Rensi's presence in the Philippines while participating in the Sea-Teacher program

 

Hey hey hey, welcome to my blog!

    Here, I will share my experience participating in the Sea Teacher program in the Philippines. Actually, I knew that the chances of participating in this program were very slim, and it was almost impossible for me to get this opportunity, considering that there were many other participants who were more deserving of this opportunity. However, it seems that this opportunity chose me, and here I am now :)

    Since I was little, I really wanted to study in a foreign country, and through this program, I was able to get that opportunity. I was able to learn new things such as culture, language, and traditions. I was also able to meet new friends and make wonderful memories together, which was really fun.

Before I tell you more about my experience, let's talk about the program that led me to this unforgettable experience.

What is Sea-Teacher program?

    The SEA-Teacher Program, officially known as the Southeast Asian Teacher Exchange Program, is an initiative of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). This program enables prospective teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to conduct teaching practicums in schools in other countries in the region, in order to facilitate cross-cultural educational exchange.

    The program enhances participants' teaching skills through structured phases: pre-exchange preparation, field practice at the location involving observation, teaching guidance, and full practice, followed by post-exchange evaluation and certification. The program is open to students from recognized teacher education institutions in SEAMEO member or partner countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, and aims to improve English proficiency in a professional context and broaden participants' understanding of diverse education systems.

About Rensi

    My name is Rensi Amelia, I am currently a fourth-year student at Universitas Jambi which is this is my 7th semester majoring in English Education. Like what I said before that studying abroad is my dream. I think it would be very easy to learn something if we are unfamiliar with the environment where we study, and of course there is a lot to learn when it comes to a foreign place, whether in terms of culture, language, or even the history and traditions of that place. Through this program, I was able to achieve all of that, and thanks to this program, I not only learned but was also able to introduce the culture and beauty of Indonesia to people outside the country.

    There were many things I prepared before joining this program, ranging from physical and mental aspects to academic aspects, such as learning teaching techniques through microteaching and lesson planning. In addition, I also had to practice my speaking skills to minimize communication barriers, considering that this is a place where no one can understand what I say unless I speak in English. Even with what I considered to be thorough preparation, I still had doubts about my own abilities, wondering if I could deliver the lessons effectively and what would happen if I made a mistake. However, I reminded myself that all of this is part of the learning process I am undergoing here, and I must do my best.

First experience in the Philippines

    One thing I noticed most when I first set foot in the Philippines was the weather. It was very comfortable, warm but still refreshing. The second thing I noticed was the food. There was a lot of food and it was all very delicious. As a Muslim, I had no trouble finding food.

    However, the most beautiful thing I experienced during my time in the Philippines was the people's warmth and hospitality. They welcomed us with open arms, making us feel right at home. Despite our differences, the people were kind, and we learned from each other—from culture to personal comfort. That warmth and comfort are something I will never forget.

Teaching in the Class

    This program has really added to my experience, especially in teaching. One thing that really amazes me about the education system in the Philippines is the adequate school facilities. Of course, there are some differences that pose challenges for me in terms of the teaching system, considering that this is a different place from what I am used to, but I still try my best to do it. In addition, I also really enjoyed doing the demo teaching there because the students there are really active and contribute well to class discussions. It was both enjoyable and relieving to see the class become so engaging, and I sincerely hope that my students in Indonesia can be like that too. But before that, I must first improve my skills, of course.

Another Activity During this Program

Have a trip to zambales

    In addition to academic activities in the classroom, we also participated in outdoor activities. We went on a Zambales tour organized by the university. Here, we learned about the history of the colonial era in the Philippines. We also visited a museum and a water park there. It was very enjoyable to be able to learn while viewing original documents.

Joining Cooking Class

    We also took cooking classes, which is one of the majors offered at the University of Batangas, where we conducted this program. Here, we learned how to bake cookies, which was a new experience for us thanks to this program. I was truly amazed by the students and teachers here, who patiently taught us beginners.

Have a trip to Lobo

    All the activities I did while in the Philippines were very enjoyable, one of which was when we took a trip to Lobo, which is our grandmother's hometown. This trip was a very memorable one for me, where I was able to see the beauty of the beaches, mountains, and unspoiled atmosphere. The more I think about it, the more I want to go back to see the natural beauty there.

Cultural night

    One moment that remains vivid in my memory is the cultural evening, where we presented a typical Indonesian performance to the local people, which also served as an opportunity to introduce the diversity of Indonesian culture to the community there. In addition, we also watched cultural performances presented by our buddies, which I thought were very beautiful, as we were able to exchange knowledge about the cultures of each country. It was also an emotional night for us because it was the last performance we would give to them, and it created an emotional atmosphere for everyone.

City Tour

    In addition to touring outside the city of Lipa, we also explored the city itself. The day before our departure for Indonesia, our buddies invited us to tour the city, and it was very touching to see how patiently they explained the places we visited, such as Casa de Segunda 1880. We also went to other places and tried a variety of foods and drinks unique to the city of Lipa.

The Lesson that I got During this Program

    It is very exciting to see my dreams come true one by one, and I am confident that this is the first step I can take towards my next dream.

    From all of this, I have learned that when we strive for something, it will come true. Through this program, I have also realized that there are still many shortcomings in myself that I must continue to address and improve upon for the future. There is still so much I need to learn, and even now that I have reached this point, I realize that all the knowledge I have gained so far is still minimal and pales in comparison to everything that exists in this world. Therefore, I must always keep learning and expanding my knowledge. Additionally, through this program, I learned that experience and relationships are also part of the learning process itself.

This journey is not over yet. The experiences, lessons, family, and people I have encountered here will always be a part of all my future journeys.

Thank you very much. (: