover new flavors with my cooperating teacher, and set up my dorm for the week ahead.
I had a great time making incredible memories with them from the cooperating teachers to the students who didn't hesitate to approach us even though we barely understand each other.
Overall, Udon Thani left an indelible mark on me. It wasn't just about teaching; it was a holistic experience that blended education, cultural immersion, and personal growth, making it an unforgettable chapter in my journey.
I don't have much suggestions since I had a great time staying there for a month. But if it is impossible, I would just like to suggest that give every exchange student a student buddy that can speak English so that I they have questions, they can ask them immediately.