🤝 Friendship & Connection

One of the most heartwarming parts of joining the SEA Teacher Program was the friendships I built along the way — both with my fellow student-teachers and with the people I met in Indonesia.

At first, I was worried about being away from my familiar circle. But very soon, I found myself surrounded by new friends who were just as nervous, excited, and hopeful as I was. We cooked together, helped each other plan lessons, laughed over language mistakes, and celebrated small victories side by side.

The bond we built didn’t come from having the same background — it came from sharing the same journey. Despite our different hometowns and languages, we understood each other because we were all learning, growing, and doing our best.

More than that, I formed unexpected connections with the local teachers, school staff, and even the shopkeepers near our accommodation. Some would greet me in Thai, others tried to teach me Javanese phrases. Even though we came from different worlds, kindness became our common language.

These connections made every day feel warmer. They reminded me that no matter where you go, it’s people — their generosity, smiles, and stories — that make a place truly special.

Yogyakarta, often called “Jogja” by the locals, is a city full of culture, history, and charm. On weekends and after school, I had the chance to explore the city with my fellow SEA Teacher participants — and every place we visited left a lasting impression.

one of the most unforgettable experiences was our trip to Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia.

We woke up early for a sunrise jeep tour that took us through rocky trails and old lava paths. The ride was bumpy but thrilling. As we got closer to the mountain, we could feel the cool wind and smell the scent of sulfur in the air. Our guide shared stories about the volcanic eruptions in the past and how local people learned to live in harmony with the powerful forces of nature.

Watching the sunrise over the silhouette of Mount Merapi was magical. The sky slowly turned shades of orange and pink, and the mountain stood tall and silent — beautiful and terrifying at the same time. It reminded me of how small we are compared to the earth, but also how strong communities can be when they stand together.

We also visited Malioboro Street, a famous shopping street where you can find everything from handmade batik clothes to spicy local snacks. The street performances, music, and colorful atmosphere made every visit feel like a festival.

At Taman Sari Water Castle, we learned about the royal history of Yogyakarta. Walking through its tunnels and gardens felt like stepping back in time.

Beyond tourist spots, we also experienced everyday life — trying street food like martabak, drinking es teler, and chatting with friendly shopkeepers who were always happy to help us practice Indonesian phrases.

Yogyakarta wasn’t just the place I lived for a month. It became a second home filled with stories, laughter, and beauty I’ll never forget.