Beyond Borders: My Teaching and Cultural Odyssey at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto

Hi! I'm Karrylle Isabella C. Gutierrez, an education student  from President Ramon Magsaysay State University- San Marcelino Campus. And I'm one of the participants of a life-changing SEA Teacher Exchange Student Program in Indonesia. Take time to read my story...

Our cohort was warmly welcomed by Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP), where we were honored to meet the different members of the said University. Throughout the program, Ma'am Al Shofianti and Ma'am Shelia Anjarani, the coordinators for international students, provided incredible support and guidance to ensure our transition into the local academic community was seamless.

I was officially deployed to Sekolah Dasar UMP ( SD UMP), where I worked closely with my cooperating teacher, Sir Eri Nugruho. A major milestone of my journey was conducting my final teaching demonstration for the wonderful Grade 3 students.  Beyond the traditional classroom setting, I had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator and participant in several English Camps with the kids of SD UMP. These camps were a vibrant space for exchange where I truly felt I learned as much from the students' energy and perspective as they did from my lessons.

A significant part of this journey was the opportunity to build professional relationships across both campuses. I had the pleasure of meeting various faculty members and staff from both UMP and SD UMP. These interactions allowed me to share teaching habits and discuss educational goals, broadening my perspective on global education.

Beyond the academic rigors, the heart of my Indonesian experience lay in the friendships formed with our student buddies. My buddy , Nasywa, was an incredible companion who made me feel at home from the very start. I also shared many wonderful moments with Checa, Liza, and Daffa- the dedicated buddies of the PRMSU students. We became a close-knit group, spending our free time roaming through local malls, buying various items, and exploring the city. Some of my favorite memories are the simple moments we shared at the guest house, eating together and swapping stories about our different lives and cultures. 

Participating in the SEA Teacher program was a profound learning experience that extended far beyond the classroom walls. I learned so much during this exchange, realizing that growth doesn't come from the teaching skills I practiced with the students. The true transformation came from exposing myself to a completely different culture and connecting with diverse people. Immersing myself in their daily life, traditions, and perspectives completely broadened my horizons. This cultural exposure pushed me out of my comfort zone, taught me invaluable lessons in empathy and adaptability, and truly helped me grow into a more well-rounded, understanding, and culturally aware future teacher. 

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the PRMSU Family for making this experience possible. I am incredibly thankful to the University President, Dr. Roy N.  Villalobos, for allowing us to participate in this exchange program. Special thanks go to Dr. Celeste A.  Orge for accompanying us and to Dr. Zenvi Ann M.  Macalinao for her constant help throughout our journey. I am also grateful to the PRMSU San Marcelino family for their unwavering support, especially to Mr. Marlon N. Fulgencio for being such a supportive coordinator. This journey has helped me grow immensely, not just as an aspiring educator but as a global citizen. 

Terima kasih banyak, UMP and PRMSU! This entire experience has shown me that becoming a great educator isn't just bout mastering lesson plans or classroom management- it's about having an open heart to understand the world and the people in it. I am leaving with a deeper soul, precious memories, and an absolute love for the beautiful culture and community that embraced me so warmly. Sampai jumpa lagi!