MY SEA TEACHER JOURNEY - TEACHING OR TRAVELING? WHY NOT BOTH!

 GET TO KNOW ME BETTER

Hello! I’m Qurrota A'yun Shofa Qurana, a Biology Education student at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia. As someone who is always curious about the world beyond my own, the SEA Teacher program became a golden opportunity for me to experience teaching across countries. Who would have thought that what started as a journey to gain teaching experience would also come with bonuses traveling, exploring new cultures, and meeting incredible people.

The SEA Teacher program took me to Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines, where I didn’t just learn how to become a teacher, but also gained life lessons, discovered unique traditions, and encountered surprising moments every day. From adapting to a different education system and overcoming language barriers to tasting delicious local food that I now miss so much every part of this journey has been unforgettable.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my exciting experiences during SEA Teacher Batch 10.2 from the first day I set foot in the host country, the challenges of teaching in an international classroom, to the fun of exploring new places in my free time. So, is SEA Teacher an internship or a vacation disguised as teaching practice? The answer: why not both?

GETTING TO KNOW SEA TEACHER : TEACHING PRACTICE ABROAD

What is SEA Teacher?

The SEA Teacher (Southeast Asian Teacher Project) is a student exchange program for education majors in Southeast Asia, organized by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization). This program allows future teachers to gain teaching experience abroad, particularly in SEAMEO member countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

For education students, SEA Teacher is a golden opportunity to experience teaching in an international setting, adapt to different education systems, and build relationships with fellow aspiring teachers from various countries.

Objectives of SEA Teacher

This program is designed with several key objectives:

1. Enhancing Teaching Skills
   Students get the chance to teach in schools with different educational systems, enriching their teaching methods.
2. International Cultural Experience
   Participants don’t just teach; they also immerse themselves in a new culture, learn local traditions, and build global connections.
3. Improving English Communication Skills
   Since English is the primary medium of instruction, participants will become more fluent and confident in using it.
4. Preparing Future Teachers for the Global Era
   With this experience, education students become better equipped to face the challenges of being a teacher in an increasingly interconnected world.

How Does the Selection Process Work?

Each university partnered with SEAMEO has its own selection procedures, but in general, the process includes the following steps:

1. Registration and Document Submission
   Students must meet certain academic requirements and submit documents such as a CV, motivation letter, and transcript.
2. Interview Stage
   To assess readiness and English communication skills.
3. Announcement and Pre-Departure Preparation
   Once selected, participants receive briefings on the program, including travel document preparation and cultural orientation for their host country.

SEA Teacher Host Countries

Currently, the countries actively participating in SEA Teacher include:

• Philippines
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Indonesia (as a sending country)

Why Did I Choose SEA Teacher?

As a Biology Education student at Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, I have always wanted to experience teaching abroad. The SEA Teacher program offers me the chance to explore education on an international scale, meet new friends from diverse backgrounds, and learn innovative and adaptive teaching strategies.

JOURNEY TO THE PHILLIPPINES: FROM UNIVERSITAS MUHAMMADIYAH PURWOKERTO TO MARIANO MARCOS STATE UNIVERSITY

After going through a nerve-wracking selection process, I was finally accepted and am now preparing for my journey to Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines. I’m beyond excited and can’t wait to share my journey on this blog.

In this part, I will share my experience traveling from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). It was a long journey filled with excitement, and of course, plenty of interesting stories along the way.

1. Departure from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP)
   
   The long-awaited day finally arrived. I departed from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto (UMP) with great enthusiasm, though I couldn’t deny feeling a bit nervous, as this was my first time staying abroad for an extended period.

   On February 3, 2025, I left Purwokerto and traveled by land to Jakarta to catch my international flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). The journey took about 6-8 hours, and while I tried to stay relaxed by listening to music and checking my travel documents, I spent most of the trip sleeping. I get motion sickness easily, so I used this opportunity to rest and recharge before the long journey to the Philippines.

   Once I arrived in Jakarta, I headed straight to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, ready for my international flight to the Philippines.
   
   
2. Flight from Jakarta to Manila
   
   
   
   
   
   After checking in and passing through immigration at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, I prepared for my international flight with Philippine Airlines to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila.

   The flight lasted about four hours. While onboard, I tried to sleep, but my curiosity about the Philippines kept me awake. I found myself looking out the window from time to time, taking in the vast sky and clouds. Philippine Airlines also provided meals during the flight, which helped me refuel before landing in Manila.

   When the plane finally touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, I was filled with excitement. I had officially arrived in the Philippines
   
   
3. Transit in Manila: Ninoy Aquino International Airport
   Stepping out of the plane, I immediately noticed a different atmosphere from Indonesia. Ninoy Aquino International Airport was bustling with travelers from various countries.
   
   Since I had to catch another flight to Laoag, I quickly made my way to the domestic terminal. While waiting for my next flight, I took the time to explore some of the airport’s souvenir shops and observe the busy environment around me.
   
   
4. Flight from Manila to Laoag
   
   My next flight was from Manila to Laoag International Airport (LAO), again with Philippine Airlines. This flight was much shorter than the previous one, lasting only about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

   At this point, I was feeling even closer to my final destination. Throughout the flight, I imagined what life at Mariano Marcos State University would be like and how it would feel to teach in a foreign country.

   After a short but exciting flight, the plane finally landed safely at Laoag International Airport
   
   
5. Journey from Laoag to Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)
   
   As I stepped out of the airport, I was welcomed by warm air and a landscape that looked quite different from Indonesia. Waiting for me at the airport were Prof. Fe Erlinda Ibalio and Prof. Jeanette G. Dials from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), who had kindly come to pick me up.
   
   
   
   
   
   

The journey from Laoag to MMSU wasn’t too far. Along the way, I noticed jeepneys and tricycles, the traditional modes of transportation in the Philippines that I had never seen in Indonesia. The unique architecture of the buildings also caught my attention, making me even more excited to explore this new place.

Upon arriving at Mariano Marcos State University, I received a warm welcome from the university staff. By chance, I even met the Dean of the College of Teacher Education, Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal. He was incredibly kind and greeted us warmly, making me feel truly valued as a guest.

After a long journey from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto to MMSU, I finally settled into my accommodation at MMSU CTE Magnolia Dormitory. This gave me a chance to rest and prepare myself for the challenges ahead: teaching in a new environment, embracing Filipino culture, and embarking on an unforgettable international experience.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT LABORATORY HIGH SCHOOL

After a long journey and a week of adaptation in a new environment, the moment I had been eagerly waiting for in the SEA Teacher Batch 10.2 program finally arrived. Teaching in class! I had the opportunity to teach General Biology, specifically Protein Synthesis, to Grade 11 STEM students at Laboratory High School, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

First Day of Teaching in Class: Excited and Nervous

Before entering the classroom, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was my first time teaching in a foreign country, with students whose native language was different from mine. I kept wondering "Will they understand my teaching? Will they be active in class?"

As I stepped into the classroom, I was greeted with smiles and warm welcomes from the students. They seemed friendly and enthusiastic, which boosted my confidence to start the lesson. As an introduction, I introduced myself and started the class with an ice-breaking activity to help the students focus and avoid boredom.

Teaching Methods Used

Since this was a STEM class (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the students already had a strong foundation in biology. Therefore, I adapted my teaching methods to be more interactive and applicable. Here are some methods I used:

• Discovery Learning
  I challenged students with questions like, “Why does our body produce protein?” This encouraged them to think critically and express their opinions.
• Classroom Discussion
  I divided the students into small groups to discuss cellular respiration and how this process occurs in the human body.
• Visual Demonstration
  To explain DNA structure and replication, I used animation videos to help them grasp abstract concepts more easily.

Challenges and Surprises in the Classroom 🤯

Of course, this teaching experience did not always go smoothly. I faced several challenges, such as:

• Differences in Accent and Vocabulary
  Although the instruction language was English, some students were unfamiliar with certain terms due to accent and pronunciation differences. I learned to speak clearly and slowly and use pictures and hand gestures to clarify concepts.
  
  
• Encouraging Student Participation
  Not all students were active in discussions. Some of them were shy to speak up. To address this, I used the think-pair-share method, where they discussed with their seatmates before sharing their answers with the class.

However, I also had some pleasant surprises during my teaching experience:

• Students Were Very Respectful and Enthusiastic
  They always listened attentively, took notes on key points, and were not afraid to ask questions if something was unclear.
  
  
• A Fun Classroom Atmosphere
  I found that Filipino students have a great sense of humor. They often responded to lessons in a light-hearted and fun way, making the classroom feel more lively.

Reflection: What Did I Learn?

Teaching at Laboratory High School, MMSU has been an incredibly valuable experience for me. From this experience, I learned that teaching is not just about delivering material but also about building connections with students. With a more personal and interactive approach, students can understand concepts more easily and feel more comfortable in the learning process.

Additionally, I realized the importance of flexibility in teaching. Every class has a different dynamic, so I must be able to adjust my teaching methods to suit the students’ needs.

From preparing for my demo teaching to actually conducting it, I received great support from my amazing resource teacher, Prof. Elsie R. Marcelino. She guided me through the preparation process, helped me create a lesson plan, and gave valuable advice at every step. She is truly inspiring, and I now see her as my role model.

I also cannot forget my fellow student interns from MMSU CTE Frances, Katherine, and Vincent who were always there to help and support me during the preparation of my lesson plan.

 

DemoTeaching in Grade 11 STEM A

 
DemoTeaching in Grade 11 STEM B

SATURDAY ADVENTURES : EXPLORING THE BEAUTY OF ILOCOS NORTE AND BEYOND

During my SEA Teacher Batch 10.2 experience, my friends and I made the most of our weekends by exploring the beautiful places of Ilocos Norte and its surroundings. Every Saturday became an adventure-filled day, from breathtaking beaches and historical sites to unique destinations that can only be found in the Philippines.

What made these trips even more special was that I wasn't alone! I traveled with fellow SEA Teacher participants from different universities. From Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, there were Aya and Kuntum, from Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta, there were Arjun and Fifi and from Universitas Nusa Cendana, there were Sindy, Derrel, El, Thrisman, and Richard. They were all incredibly fun and lively, making every trip even more enjoyable.

Honestly, this past month has been filled with so much laughter because of them! Especially Derrel, whose strong NTT (East Nusa Tenggara) accent and expressions always made us burst out laughing. They were loud and hilarious, but that’s exactly what made each journey more exciting and memorable.

Pagudpud Beach

A Tropical Paradise in Northern Philippines
One of the highlights of our travels was Pagudpud Beach, a stunning white-sand beach with crystal-clear blue waters, often called the "Boracay of the North." We played in the water, enjoyed fresh coconut drinks, and took plenty of photos at picturesque spots. It truly felt like a vacation after a week of teaching.

Bangui Windmills

Giant Turbines by the Sea

We also visited the Bangui Windmills, a row of massive wind turbines standing tall along the shoreline. The view was incredibly unique, a combination of black sand beaches, blue ocean waves, and towering windmills. It was amazing to witness such a beautiful blend of nature and renewable energy technology.

Military Camp (I forgot the name, but it was awesome!)

We also visited a military camp, which turned out to be a surprisingly interesting experience. There, we saw various military equipment, armored vehicles, and learned about the history of the Philippine armed forces. I even got to touch some of the military tanks and witness how the soldiers trained, it was an eye-opening visit

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

Exploring a Historic Beacon
Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, a Spanish-era lighthouse still in operation today, was another fascinating stop. Perched on a hill, it offered a panoramic view of the vast ocean and lush green hills. Climbing up to the top was quite an experience, the strong winds made it a bit challenging, but the breathtaking scenery made it all worthwhile.

18 North Cafe

Our Favorite Hangout Spot in Laoag
After tiring yet exciting trips, we often stopped by 18 North Cafe, one of our favorite hangout spots in Laoag City. The cozy atmosphere, delicious food, and refreshing coffee made it the perfect place to relax. My personal favorites were the Iced Spanish Latte and their creamy pasta. It became our go-to place for casual conversations and winding down after our weekend adventures.

Vigan

A Spanish Colonial Gem

One of the most unforgettable trips was to Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Some of the places we visited included:

• Calle Crisologo – A charming cobblestone street lined with historic Spanish-era buildings.
• Hidden Garden – A lush green garden featuring a restaurant serving authentic Ilocano dishes.
• Museo Nacional Vigan – A museum showcasing the rich history of the Philippines.
• President Elpidio Quirino’s House – The childhood home of the sixth president of the Philippines, now a museum.

Walking through Vigan felt like stepping back in time—with horse-drawn carriages, colonial-style houses, and an old-world atmosphere that was simply magical.

Festivals Everywhere

February is a Month of Celebrations!

Apart from exploring tourist spots, we were also lucky to witness several vibrant festivals in Ilocos Norte. From Pamulinawen Festival and Tan-ok Festival to the lively Valentine’s Day celebrations, February was a month full of fun and excitement!

One of the most special moments was witnessing the opening of SCUAA-1 and PASUC-1, major university sports events in the Philippines. Since MMSU was the host, we got front-row seats to the grand parade of athletes, cultural performances, and even a spectacular fireworks display.

Final Thoughts

Every Saturday Was a New Adventure!

Weekend trips became an essential part of my SEA Teacher experience in Ilocos Norte. I’m beyond grateful to have visited so many incredible places, learned about new cultures, and immersed myself in the Filipino way of life.

But more than the places, what I treasure the most is the bond I built with my fellow SEA Teachers. These journeys were not just about sightseeing but about the friendships and laughter we shared along the way. I will never forget the fun, the jokes, and all the unforgettable memories we created together.

If I ever get the chance to return to the Philippines, I would love to explore even more places of course, with the same amazing group of friends.

FAREWELL PARTY: A HEARTFELT GOODBYE - FEBRUARY 28, 2025

After nearly a month of incredible experiences, cultural exchanges, and building deep connections, the time finally came for the SEA Teacher Batch 10.2 Farewell Party. This event marked our last gathering before returning to our respective countries. With cultural performances from both Indonesia and the Philippines, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, emotions, and unforgettable memories that we will always cherish.

Cultural Performances: A Beautiful Blend of Indonesia & the Philippines

One of the most memorable moments of the event was the cultural performances from each country. We wanted to give something special to commemorate our journey in the Philippines while celebrating the cultural diversity we had embraced.

Performances from Indonesia

As representatives of Indonesia, we performed traditional dances and regional games from Java, which we had prepared for days. We also sang Indonesian folk songs, bringing warmth to the event. Wearing batik and traditional outfits, we made sure the moment felt extra special.

Performances from the Philippines

What impressed me the most was the musical performance from our Filipino friends. They showcased their skills in playing the guitar and mandolin, performing a beautiful Filipino song. Although I didn’t know the title, its melody was so touching that it created a warm and heartfelt atmosphere during the farewell.

Every performance truly showed how culture can bring people together, no matter where they come from.

Emotional Farewell Messages

After the performances, the most emotional part of the event took place the farewell speeches.

The event was attended not only by SEA Teacher participants but also by the MMSU SEA Teacher organizers, resource teachers, buddies, and our fellow student teachers from MMSU CTE, who had all played a significant role in our journey. The mentors and professors from MMSU gave us encouraging words and wishes, hoping that our connections would not end here.

As SEA Teachers, we also expressed our deep gratitude:

• To Ma’am Fe, Ma’am Jeanette, and Sir Mark, who took such good care of us.
• To our mentors and resource teachers, especially Prof. Elsie R. Marcelino, who guided us with patience and dedication.
• To our buddies and friends from MMSU CTE, who were always there to support us in Laoag.
• And of course, to our fellow SEA Teachers from Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta and Universitas Nusa Cendana, who became more than just friends, they became family.

Hearing all the farewell messages was a mix of happiness and sadness. We were happy to have shared such a wonderful event, but also heartbroken that we had to part ways with people who had become so close to us.

Many of us couldn’t hold back our tears, especially as we started saying our final goodbyes. Over the past month, we weren’t just teaching in a foreign country, we were building bonds and lifelong friendships.

Parting with Laughter & Togetherness

To lighten the emotional mood, the event continued with a dance and karaoke session! We all got up on stage, danced to upbeat songs, and enjoyed our final moments together in the program.

The most entertaining part was, of course, the hilarious antics of our SEA Teacher friends, especially Derrel, whose expressions and strong NTT accent never failed to make us laugh. Even though this was a farewell, the atmosphere remained joyful, as we all knew how precious these moments were.

Farewell Massage: See You Again, Not Goodbye

As the event finally came to an end, we all realized one thing: this is not the end, it’s just the beginning of something greater.

To my fellow SEA Teacher Aya, Kuntum, Sindy, Fifi, Arjun, Derrel, Richard, El, Thrisman

Thank you for being a part of this journey. The laughter, stories, and moments we shared will never be forgotten. We may come from different backgrounds, but this experience has connected us forever. Never stop chasing your dreams, and hopefully, one day, we will reunite in an even bigger opportunity!

We left with hearts full of memories and gratitude. Even though saying goodbye was hard, we knew that our experiences in Ilocos Norte would forever be an irreplaceable part of our lives.

Thank you, SEA Teacher Batch 10.2! Thank you, MMSU! Thank you, Ilocos Norte! 🇮🇩❤️🇵🇭

With Love

Ayun