Being an Exchange Student

I came from a family who does not go outside of the country for vacations. Which is why when I was in Junior High School, I set a goal for myself that my first time going out of the country should be academic-related trip. 

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Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) helped me reach this goal through their program Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia (SEA-Teacher Program). The SEA-Teacher Program allows pre-service teachers to accomplish their practicum in other schools in other Southeast Asian countries, which is a great avenue for cultural exchange.

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It is a privilege to be included in the Batch 9 of the SEA-Teacher Program Delegates. Applying for this program is one of the best major decisions that I have made in the early stage of building my career as a future early childhood educator. It gave a a glimpse of what work environment  want to have when I enter the workforce in the field of education. It solidifies the theories, lessons, and comparisons of different educational system that we learn about in our Professional Education courses. It also gave me hope that the things that some of us in the educational setting perceive to as "idealistic" can be really applied in real life. 

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Aside from all the learnings I gained, all the things that I have experienced all throughout the program will always be with me. All the places that I have been to will always hold a special place in my heart. From going to Bedengan Camp Site, to climbing Mount Bromo not minding the cold breeze, riding the train for 5 hours to go to Nganjuk, to just strolling around Jalan Ijen during Car-Free Day. I also get the chance to try different local food. And together with my fellow SEA-Teachers, Bakso will always be our favorite.

 

The friendship that I get to experience is also one of the things that I'm grateful for taking up this program. From Mafujur who took care of us in the dorm, who's always willing to show us and guide us around. 

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Tias, Lady, and Syahrul who accompany us when we go to Car-Free Day and share fun and laughter with us. To Vita, who happened to be a Marvel Nerd as me, and gave me the comfort of being around with someone who have the same interest as mine.

 

And most importantly to LJ and Rizza, our fellow Filipino SEA Teachers, as what they would call it, our “Kabayan” who brought the Filipino warmth during our stay in Malang. We never felt alone as they will always share their laughter, care, and warmth with us.

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To all the teachers and practice teachers in KB & TK Lab who became our Mothers, Aunties, and Sisters during our stay, who always include us and made us feel loved.

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To Bu Rhere who became our second mother during our stay in Malang, thank you for always taking care of us whenever we have concerns.

Nothing can replace them, and the memories I had with them.

Being an exchange student is thrilling as you get to learn and experience new things. But just like any other things, saying goodbye to the place and people that gave you comfort being in a different country is always the hardest. The only thing you can do is cherish all the memories you had.