Shekinah's Journey

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 A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Every story has a beginning, and mine is one of courage, discovery, and transformation. My name is Shekinah Bariuan, a student from the Philippines pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English, at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Papaya Off-Campus.

In October 2024, I was given the incredible opportunity to participate in the SEA-Teacher Program—an international teaching internship in Indonesia. This journey led me to SMA Negeri 2 Surakarta through a partnership with Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), where I embraced cultural diversity, overcame challenges, and experienced immense personal and professional growth.

 The Journey Begins

My adventure began with a long and exhausting two-day journey from October 24-25. Before departure, all SEA-Teacher participants gathered at NEUST General Tinio Main Campus, where we met the University President, Dr. Rhodora R. Jugo. Accompanied by University Staff, we then proceeded to the Philippine airport. It was my first time handling immigration documents on my own—a nerve-wracking yet empowering experience.

Our first stop was Singapore, where we endured an eight-hour layover at Changi Airport. Despite the lack of sleep, our excitement kept us going. During this layover, I had an unexpected yet heartwarming encounter—I ran into Tita Sherri Lunow, Tito Jonathan Lunow, and their son. The last time I saw them was in Davao City when I was just five years old. While my mom stayed in touch with them through social media and in person, this was my first time seeing them again after so many years. I was so shocked that I couldn’t help but shout out loud, and my college friend Dani, who was with me, even captured the moment on video.

This clip later became part of my Departure Vlog, which you can check out. Seeing them again felt like a blessing. We spent time catching up, and before parting ways, they prayed for me and my journey in Indonesia. Coincidentally, they were also heading to Jakarta, so we ended up on the same flight! My family back home was just as surprised when I told them about this unexpected reunion.

After arriving in Jakarta, we faced another five-hour wait before our final flight to Solo. By the time we landed, it was already nighttime, but the UNS staff warmly welcomed us and took us to our dorm at Solo Urbana. Little did I know, our first activity was scheduled early the next morning!

 Exploring Indonesia

Saturday, October 26, was our first full day in Indonesia, and we started with a city tour to some of Yogyakarta’s most famous spots. Our first stop was Taman Sari, a former royal garden of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It had beautiful water pools, underground tunnels, and old structures that showed the rich history of Indonesia. Next, we visited Museum Sonobudoyo, which had an amazing collection of Javanese artifacts, traditional puppets, and ancient weapons. Walking through the exhibits gave me a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s culture and history.

After exploring the museum, we headed to Malioboro, a lively street known for its markets, street performers, and local snacks. As we took a break to eat, I noticed some locals playing chess on the street. Since I love chess, I couldn’t resist joining a match. It was a fun and exciting game, with people stopping to watch and cheer. Even though we spoke different languages, chess became our way of connecting. It was one of my favorite moments from the trip. I captured these experiences in my vlog, which you can check out on my YouTube channel or here on my blog.

The next day, we visited Pura Mangkunegaran, a beautiful Javanese palace. Inside, we saw old royal artifacts, wooden carvings, and traditional decorations that showed the elegance of Javanese culture. After that, we went to Pusat Grosir Solo, a well-known shopping center where we bought souvenirs like batik fabrics and handmade crafts.

Throughout my stay, I learned a lot about Indonesian customs. One tradition that stood out to me was how people always use their right hand when giving or receiving things, as a sign of respect. This reminded me of pagmamano in the Philippines, where we take an elder’s hand and place it on our forehead as a gesture of respect. In Indonesia, they have a similar custom where they place an elder’s hand on their head. I also discovered that some words in Bahasa Indonesia and Filipino are the same, like lima, which means “five” in both languages. It was interesting to see how connected our cultures are!

First Encounters at SMAN 2 Surakarta

Monday, October 28, we had our first official meeting with the school head, teachers, mentors, and professors. The next day, I was deployed to SMAN 2 Surakarta, a prestigious senior high school. My buddy helped me book a Grab ride to school, where I met my Cooperating Teacher (CT), Sri Hartini, S.Pd., M.Pd.  My Mentor, Prof. Joko Dr. Joko Nurkamto, M.Pd and the School Principal, Amir Zubaidi. 

I was introduced to my Grade 12 students and given a school tour, capturing memories with my CT and my buddy, Bu Rosita, along the way. After the school tour, we had lunch in the faculty lounge, where Mrs. Tini and Bu Rosita introduced me to Ayam Penyet Sambal. From that day on, it became my go-to lunch at the school canteen, making it my signature meal throughout my journey at SMAN 2 Surakarta.

The school environment was warm and disciplined. Every morning, students gathered for prayers and greetings, emphasizing respect and mindfulness. Teachers were addressed with honorifics, much like in the Philippines. During my teaching sessions, I noticed how collaborative and participatory the students were. They valued active discussions and were eager to share their insights. 

On holidays, students and teachers often gathered for community events, reinforcing the strong sense of togetherness in Indonesian culture. Despite the language barrier, I never let it stop me from trying to understand my students and teachers. I made an effort to adjust and adapt to their culture, and even when it became challenging at times, I stayed firm and positive. I embraced the experience as part of my learning journey, knowing that effective communication goes beyond words—it is about connection, patience, and openness to new ways of understanding.

Special Moments and Milestones

Wednesday, October 30 – I celebrated my birthday with my Thai, Filipino, and Indonesian friends. We took pictures together, capturing the joy of the day. You can also check out my Birthday Vlog to see how we celebrated!

Saturday, November 2 – We had our Batik Class, where we learned the art of traditional Indonesian fabric painting. That evening, our buddies surprised my fellow SEA-Teachers and me with a birthday celebration featuring a traditional cake, making us feel deeply appreciated.

Sunday, November 3 – We spent the day exploring Candi Plaosan, a stunning Buddhist-Hindu temple complex with intricate stone carvings that reflect Indonesia’s rich history. The temple’s unique design and peaceful surroundings made the visit unforgettable. After that, we headed to Umbul Kapilaler, a historical bathing site with fresh spring water. The cool, clear water and relaxing atmosphere gave us a moment to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature. It was a day filled with culture, history, and refreshing experiences.

Friday, November 8 – We gathered for a farewell to the SEA-Teachers returning home to the Philippines. We made the most of our time together, singing along with street bands and enjoying the lively atmosphere. One of the most unforgettable moments was holding a snake—such a thrilling experience! You can check out the video on my vlog to see how we made this night special. The full video is coming soon—I haven’t edited it yet due to my busy schedule, but I’ll make sure to post it here for you to see!

Saturday, November 9 – We had a SEA-Teacher holiday at Rumah Budaya Kratonan, a cultural center dedicated to preserving and showcasing Indonesia’s rich heritage. The museum offers a glimpse into traditional Javanese art, history, and customs, allowing us to explore intricate batik designs, antique artifacts, and historical relics that reflect Indonesia’s deep-rooted traditions. Walking through the exhibits gave us a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse culture. It was a meaningful experience that connected us to the heart of Indonesian heritage.

Wednesday, November 13 – This day marked a significant milestone—my Final Demo Teaching. Despite minor technical issues, it was a success. To celebrate, I treated myself to a Solo meal of Indomie, tofu, and fish, reflecting on my journey. As I sat there, savoring the flavors of Indonesia, I couldn’t help but look back at how much I had changed since arriving. The challenges I faced, the cultural lessons I learned, and the friendships I formed all contributed to my personal and professional growth. I had developed confidence, resilience, and adaptability, and at that moment, I realized just how transformative this journey had been. The next day, we had our Bahasa class at UNS, where we learned basic Indonesian words and phrases.

Sunday, November 17 – This night was filled with warmth, gratitude, and bittersweet emotions as all SEA-Teachers, along with Mrs. Asri, gathered for a farewell with our buddies. Their kindness and hospitality had made us feel at home throughout our journey, and that night was no different. Over a heartfelt dinner, we shared laughter, memories, and sincere messages of appreciation. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but deep down, we knew this wasn’t the end—just the beginning of lifelong friendships. As we parted ways, we held onto the promise that someday, somewhere, our paths would cross again.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Friday, November 15, marked my last day at SMAN 2 Surakarta, a bittersweet moment as the school held a Farewell Ceremony in my honor. I was deeply moved by the kindness of my CT, Mrs. Tini, and my buddies, Bu Atom and Bu Shallom, whose unwavering support, guidance, and friendship made my journey truly unforgettable. Their presence turned every challenge into a learning experience, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.

The day before, Mrs. Tini had assigned me to teach P.E. to all Grade 12 students, adding another exciting challenge before the farewell ceremony. On top of that, she asked me to prepare a song to perform and even play a little with the Grade 11 students. She also reminded me to say my goodbyes to everyone. Mrs. Tini kept giving me tasks, but I loved every moment of it because it pushed me to explore my skills and discover what more I could do.

After the ceremony, my two buddies and I shared a heartfelt lunch before heading home. Later that afternoon, Atom introduced me to some of her friends, and we gathered at Solo Safari. Exploring the wildlife and seeing Indonesia’s animals up close was an incredible experience. You can also check out the video on my vlog, where I captured the highlights of this special day.

Final Adventures and Reflections

My last holiday in Solo was spent at Jungwok Beach and HeHa Sky View, capturing every moment in photos and videos. As our departure neared, we took time to buy souvenirs and ensure all necessary documents were in order, making the most of our final days in Indonesia.

After a long journey, I returned to the Philippines on November 19-20, after two days of flights. This experience changed me in ways I never imagined—it taught me resilience, independence, and the true value of cultural exchange. Being a SEA-Teacher was not just about teaching; it was about learning, growing, and building meaningful connections beyond borders. I am deeply grateful to my family, especially my Mom and Dad-Ken, for their unwavering support. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the UNS family and my buddies, who became more than just friends.