Reflections on Teaching Practice in Indonesia

As I reflect on my teaching practice in Indonesia, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to immerse myself in a new and vibrant culture. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to grow as an educator in ways I never imagined.

Perhaps the most notable of my experiences in Indonesia is the strong sense of community and collaboration that I observed at my school placement. My interactions with local teachers and staff have provided me insights into the Indonesian education system, and the collaboration has been nothing short of supportive which was very much needed to help me cope with the many teaching challenges, that come with working in a foreign country. My experiences in Indonesia taught me that I need to be more adaptable and creative in the classroom. English comprehension levels for most students at my school is extremely low, and because of this, I have had to employ many methods to grab their attention. I have learned that I can assist all of my students by blending the local culture and technology into my lessons.

The cultural excursions that I undertook outside class allowed me to learn about and appreciate the Indonesian's cultures and traditions. Such cultural interaction as visiting students in their market places, observing local dances, and taking part in communal activities has contributed much to my own understanding of other cultures. Concerning the past, I do have strong feelings that the trip to Indonesia greatly influenced both my personal and professional aspects of life. I have become the person and professional I am because of that precious time spent in that lovely country.

In conclusion, this trip has been life transforming in many ways, and now I look forward to every new challenge and opportunity that emerges in my path as a teacher living in this motivational and fast-paced country.