Summary and Suggestion

  

1.1 Purpose of Practicum

Stepping into another country, learning about its cultures, traditions, and teaching experiences will always be one of the happiest moments of my life. This project aims to provide an opportunity for pre-service student teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to gain teaching experience (practicum) in schools in other Southeast Asian countries.

When I arrived in Indonesia, I knew exactly what my purpose was. I was there to develop my teaching skills and pedagogy, practice my English, gain a broader regional and global perspective, and be exposed to diverse teaching and learning situations while embracing the value of flexibility. I was truly happy to witness with my own eyes the cultures and traditions different from those in the Philippines. I saw how welcoming and friendly the Indonesian people are, especially the students.

I met different people who were all warm and friendly, greeting me with genuine smiles. Speaking English was a challenge, but I used simple words to ensure we could understand each other. Indonesia gave me the chance to appreciate its beauty in terms of breath-taking destinations, unique houses, impressive buildings, well-planned roads, delicious food, and stunning architectural structures.

During my stay in Indonesia, I developed and improved my teaching skills, thanks to both the students and teachers. They reinforced my belief that teaching is truly my passion. It is a calling, and I know I am meant for this journey. I am proud to say that I achieved my goals and fulfilled my purpose in Indonesia. These experiences and lessons are worth sharing back home in the Philippines.

1.2 Procedures of Practicum

The SEA-Teacher project lasts for one month or four weeks. In the first week, student teachers attend orientation and observe classes. In the second week, they assist in teaching and develop lesson plans. During the third week, they practice teaching in the classroom while being monitored and evaluated by mentor teachers. In the final week, they reflect on their experiences, document lessons learned, and submit their reports.

Over the past four weeks of the practicum, I have learned a great deal and had the opportunity to become more independent while exploring the local environment, customs, transportation, and social interactions.

1.3 Outcomes of Practicum

During my time in Indonesia, I learned many valuable lessons that helped me grow both as a teacher and as a person. This experience made me realize even more that teaching is my passion. It helped me improve my skills in planning lessons, making learning fun, and connecting with students. I learned that every teacher has their own way of teaching, and by using different strategies with patience and creativity, we can inspire students and make a real difference in their lives. More importantly, I saw that teaching is not just about giving lessons. It is about guiding, encouraging, and believing in every student’s potential.

On a personal level, I learned to appreciate different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Living in a new environment taught me to be more open-minded, adaptable, and independent. I saw how kindness and respect can help build strong connections, even with language differences. This experience gave me the confidence to face new challenges and reminded me that learning never stops. The lessons I gained in Indonesia will stay with me forever, shaping me into a better teacher and a better person.

1.4 The Challenges of Practicum

One of the challenges are the language barrier, differences in teaching methods and classroom practices.

To adapt, I focused on making my lessons more interactive by using visual aids, gestures, and real-life examples that students could relate to. I also encouraged student participation through group activities and discussions, ensuring that they felt comfortable expressing their ideas. By observing how Indonesian teachers conducted their lessons, I learned to adjust my teaching style to match their students’ learning pace and needs.

This experience taught me that adaptability, patience, and a genuine passion for teaching can overcome any challenge. No matter where we teach, the heart of education remains the same which is to inspire, guide, and make a difference in the lives of students.

1.5 Overall Impression

This internship experience abroad deeply changed my perspective on teaching and education. Teaching students in another country opened my eyes to the universal power of education. I realized that teaching is not just about delivering lessons but about creating meaningful connections, inspiring curiosity, and making a lasting impact on students' lives. Seeing how different educational systems work and how students learn in diverse ways made me appreciate the adaptability and creativity required in teaching. It taught me that education goes beyond books and classrooms.

One of the most unforgettable moments was when my students looked at me with bright smiles and told me how much they enjoyed my lessons. Their honesty and enthusiasm filled my heart with joy and reminded me why I chose this path. In that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. This experience strengthened my passion for teaching and reaffirmed my belief that education is a powerful force that can transform lives. No matter where we teach, the true essence of education is to inspire, guide, and make a difference in the hearts and minds of students.

1.5 Suggestion for Future Improvement

Since communicating in other countries can be challenging due to language barriers, I believe participants should learn the Bahasa language. Doing so will not only help them communicate effectively with students, teachers, and locals upon arrival but also allow them to immerse themselves more deeply in the culture, build meaningful connections, and make the most of this incredible experience.

The time truly felt too short, and I can only hope that in the future, the program will be extended, giving future SEA-Teacher participants even more opportunities to create meaningful experiences and build deeper connections.

Seeing my students look at me and say, "Mister Nom, your time here was too short. We hope you will come back soon," touched my heart deeply. In that moment, I couldn’t help but think, I hope I will return to this amazing country someday. So, I'll wait until that day comes.