Meet Jane, a vibrant and unstoppable force of nature who brings joy and energy to every environment she enters. With her infectious laughter and razor-sharp wit, Jane has a unique ability to brighten any room and uplift those around her. She embodies strength and resilience, constantly tackling challenges head-on while also offering support, humor, and positivity to her friends and peers. Her passionate heart and unwavering spirit allow her to turn dreams into reality and make every moment memorable.

Meet the Author

Welcome to my blog! I am Jane Emerald Barrera, 21 years old and I’m excited to share my journey with you. I am currently a fourth-year student at Capiz State University, Pontevedra Campus pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, specializing in Social Studies. As a simple person, I have always dreamed of the experience of being an exchange student abroad. I've heard many positive stories about it, which fueled my desire to be part of that adventure. I am especially grateful to my mother, Mrs. Emelie Barrera, for helping me achieve this dream. Indeed, with you by my side and with God, nothing is impossible. In line with this, my academic journey has been enriching, and filled with the exploration of diverse cultures and perspectives!

One of my greatest passions is traveling and discovering new places. I believe that life is an extraordinary adventure and that we only live once, so it’s essential to seize every opportunity to explore the world around us. Through this blog, I aim to share my experiences, thoughts, and insights from my participation in the 10th Batch of the Sea-Teacher Student Exchange Program. This program offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and gain a broader understanding of global education.

Here, you'll find a mix of travel stories, teaching practice, some reflections on daily life, insights on personal growth, and the people I treasured the most. I hope to create a space that connects and inspires others while inviting you to share in the excitement of discovery.

Thank you for stopping by — I hope you find something here that sparks your curiosity and encourages you to embark on the challenge of being the next SEA Teacher Student Exchange of CapSU! Join me as we explore the beauty of life together! Sampai jumpa!

Remember these words, you might encounter them while reading my blog!

Days of the week! #Bahasa version😜

To my beloved Mother

To my ever-supportive and loving mother, Mrs. Emelie A. Barrera: no words can express how thankful I am to be your one and only daughter. Thank you so much for allowing me to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I pray to God for strength and courage to repay all the efforts and sacrifices you have made for me. I hope I can bring you the happy memories I created during my stay in Solo, Indonesia. I look forward to exploring and praying together at Sheikh Zayed in Solo.

Dear Lord, I seek your guidance as I strive to be the best and most successful daughter for my mother and grandmother. Help me cultivate qualities such as love, respect, and responsibility in our relationship. Grant me the strength and wisdom to face challenges, and inspire me to take meaningful actions that will make them proud and bring them happiness.

Once again, thank you so much, Mama, for encouraging me to join this program. Look at me—your one and only child has just traveled to Indonesia and passed by in Singapore!

Solo, The Spirit of Java

Halo semuanya! (Hello, everyone!)

I would like to take this moment to share my incredible journey as an exchange student in Surakarta, Indonesia. Like many individuals embarking on a new adventure, I was filled with a mix of nerves, excitement, and curiosity. Little did I know, this journey would profoundly change my perspective on culture, language, and life itself.

From the moment I stepped off the plane at Adi Soemarmo International Airport, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality from the Indonesian people. As we made our way to our host university, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, one striking quote caught my attention: “Solo the spirit of Java.” Intrigued by its meaning, I asked the staff member who accompanied us what it meant, but he simply smiled and replied, “Maybe it’s just a simple motto for the city.” Though I appreciated his politeness, I couldn’t shake my curiosity and decided that I would seek a more satisfactory answer.

As days turned into weeks, I immersed myself in the beauty of Solo, exploring historical landmarks such as the Keraton Surakarta (Surakarta Palace) and engaging with the friendly local community. I cultivated friendships with fellow international students at Pesma (the boarding house of UMS), as well as the vibrant students from Muliska. The thought of leaving them when our time came to an end tugged at my heartstrings and momentarily brought tears to my eyes.

When the final week arrived, saying goodbye was emotionally overwhelming. As I bid farewell to the students at Muliska, I couldn’t hold back my tears; (I'm such a crybaby) their kindness and warmth had left an indelible mark on my heart. The students from my teaching practicum expressed their feelings in the most touching way, with heartfelt phrases like “I will miss you, Miss Jane,” “Don’t forget us when you leave, Miss Jane,” and “Be healthy, Miss Jane. Aku cinta kamu (I love you).” Those moments made me realize how profound connections can be forged in such a short period.

With only three days left in Solo, I continued to ponder the phrase “Solo the spirit of Java.” Despite asking many people—including local friends and mentors—about its significance, I sensed there was a deeper meaning that eluded me. One afternoon, as I took a contemplative walk around the Pesma, a realization struck me: perhaps the essence of the phrase lies in the people themselves. In my quest for an answer, I had overlooked the profound connections I had made.

Solo is a city steeped in history, rich in culture, and anchored by its people. It is renowned for its steadfast adherence to Javanese customs, encompassing not just the language and the arts, but also philosophy and daily life practices. The residents of Solo take immense pride in their politeness and refined manners, demonstrating a deep spiritual connection to their traditions. The Javanese language thrives here, while traditional arts such as batik (the intricate textile art), wayang (shadow puppetry), and gamelan music flourish, providing a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression.

Batik Solo, characterized by its intricate patterns and earthy tones, is celebrated worldwide and holds a significant place within Indonesian heritage. The cultural values of harmony, balance, and inner peace are emphasized in Javanese philosophy, and I found that Solo truly embodies these principles.

Thus, Solo is more than just a geographical location; it is the very embodiment of Javanese spirit, wisdom, and artistry. Its rich traditions, historical depth, and unwavering dedication to cultural preservation present a vivid representation of Java’s soul. Through its royal heritage, diverse arts, and unique way of life, Solo continues to beat as the heart of Javanese civilization, proudly carrying the spirit of Java into the future.

The CapSU wonderers

"Halooo! We are the CapSU wonderers!

Always curious,

Never afraid,

And always strives for excellence!"

To my esteemed colleagues and fellow CapSU adventurers, Ms. Mariela Compuesto and Mr. Nomer Narciso: I would like to take a moment to reflect on our remarkable journey together. We have successfully navigated through a myriad of challenges, and I am thrilled to acknowledge our resilience and determination in achieving this milestone.

The phrase "we made it" carries profound significance for us, as it encapsulates not only our hard work but also the personal growth we have experienced along the way. I often found myself in situations that tested my limits, and I never anticipated that I would emerge stronger on the other side.

I am incredibly grateful for the remarkable friendships we have cultivated throughout this journey. The bond we share has been a source of much-needed strength, particularly during the more difficult moments. I fondly recall Nomer's “lutang moments” and "Nasi Kureng", the stories that only the three of us know, which brought levity and laughter during times of stress.

Please know that I take immense pride in both of you, Mas Nom and Mbak Marie. Your dedication, support, and camaraderie have made this experience not only bearable but truly enriching. I look forward to continuing this journey together and creating even more unforgettable memories. Terima Kasih Mas Nom and Mbak Marie, Sampai Jumpa lagi!

Until we see each other again, Indonesia! Sampai Jumpa lagi? (See you soon?)

"Alhamdulillah"

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School Profile

Summary and Suggestions

Pedagogical Contents

Teaching Practice

Trip to Solo!