The biggest challenge I faced during this journey was the language barrier. English is a foreign language in Indonesia, so communicating with locals was not always easy. Thankfully, nonverbal communication like gestures, facial expressions, and a little help from technology, like translator apps, helped bridge the gap. Whenever we were with Doc Frida, Aqilla, or Aurel, communication flowed more smoothly, as they were excellent translators and had a strong command of English.
The same challenge appeared in the classroom. My students in Grade 7 were smart, active, and participative, but I needed to adjust my language, using simpler English words and clear, basic instructions so they could understand more quickly. When they recited, we often allowed them to use their own language, and our buddies helped translate so I could provide feedback. We also projected instructions in both English and Indonesian, which worked wonderfully. Behavior management, however, was not a problem; I drew from my training in the Philippines, using proximity, positive attention, and gentle engagement to refocus students without embarrassing them.
Looking back, I can see how much my confidence in teaching has grown. I adapted well to a new environment, new classroom dynamics, and a different culture. I learned not only about the people and the place around me but also about myself. Perhaps the most meaningful discovery was this: I truly love teaching. It’s not just something I can do, it’s something I want to do, with heart and purpose. That feeling of fulfillment after my final demo teaching was unforgettable; knowing my students learned, participated, and enjoyed the process affirmed my calling to this profession.
Beyond teaching, SEATEACH taught me the value of patience, understanding, and compromise. Living and working closely with others means differences will arise, but it also means you have the chance to truly listen, understand, and meet in the middle. I learned to open up, to be vulnerable, and to lean on others, and in return, I gained bonds that I will cherish forever. The connections I made with my fellow participants, our mentors, the teachers and students in Malang, and the warm-hearted locals have left an indelible mark on my heart.
To SEAMEO INNOTECH, thank you for creating this opportunity, which taught me so much about teaching, myself, and the education system in Indonesia. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone in Malang who welcomed us so warmly, you have left an imprint on my heart, and I hope our paths cross again. To the College of Education at Ateneo de Naga University, to our dean Ma’am Lut, and to our supervisor Sir PJ, thank you for believing in us. And to my family, my guardian, Tito Dante, my Mama, my brother, my Lola, Tita, and all my loved ones, thank you for your endless love and encouragement. You are my foundation, and this journey was possible because of you. I love you all deeply.
As I close this chapter, I carry with me both roots and wings. Roots to keep me grounded in who I am and where I come from, and wings to soar toward the future I’m building. I look forward to the day I can bring what I’ve learned here into more classrooms, more lives, and more moments where learning and connection take flight.
Ateneo de Naga University
B10 SEATEACH Program Participant