In summary, the SEA Teacher program and the accompanying practicum at the MMSU Laboratory School became an invaluable platform for cross-cultural learning, professional networking, and in-depth exploration of educational practices. This experience not only facilitated comparative analysis of educational systems but also allowed me to witness and appreciate the efficacy of student-centered learning in the Philippines, which enriched my pedagogical repertoire. I gained a lot from this program and it was an unforgettable experience.
Participating in the SEA Teacher program and venturing overseas to implement the program was a challenge. There are many differences between Indonesia and the Philippines, such as differences in culture, religion, food, language, curriculum, and many more. I had to learn these differences to broaden my horizons and develop my skills, especially when teaching elementary school children. This program is my first international program and it is certainly not easy to go through and needs a lot of self-preparation, from English language skills to mastery of teaching materials, problem-solving skills, survival in a neighboring country, mental, and other preparations. This was by far the biggest challenge I faced in interacting with fellow participants from around the world. Despite some difficulties in expressing myself in English, I have managed to overcome this challenge.
I enjoyed my student exchange program in the Philippines because I discovered so many interesting things every day. The cultural differences between the two countries amazed me, even though I experienced a bit of culture shock. I believe that this is normal, the important thing is that we can tolerate and adapt to their culture without losing our own. I am very proud to be part of SEAMEO Sea Teacher Batch 10. Initially, I did not expect to be able to go abroad for the first time, but SEAMEO allowed me to gain a lot of experience. For that, I am very grateful to SEAMEO for organizing this program and all those who participated in this golden opportunity. Hopefully, with this program, the expected goals can be achieved and give birth to a golden generation. Once again, all the experiences I had while participating in this program cannot be forgotten.
I hope that all students who take part in the SEA-Teacher program in each country that joins SEAMEO can benefit and make a difference for themselves and the wider environment. May this program be a conduit to foster cross-cultural understanding and create lasting memories, as well as broaden horizons and experiences. Let's grow and develop together with the SEA-Teacher program.