What was the most memorable trip you took in Indonesia?
Oh, that’s a tough one! Every place I visited had something special, but if I had to choose, it would be Prambanan Temple. It was just mesmerizing to see those towering structures, and to think that they were built in the 9th century CE—it's just crazy! What made it even more interesting was the story behind the temple, which is connected to courtship. Learning about its history while standing right in front of it felt surreal. It was insanely hot when we visited, but honestly, it was so worth it. My eyes were filled with breathtaking views, and the whole experience was unforgettable!
Did you experience any culture shock?
Absolutely! One of the biggest things that surprised me was that the place is dominated by Muslim communities with Islamic beliefs. So, if you’re wondering—yes, I didn’t eat pork for a whole month! Another thing I noticed was the absence of stray dogs in the streets as it is 'haram' or forbidden; instead, you’d see lots of cats roaming around. And one of the most distinct experiences was hearing the Adhan (the call to prayer) five times a day—it was a beautiful reminder of how deeply rooted faith is in their daily lives. The people, though, are some of the kindest I’ve ever met. They were so welcoming and helpful which helped me to adjust easier. But the language barrier was real! Even though English is a universal language, many locals struggled with it. Thankfully, our buddies were there to help as our translators, and honestly, I don’t know how we would’ve survived without them! Now, let’s talk about food—because I’m here to falsify the notion that all Indonesian food is spicy. That’s not true! You can actually request non-spicy food by simply saying “tidak pedas” (not spicy) to vendors or sellers. So, if you’re not into spicy food, don’t worry—you’ll still have plenty of options! As for clothing, I also want to debunk the idea that you should wear pants or pajamas all the time. No! Even Indonesians wear shorts when they go outside—the only thing is, the length is usually up to the knees. The belief that you need to be fully covered applies mostly when visiting sacred places like temples or mosques, where it’s expected to wear modest clothing like pants or long sleeves (especially for women). Overall, the cultural differences were fascinating, and instead of feeling out of place, I embraced them.
What was the best food you tried?
Oh, this one is easy—Nasi Goreng (fried rice) stole my heart! But honestly, everything I tried was delicious. Indonesian food has this perfect balance of flavors—spicy, sweet, and savory all at once. And let’s not forget martabak—a thick, fluffy pancake filled with chocolate, cheese or combination. My taste buds were living their best life!
How different was the classroom experience from what you're used to?
It was really eye-opening! The students were super engaged and respectful, and I noticed that they valued learning in a way that felt a little different from back home. Of course, there were some struggles, like the language barrier, short attention span, and adjusting to different teaching methods, but these are all normal because these students are still learning and growing. Once I learned how to adapt and connect with them better, teaching became a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. In the end, it was an opportunity that made me a better educator, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
What was the biggest lesson you learned during your exchange?
That stepping out of your comfort zone is where the real magic happens. From trying unfamiliar food to adjusting to a new teaching environment, every challenge helped me grow. I learned to appreciate different perspectives, adapt to new situations, and most importantly, enjoy the journey rather than stressing over the unknown.
Would you do it all over again?
In a heartbeat! The experiences, friendships, and lessons I gained are priceless. If you're ever given the chance to participate in the SEA Pre-service Student Teacher Exchange Program, take it! Beyond improving my teaching skills, this program opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural exchange, adaptability, and global collaboration. I also learned to appreciate the little things—like the joy of sharing food with new friends, the warmth of a simple smile from a student, and the excitement of stepping into a classroom where learning happens in ways I never imagined. Most importantly, I realized that no matter where you are in the world, education has the power to bring people together. It wasn’t always easy, but every challenge was worth it. This program didn’t just shape me as a teacher—it changed me as a person. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.