The Full Story of
My SEA Teacher Journey
Goood day! I am Catherine O. Mantal, a student at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. I am one of the fortunate students who had the opportunity to join Batch 9 of SEAMEO under the SEA Teacher Project. Join me as I share my entire experience in Indonesia!
Preparation
Pre-deployment and Orientation Seminars (PDOS) were one of the preparations my school did for the participants in Batch 9 SEA Teacher before our departure to Indonesia. The meeting provided background information on Indonesian culture and, most importantly, it provided insights into the SEA Teacher Program
Courtesy Call to the President
Engr. Feliciana P. Jacoba - University President gave a speech to us, International Exchange Students.
Send-Off Ceremony
with Dr. Rosalie R. Agbayani-Pineda who managed the international linkages of NEUST Gabaldon Campus during the Send-Off Ceremony.
ARRIVAL IN INDONESIA
Finally! At Yogyakarta International Airport, I arrived with Batch 9 SEA Teacher from NEUST. Mba Yunda, the UMP faculty member, picked us up.
Lunch and First Meeting with Mba Shofi, Pak Furqon, Pak Novan, and other UMP Faculty
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October 18, 2023
First official meeting with Head of International Affairs together with Pak Furqon, Pak Dodi and Mba Shofi at International Affairs Office.
October 19, 2023
Today, we provided an overview of the partner school where we will be deployed. After that, Mba Gita goes with us as we go around UMP and stop by a few stores.
OCTOBER 20, 2023
Julia and I were given a tour of the school after we were introduced to Puhua. We went to the music room where they had traditional instruments that we could try, and that was one of the highlights of the day for me.
October 21, 2023
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Along with our student friends, we went to the Menara Tower, one of Purwokerto's tourist attractions. Following that, we headed to Madhang Park, a food park, to get dinner. There is a lot of Indonesian food in this park that we can eat.
OCTOBER 23, 2023
My first day in Puhua Primary! This day is filled with fun and excitement as I introduced to the class that I am going to assist and teach for the next week of my stay in Indonesia! This day is where my observation began.
October 24, 2023
My first day in Puhua Secondary! Just like in Primary, it is a day filled with fun as I also entertain questions from the student about my homeland during my introduction in their class.
OCTOBER 25-27, 2023
Throughout this entire week, the primary focus will be on observational activities. Students are expected to enter the classroom in an orderly line, and before stepping inside, they will have the opportunity to select a friendly gesture such as a high-five, wave, or finger heart. Once settled in the classroom, the teacher will commence the lesson discussion. Following the discussion, the teacher will assign an activity, during which she will move around the classroom to provide assistance and support to the students. Also, some teachers use the time after the discussion to make the students play an activity related to their lesson.
Classroom Assistance
Initially, the students hesitated to seek assistance from me, likely due to challenges in expressing their questions in English. However, I took the initiative to familiarize myself with basic mathematical terminologies in Bahasa, ensuring that I could still provide effective support. Once the students realized I could comprehend some Bahasa terms, they began openly asking questions about the lesson. When explaining concepts, I made a concerted effort to ensure their understanding, resorting to Google Translate for explanations if needed. In the end, this teaching assistance experience proved to be memorable and rewarding.
Classroom Teaching
In my actual teaching, I integrate strategies from both the teaching methods I acquired in the Philippines and those I've observed here in Indonesia. Initially, I employ motivational activities to capture the learners' interest. Moving on to the lesson proper, I ensure that my instructional materials, particularly the PowerPoint presentation, include a Bahasa translation for better understanding. The Bahasa translation undergoes scrutiny from my cooperating teacher to ensure accuracy. With a total teaching time of 80 minutes, I allocate the first 40 minutes to the discussion. The next 20 minutes are dedicated to an activity during which I roam around the classroom to check and assist students with their work, and the final 20 minutes involve a game where the winner receives a prize, and the loser undertakes a challenge.
Judge in Poster Contest
My very first experience as a judge! It was held at Secondary of Puhua last October 30, 2023. The contest is part of the event "Youth Pledge Festival and Language Month"
PUHUA Activity Village - Art Class
I had the opportunity to engage in discussions about my artwork, particularly my charcoal drawings. In this class, two students share a passion for art. I talked about the materials, techniques, and shading methods I employ. Moreover, I had the privilege of meeting a professional artist, Mr. Iyan.
Traditional Indonesian Kitchen Experience
One of our cultural immersion escape was to have a first-hand experience to the traditional kitchen of Indonesia as well as to taste their special delicacy.
@Massapi
One of the Coffee Shop that we visit. It is located at the middle of the forest. Going here was so refreshing!
No distance too far, no time too long – catching up talks with very supportive Chairperson of Teacher Education Program, Sir Jaypee del Rosario.
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INDONESIAN WEDDING EXPERIENCE
I also had the opportunity to attend the post-celebration of an Indonesian wedding. It brought me immense joy to partake in this experience, especially considering the setting—a village nestled in the heart of the mountains!
House of the Rising Sun
Indonesia is a treasure trove of fantastic coffee spots, and standing out among them is the vibrant House of the Rising Sun. The food here is absolutely sensational!
Scouting
I had the chance to observe and teach Grade 4 scouts in a traditional Filipino game called Tumbang Preso, also known as Tumbang Lata or Bato Lata. "Tumba" means to fall, and "lata" means can. In essence, players toss their slippers to knock down the can, while one participant acts as the guard or tagger. The students enjoy the whole game.
FAREWELL
Sadly, my journey here in Puhua comes to an end. Immensely thankful for the invaluable experience, the lessons learned, and particularly for the wonderful individuals I encountered, including Ms. Novi, Ms. Desi, Ms. Mekar, and Ms. Thifal who become my moms in Puhua.
AWARDING CEREMONY
Awards are not just symbols of recognition; they are reminders of determination, passion, and countless hours of hard work.
Prior to the award ceremony, there was also a farewell gathering with the Vice Rector.
DEPARTURE
"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again"
-Unknown
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and my stay here in Indonesia has reached its conclusion.
Grateful beyond words for the memories, the wonderful people I've encountered, and above all, the extraordinary experiences that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Catherine O. Mantal, Proud SEA Teacher Exchange Student from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology!
