About the Blog

   Hello there! I’m Monica G. Garigo, a recent graduate of Ateneo de Naga University in the Philippines with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English. Earlier this year, from February 24 to March 21, I had the privilege of joining the SEATEACH Program Batch 10 in Malang, Indonesia. Sharing this unforgettable journey with me were my classmates Rea Gene Herez, Aileen Mae Daco, and Hannah Kyla Baldoza.

       The title of this blog captures the essence of what this experience meant to me. It began with my roots, or my values, my training as a future educator in the Philippines, and my identity as a Filipina, all of which I carried with me into this cultural and teaching exchange. At the same time, the SEATEACH Program gave me wings or the courage to explore, adapt, and grow, both as an individual and as a future global educator.

     Teaching in a foreign land reminded me that while classrooms may differ in language, setting, and structure, the hopes we hold for learning, connection, and meaning are beautifully universal. This journey taught me the importance of staying grounded in who you are while embracing the growth that comes with new experiences. Above all, this blog is a reflection of the many ways I took flight, all while staying rooted.

     Here, I will share my week-by-week experiences in the SEATEACH journey, along with my personal reflections. You’ll also find a dedicated section for my takeaways, a photo and video gallery, and the learning resources I used during my teaching experience in Indonesia. 

Why I Joined SEATEACH

         As a future teacher, I’ve always believed that teaching doesn’t begin and end within the four walls of a classroom, it extends across experiences, cultures, and even borders. When I learned about the SEA-Teacher (SEATEACH) program, I saw it as more than just an opportunity to teach abroad; I saw it as a chance to grow beyond what I thought was possible for myself.

     One of my personal goals as a pre-service teacher has always been to broaden my perspective on education. I wanted to experience what teaching looks like outside the Philippines, to see how other countries manage their classrooms, how students engage, and how teachers connect with their learners. I wanted to observe, to learn, and to carry those learnings with me as I teach in my own country. Teaching abroad, even for a short time, felt meaningful because I knew it would challenge me to adapt, reflect, and develop deeper empathy, not just as a teacher, but as a person.

       When the application for SEATEACH Batch 10 was announced, I initially hesitated. Participating required financial support, and I wasn’t sure if it would be possible. Sharing my hopes with my guardian and helping him understand how valuable this experience would be led him to support me wholeheartedly. Thanks to my uncle, I was able to join the program. After going through the application process, I was overjoyed and incredibly honored to be selected. Representing my university and my country in an international exchange program that fosters not only educational collaboration but also cultural understanding across Southeast Asia was truly humbling.

    In preparation, I did a lot of research about Indonesia, its language, customs, school system, and especially the city of Malang where Universitas Brawijaya is located. Still, nothing compares to physically being there and experiencing everything firsthand. I knew I had to bring with me not only my knowledge, but also an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to embrace both the challenges and surprises that lay ahead. In conclusion, joining SEATEACH was one of the most courageous decisions I’ve ever made and one of the most rewarding.

UNIVERSITAS BRAWIJAYA

(Host University)

         We were hosted by Universitas Brawijaya (UB) in Malang, Indonesia, one of the top universities in the country and a highly respected institution in Southeast Asia. From the moment we arrived, UB welcomed us with genuine warmth and professionalism. They really took their role as a host university seriously, ensuring we were well-guided, safe, and immersed in a rich cultural and academic experience.

        I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Doc Frida, who welcomed us with a warm smile and an incredibly approachable presence. Her kind demeanor instantly eased our worries. I’m also grateful to our buddy, Aqilla, whom we didn’t meet right away since we arrived late at night, but she thoughtfully left food for us, something we truly appreciated, as we were already starving after our long journey. We were equally thankful for the friendly and helpful lobby staff at the dormitory who assisted us in carrying our luggage up to the second floor. From the very beginning, we were embraced with kindness and hospitality, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for more.

      Now let me tell you more about the university itself, Universitas Brawijaya is huge. And I mean really huge. In our almost one-month stay, we weren’t even able to explore all that UB had to offer. The campus is so large that we often relied on Google Maps just to navigate between buildings! It makes sense though, considering UB houses numerous departments or as they call them, facultas — such as Cultural Studies (the faculty that hosted us), Dentistry, Medicine, Law, Agriculture, Economics and Business, Engineering, and many more.

      We enjoyed going around the campus, exploring its unique corners, and spotting things that reminded us of our own university back home. What truly left an impression on me was how grand and iconic their main landmark was, a roundabout with a huge lettering of “UNIVERSITAS BRAWIJAYA.” We fondly called it the “rotonda”, and it quickly became a symbol of our daily campus adventures. Getting lost on campus became one of our favorite experiences. In trying to find our way, we discovered new paths and in those moments, we learned that sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure. And it was, indeed, a beautiful one.