📝 My Teaching Journey

My journey in the SEA Teacher Program began with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For me, this was the first time traveling abroad not as a tourist, but as a “teacher” — someone with real responsibilities in a foreign country.

From the very first moment I stepped into Apkaruna Kindergarten in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, everything felt unfamiliar — the language, the dress codes, even the classroom dynamics. But the warmth of the teachers and the innocent smiles of the young students made me feel at home almost instantly.

I was assigned as a teaching assistant in a kindergarten class, where I helped plan daily lessons, design creative learning activities, and teach basic English using engaging methods. I relied heavily on songs, picture books, storytelling, and games — anything that would help young learners enjoy the process and feel safe using a new language.

Each day began with a morning circle filled with cheerful greetings, hand motions, and music. It was a simple yet powerful way to connect. Hearing the kids shout “Miss Nasha!” every morning gave me the strength and joy to give them my best every single day.

The classroom environment at Apkaruna Kindergarten was full of positive energy. The children were naturally curious, expressive, and open to new experiences. The teaching philosophy there focused more on “process” than “results,” and that helped me shift my perspective on what meaningful education really looks like.

Daily lessons covered a wide variety of topics — from colors and numbers to shapes and hygiene. But everything was taught through play, hands-on activities, and visual storytelling. For example, washing hands before lunch was turned into a hygiene lesson, and storytime became a moment for introducing English vocabulary in a fun and gentle way.

What touched me the most was the emotional connection between teachers and students. Children referred to their teachers as “Bu,” which means “mother” in Indonesian. It symbolized not just respect, but also love and trust. To me, this classroom wasn’t just a space for learning — it was a space filled with care and compassion.

Using English as the primary medium of instruction was definitely a challenge, especially when working with very young children who were not yet familiar with English. I had to think creatively to find ways to communicate beyond just words.

At first, I felt nervous when students didn’t understand me. But gradually, I learned to incorporate gestures, facial expressions, visual aids, and tone of voice to help them grasp the meaning. Even simple phrases like “Let’s sit down” or “Time to sing!” became more effective when paired with a smile and expressive body language.

I also adjusted my speaking pace, used simpler vocabulary, and repeated key phrases regularly. Over time, the kids began to understand me better — and I began to speak with more confidence.
Beyond the classroom, I also improved my communication skills by talking to local teachers and fellow interns, writing lesson plans in English, and asking for feedback in real time.

My daily routine in Indonesia was simple, yet filled with memorable experiences. I stayed in a guesthouse provided for student interns near the school and traveled each day via local transport — small, colorful grab style vehicles that felt like part of the adventure.

After school, I usually spent time planning the next day's activities or writing short reflection notes about what went well and what could be improved. Some afternoons, I’d walk around the neighborhood with my fellow interns, take photos, or stop at a local café to relax and journal.

Living abroad taught me how to take care of myself, manage my time wisely, and cope with homesickness. There were times I missed home, but the bonds I built with my students, mentors, and fellow interns gave me a sense of belonging.

Every small moment — whether it was making breakfast, catching a ride to school, or sitting on the balcony at night — became part of a larger journey of self-discovery. I realized that independence isn’t just about doing things alone, but about learning who you are when no one is watching.

Living in Indonesia gave me the opportunity to experience culture not just as an observer, but as a participant. I learned to respect and embrace the local way of life — from their religious traditions to their daily habits.

As a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia has a culture rooted in mindfulness, politeness, and simplicity. I noticed how everyone, including the children, paused respectfully during the call to prayer. It was a quiet, powerful reminder of spiritual discipline and cultural harmony.

One of the most heartwarming moments was wearing traditional “batik” on special days and seeing the pride in the students' faces as they showed me how to wear it properly. I also tried local foods like nasi goreng and bakso, visited local markets, and participated in school ceremonies that reflected deep respect for community values.

My favorite memory was when one of the students drew a picture of me as “Miss Nasha,” complete with hearts and smiles all around. That drawing — now tucked into my diary — is more than just a souvenir. It’s a reminder of the connection we built across language and culture.