This week began with us attending Doc Frida’s class. At first, we thought we were already late, but it turned out we were actually very early. During the class, three student-teachers delivered their lessons. We not only learned from them but also shared feedback on their teaching. One notable difference we discovered in their practice teaching was that they only prepared for a 20-minute lecture, while a similarity was how they incorporated gamified activities. The class atmosphere was lively and supportive, making it such a fun and engaging experience.
After class, we had a discussion with Aqilla about our upcoming cultural immersion. She shared the places we’d be visiting and activities we’d be doing, which made us even more excited. Later that day, we prepared our lesson plan and Canva presentation for the next day, which was our first day of teaching at our cooperating school.
Tuesday came with a mix of excitement and nerves. We hadn’t observed any classes beforehand, so we had no idea how an Indonesian classroom would be. Thankfully, Ma’am Yusi reassured us that we could adapt quickly, and having Aqilla with us boosted our confidence. Before entering the classroom, Ma’am Yusi checked and approved our presentation.
Hannah and Rea taught first and successfully delivered their lesson. Then it was our turn, and Aileen and I gave our all. I was proud of our demo teaching because our students were active and participative. While all of them could understand English, some weren’t fluent in speaking it, so we used Basic English for better understanding. Whenever communication was challenging, Aqilla stepped in to translate. The lesson ended on a fulfilling note, and we went to Naoki Rice for lunch.
At the restaurant, we had a culture shock about the tax on the food being added separately, unlike in the Philippines, where it’s already included in the price. After lunch, we returned to the university, where Aqilla gave us a short tour. Sitting on the grounds of Universitas Brawijaya (UB), we chatted and learned more about campus life.
Wednesday brought us our second buddy, Aurel. We spent time getting to know her and also received positive feedback from Aqilla about our teaching. I felt proud when she said she learned from us too, especially in facilitating activities. For lunch, Aqilla introduced us to Tanjung Api, one of the most delicious meals I’ve had in Indonesia. On our way back, we passed by rows of food stalls set up for Ramadan, where Muslims could buy food to break their fast.
On Thursday, we had our formative demo teaching with the same lesson as Tuesday, but graded this time. Since Aileen and I were team teaching, we were graded together. Aurel and Aqilla were again a big help, translating instructions and bridging the gap when students answered in their language. Ma’am Yusi evaluated our teaching and gave feedback, and I felt very fulfilled with the outcome. Back at the dorm, however, Rea and I had to deal with our air conditioner constantly turning off every 25 minutes. Communicating the issue with the lobbyist was tricky, but through gestures and nonverbal cues, we managed to get the message across. It worked temporarily, but the problem returned the next day.
Friday was a rest day, giving me time to work on tasks I needed to finish.
On Saturday, we had our cultural immersion at Kampoeng Heritage Kajoetangan with Aurel and Aqilla. We explored the vintage-style village, took plenty of photos, and discovered fascinating details about the area. We then had a meal at Lafayette, which was absolutely delicious, followed by coffee and pastries at Retavvu Deli, with, of course, more photos taken. (You can catch more of this in our vlog, because a lot happened that day!)
Finally, Sunday was our self-planned city exploration day, without our buddies. Our initial destination, Smart Arena, was closed due to Ramadan, so we had brunch at McDonald’s while searching for an alternative. We decided on Malang Skyland, double-checking with Aqilla to confirm it was open. The place was stunning and peaceful, almost like we had rented the entire spot. We took plenty of photos, met some friendly locals who helped take group pictures, and even tried a fun ride called the “Happy Car.” It was the perfect way to wrap up our second week in Indonesia.
I learned so much during our demo teaching, lessons that went beyond improving my teaching strategies and extended into managing students effectively. I realized that, just like in the Philippines, our students in Indonesia were full of energy, enthusiasm, and yes, occasional noise. Yet, I was able to maintain their attention and guide their behavior throughout the lesson, drawing from my prior experience handling lively classes back home. In a way, my Philippine students had already trained me for this moment.
The classroom itself was well-equipped and conducive to learning, with resources like a projector, monitor, and speaker all ready for use. These tools made the teaching process smoother and allowed me to focus more on engaging my students, who, to my delight, were highly active and participative. Their eagerness reminded me why I love teaching in the first place.
I also learned so much from Aqilla and Aurel, our buddies. They didn’t just offer feedback on our lessons; they also opened windows into their culture, religion, and daily practices. I was deeply inspired by their respect and commitment to their faith. Even though we follow different religions, seeing how wholeheartedly they embrace and live out their beliefs made me reflect on my own spiritual life. It encouraged me to reconnect with my faith, to nurture it with the same sincerity and dedication that they do.
Beyond the classroom, exploring the beautiful city of Malang gave me fresh perspectives. Every corner we turned revealed hidden gems, rich histories, and cultural treasures that made me appreciate the city’s charm even more. This week reminded me that teaching abroad isn’t just about standing in front of a class; it’s also about learning, growing, and being shaped by the people and places around you.
Oh, and if you’d like to see this week in action, I’ve got you! We actually have two vlog parts for Week 2: Part 1 – Our Teaching Journey Unfolds and Part 2 – Cultural Immersion & City Adventures. You’ll get to experience more of what I’ve shared here through those videos.