SUMMARY & SUGGESTIONS

Purposes of Practicum

The purpose of the SEA-Teacher Student Exchange Summit are:  

1. To share and learn the initiatives and innovative approaches of the pre-service student-teacher exchange, implemented by institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic;

2. To discuss and plan for the 9th batch of pre-service student exchange;

3. To seek commitments from participating institutions in the implementation of the 9th batch of the SEA-Teacher Project in the middle of 2023; and

4. To establish and strengthen partnerships among participating institutions.

The SEA Teacher Program aligns seamlessly with my needs as a student teacher at UPI. The experience I gained at this university significantly contributed to the expansion and broadening of my knowledge in the field of teaching, as I encountered numerous individuals who motivated and inspired me to strive for excellence. I am sincerely grateful for the valuable feedback I received from them, and their encouragement serves as a crucial stepping stone in my journey toward becoming a dependable and proficient educator in the future.

The Challenges of Practicum

During my practicum in UPI, I encountered a couple of challenges that added layers of twist to my teaching experience. Initially, my concern about the language barrier, especially as a SEA Teacher, was noticeable. However, I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as hard as anticipated. The teachers and students in UPI were proficient in English, facilitating smoother communication. Thus, this experience made me realize the importance of being in an English-friendly environment.

Another challenge I experienced was the schedule conflicts. The initial plan didn't align with the actual schedule, resulting in changes that limited our teaching duration to just two weeks instead of the originally intended timeframe. Dealing with these changes meant being flexible and ready to adjust, showing me how important it is to communicate well for teaching to work best.

Also, I had a hard time because I didn't know much about their curriculum. Even though I prepared, making sure my teaching matched what they needed took extra work. This showed me how important it is to have good training before coming here. It should give teachers a deep understanding of what the students are studying so they can teach better.

Overall Impression

Teaching in UPI was truly amazing. The students there were not only friendly but also really keen to learn, making it even more satisfying to overcome the challenges that came my way. Exploring different ways of teaching and working closely with local educators, especially my cooperating teacher, Ibu Indri, and mentor Prof. Emi Emilia, opened my eyes to new ideas about education. This experience went beyond just professional growth; it also let me build personal connections with the local culture, turning the entire journey into a truly enriching and memorable experience. Also, the enthusiasm of the students and the collaboration with educators made teaching in UPI a rewarding adventure that left a positive and lasting impact on both my professional and personal life.

Suggestions for Future Improvement

My journey as a SEA Teacher in Indonesia has left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. Venturing into the realm of teaching foreign students for the first time was an incredibly rewarding experience, one that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. If asked whether I'd recommend participating in this program, my answer would undoubtedly be a resounding yes. However, to enhance the overall SEA Teacher program experience, I'd like to offer some thoughtful suggestions.

First and foremost, scheduling emerged as a significant concern during my practicum. Ensuring a more structured and predictable timetable for teaching activities, observations, and cultural explorations would contribute significantly to the effectiveness and comfort of this program. We fully understand that there was some conflict and misunderstandings, however, clear communication of schedules well in advance could help in planning and adjusting to any changes seamlessly.

Exploring a foreign land can frightening, especially for those who are like me, who fear getting lost. To address this, I kindly suggest to have dedicated buddies or sahabats. While our buddies were supportive during our arrival in Jakarta, excursions, and virtual interactions via WhatsApp, the uneasiness of exploring the beauty of Bandung, Indonesia alone is not fun. That's why establishing a buddy who woud help SEA Teachers in exploring the whole place would add immense value to the program.

These are the improvements I hope for in the future, aiming to enhance the experience for future SEA Teachers, allowing them to fully appreciate the beauty of participating in this program.

On the morning of October 16, 2023, we gathered at UPI Center for the closing ceremony, the same place where our journey began with the opening ceremony. The ceremony was a bittersweet moment, as it marked the end of our one-month practice teaching. The Director of UPI shared heartfelt words with us, and each university from the Philippines, including myself, provided a testimony. Listening to the testimonies of my fellow SEA Teachers, I found myself unexpectedly moved to tears, because all memories, challenges, and achievements flashed before my eyes like a movie. Teaching in a foreign country had been a challenging battle, but I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the people who had always been willing to support us. A special mention must go to my cooperating teacher, Ibu Indri, who consistently offered us guidance and feedback to enhance our teaching. I am also beyond thankful for the invaluable support I received from my parents, even though I am away from them, they still constantly gave me the comfort I needed.

This experience at UPI is one that will forever be etched in my memory. It was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and forging connections with people who shared the same passion for education. As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the gratitude for the opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Terima kasih~