I was really impressed by how structured and detailed the lesson planning process was. Before teaching, I had to consult with my cooperating teacher to review my lesson plan, PowerPoint, and teaching materials. Everything had to be well-prepared and aligned with the objectives. I received several revisions, which at first felt challenging, but it helped me improve a lot. This process taught me to be more careful and thoughtful in planning my lessons. Luckily, my friends were very supportive, making the experience even more meaningful!

I was amazed by how active and eager the students were! They were always excited to ask questions and compete to answer, making every lesson super lively even in online classes! It was a fun challenge to keep up with their energy, but it made teaching so much more enjoyable. Their enthusiasm motivated me to be more creative and engaging in class. Teaching them wasn’t just a job, it was an exciting experience every day.

One of the things that amazed me the most was how fluent Filipinos are in English, even young children speak it confidently! This was very different from Indonesia, where English is not as commonly used in daily conversations. At first, I felt a bit shy about speaking, worried about making mistakes. But over time, I realized that confidence matters more than perfection. Seeing how naturally they communicate in English motivated me to practice more and speak without hesitation. It was a great learning experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally.

One of the things I loved the most was the strong sense of family in the school and university. The relationship between students and teachers, as well as professors and students, felt very warm and close just like a family. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive, making me feel at home even though I was far away. This atmosphere created a comfortable learning environment, where students were not afraid to ask questions, express themselves, and grow together. It was truly a heartwarming experience!

Filipino food was a big surprise for me, it’s mostly sweet, sour, and never spicy! Coming from Indonesia, where almost everything has a kick of chili, I thought I would struggle, but instead, I found myself loving their flavors. One of my favorites was Sinigang, a sour fish soup with a tamarind-based broth that was so refreshing! I also became obsessed with Jollibee and Mang Inasal, Filipino food is incredibly comforting, and I miss it so much! 

One of the cultural shocks I experienced in the Philippines was how much people rely on public transportation and walking in their daily lives. Unlike in Indonesia, where motorcycles are the go to personal vehicle, many Filipinos prefer using jeepneys, tricycles, and buses to get around. At first, I found it tiring, but eventually, I got used to it and even enjoyed the experience! Walking around allowed me to appreciate the local environment, interact with people, and feel the vibrant street life in Iloilo. It was definitely a cultural difference that I found interesting and eye-opening.

I was surprised to find that Indonesian and Filipino languages share many similarities! Some words sound almost the same, like "gunting" (scissors) in both languages. Even the way they pronounce numbers is quite similar to Indonesian. These small connections made me feel a sense of familiarity despite being in a different country. It was fascinating to see how languages from different nations could have so much in common, making communication feel a little easier and more fun.

One of the most rewarding parts of my SEA Teacher journey was the opportunity to be a speaker and share my experiences after returning from the Philippines. I was able to talk about my time at West Visayas State University, the teaching challenges I faced, the cultural differences I encountered, and the valuable lessons I learned. It was a great honor to inspire fellow students and future exchange participants by sharing insights on adapting to a new environment, handling active students, and embracing cultural diversity. Through this experience, I realized the importance of collaboration, resilience, and an open mindset in international education.