My SEA Teacher journey was much like the waves in the ocean—sometimes calm, sometimes challenging, yet always moving toward growth and discovery. The experience was never completely smooth, as there were obstacles to overcome, moments of uncertainty, and unfamiliar situations to face. However, just like waves eventually reach the shore, every challenge led to valuable lessons that shaped me into a better future educator and individual. Looking back, I realized that growth often happens not in calm waters, but in moments that challenge us to keep moving forward.
One of the most memorable moments of my journey in Kendari, Indonesia was discovering a version of myself that I never thought existed—the confident communicator. For the first time in my life, I was able to speak in English in front of people without fear, hesitation, or a shaking voice. As someone who had always struggled with nervousness and shyness when speaking publicly, especially in English, this moment became deeply meaningful to me. It allowed me to realize that I am capable of overcoming the fears that once limited me. More importantly, it gave me confidence as an aspiring teacher and reminded me that growth begins when we allow ourselves to believe that we can.
My teaching experience in Indonesia was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Teaching Physical Education, specifically basketball, felt like stepping into a new chapter filled with uncertainty, excitement, and opportunities to grow. To help students improve their technical basketball skills, I designed a basketball drill activity and carefully explained each station through demonstrations and videos featuring their fellow classmates. This strategy helped students understand the activities better and made learning more engaging and relatable.
Of course, teaching in a new environment also came with challenges. One of the biggest struggles I encountered was classroom management, particularly because the basketball court was wide and open, making it difficult to manage students and ensure they could hear instructions clearly. To address this, I created a simple yet effective classroom signal using my name—whenever I called out my name, students would respond with “shhh!” together, immediately regaining focus and attention. This experience taught me that effective teaching requires adaptability, creativity, and responsiveness to students' needs.
Throughout the program, I developed and strengthened essential skills such as confidence, communication, teaching competence, adaptability, flexibility, classroom management, and time management. More importantly, the experience transformed my perspective on teaching. I realized that teaching is not about what the teacher wants to do in class, but rather what the teacher should do for learners. It is essential to think beyond traditional approaches and consider learner diversity, interests, strengths, and needs. A teacher must continuously ask: Is this activity suitable for all learners? Does it meet their interests and needs? Will this help them improve not only academically but also personally? Through this realization, I understood that meaningful education happens when learning becomes inclusive, purposeful, and student-centered.
Beyond teaching, the cultural exchange also became one of the most enriching aspects of my journey. Coming from the Philippines, where most people are Christians, being immersed in a predominantly Muslim environment in Indonesia allowed me to understand and appreciate cultural and religious diversity more deeply. In classroom settings, I learned to respect cultural practices, such as avoiding unnecessary physical contact between male and female students during activities. For example, during warm-up exercises, I separated male and female students to ensure comfort and cultural appropriateness.
I also observed a different educational environment in Indonesia. Unlike what I was accustomed to, students were not pressured academically. Instead, schools emphasized enjoyment in learning. Participation was encouraged, and students who were unwell were excused without pressure. However, attendance was treated with great importance and discipline. Through this, I realized something meaningful about education: learning should not be forced—it should be encouraged. Even without pressure, students remained participative, respectful, and eager to learn because the environment motivated them to do so. This experience reminded me that education is not solely about teaching concepts but about helping learners love the process of learning itself.
Another lesson I deeply carried with me was the importance of kindness and respect. One of the teachers shared that in their culture and faith, kindness toward others brings blessings. While kindness should never be done merely for rewards, this reminded me that being genuine, respectful, and compassionate can positively shape relationships and experiences. During my stay, simple moments such as riding in cars with teachers and Indonesian friends became unforgettable memories. Singing together, laughing, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company made me realize how meaningful human connection can be, even across cultural differences.
Perhaps the hardest part of the SEA Teacher journey was not the challenges in teaching, language, or cultural adjustment—but saying goodbye. Leaving the teachers, students, friends, places, and memories we built in Kendari was one of the most difficult parts of the experience. In just a month, meaningful relationships had already formed. At the same time, being away from my loved ones in the Philippines was another challenge I had to overcome. Homesickness often tested my emotional strength, yet this experience taught me independence. It pushed me to make decisions on my own, become more responsible, and trust myself more deeply.
Moreover, this journey encouraged me to embrace who I truly am. As someone naturally shy, I rarely shared my talents in singing, dancing, or even my sense of humor. Yet, through the encouragement of my Indonesian friends, I slowly became more comfortable expressing myself without fear of judgment. Their support taught me the value of confidence and authenticity.
At the end of this journey, I realized that becoming a great teacher is not simply about being “good” or “bad.” Rather, teachers are shaped by the environment, experiences, and support systems around them. Similarly, I learned that students are not inherently lazy; instead, learning environments and systems play a major role in motivating and supporting them. Above all, SEA Teacher pushed me beyond my comfort zone. It helped me improve my communication skills through English, strengthened my creativity in lesson planning, enhanced my ability to adapt to learner diversity, and deepened my understanding of culturally responsive teaching. Most importantly, it helped me discover more about myself—not only as a future teacher, but as a person with the capacity to grow, adapt, and inspire.
Like waves that continuously move despite resistance, this journey taught me that growth is never always smooth. Yet every challenge, memory, and lesson became part of the shore that shaped who I am today.
RECOMMENDATION
The SEA Teacher Program is already a meaningful and life-changing opportunity for pre-service teachers, as it provides valuable international teaching experience, cultural immersion, and personal growth. The warmth, hospitality, and support shown by the host university, partner schools, teachers, and students greatly contributed to making this journey memorable and enriching. While the program is already well-implemented, several improvements may further strengthen the experience for future participants.
First, I highly appreciate the efforts of host universities and schools in welcoming exchange students and helping them adapt to a new environment. To further improve communication and strengthen connections, it may be beneficial to encourage the use of English as a medium of communication, especially during formal programs, meetings, and orientations. This would help exchange students feel more included and confident in interacting with faculty members, teachers, and fellow students while minimizing communication barriers.
Second, the teaching experience itself was meaningful and eye-opening, as it allowed pre-service teachers to apply pedagogical knowledge in a real classroom setting. However, extending the teaching internship period may further maximize this opportunity. A suggested arrangement would be to combine classroom observation and teaching assistance during the first week, followed by actual teaching practice from the second to the fourth week. Since some classes only meet once a week, a longer teaching duration would allow exchange students to experience teaching more consistently, implement varied instructional strategies, and build stronger connections with learners.
In addition, the cultural immersion activities and social interactions throughout the program were among the most memorable aspects of the exchange. To make the transition easier, future participants are encouraged to research the culture, traditions, and basic language of their assigned country before deployment. This preparation can help them adjust more comfortably and communicate more effectively in their new environment.
Moreover, future SEA Teacher participants are encouraged to manage their time wisely and avoid procrastination. Every day in the program can be busy—not only because of teaching responsibilities, but also because of invitations, cultural experiences, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships. These moments become some of the most unforgettable memories, and fully embracing them can make the experience even more rewarding.
Lastly, future participants should not be afraid to step outside their comfort zones. The SEA Teacher journey is not only about teaching; it is also about self-discovery, growth, and learning beyond the classroom. Speak without fear, embrace differences, build friendships, and cherish every moment. Although the journey may sometimes feel challenging, every experience—like waves in the ocean—eventually leads to valuable lessons, personal growth, and new horizons.