Reflection, Suggestions and Recommendation for the Program

The SEA teacher's program was a huge opportunity that I don't regret taking. It help me to learn another person's culture, while also growing as a person. I experience various challenges and difficulties during my experience that help me in thinking on finding a solution is solving that obstacles. I learn to adapt new teaching technique to align the country's curriculum and model as well learn to care about my time while teaching. I also experience the power of dance and culture that transcends the barrier between our language through the use of song and dance. In the end, I was able to meet new people and form friendships while creating unforgettable memories with them. To be honest, I have no problems and difficulties regarding the program itself except for it being a little bit longer.

I wish it being like 2 months or so for the student to fully experience the country, because our time in Indonesia got eaten by our practicum in SMAN-10, which is the main goal of the program, but I believe it is better to extend it a little bit longer for the student to appreciate and learn the country's language, culture and even to help them grow to even more better as a person. Similarly, having a longer duration can let the hosting university to facilitate weekly language lesson for the student to fully learn and understand their language. Another suggestion I recommend is adding "religion" in the pre-departure orientation. This can help the student to be knowledgeable about the practices of the host's country's religion to prevent any misconceptions and being rude to the host university. When I first arrived in Indonesia, I was afraid to know about their religion and I was afraid if the words and actions that I show to them may or may not be disrespectful.

The services that the host university is lovely as Enthel and I felt comfortable with our rooms. Although, I have no comments regarding roommates since both of us have no deeper experience (my roommates from Timor Leste left after a week later), but I do recommend - even though this is a bit too much - to have a separate room dedicated for the SEA teacher's participate as my mind is filled with anxiety. Lastly, I do hope that the rooms will have strong internet access as it is sometimes difficult to complete the forms without having any access to the internet.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this program to future PST students in the Philippines as it can help them understand the different educational system around the world. I wish that more UST students will join and appreciate this program in the future. LABAN!!