Sea Teacher Batch XI
SEA Teacher in the Philippines: 28 Days of Learning, Teaching, and Cultural Exchange
Welcome to a story of 28 days that changed the way I see teaching, learning, and the world.
As part of the SEA Teacher Program in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to step beyond familiar spaces and begin a journey filled with new experiences, challenges, and meaningful connections at Mariano Marcos State University.
This journey was not only about standing in front of a classroom as a teacher, but also about becoming a learner in a completely new environment. Every lesson taught, every conversation shared, and every place explored became part of a deeper understanding that education is not confined to classrooms, but lives within cultures, experiences, and human connections.
Through this blog, I invite you to walk through my journey one that reflects growth, cultural exchange, and the realization that being a teacher also means being a lifelong learner.
About Sea Teacher Program
The SEA Teacher Program, officially known as the Student Academic Mobility Program of SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization), is an international initiative that provides opportunities for pre-service teachers to gain teaching experience in different countries across Southeast Asia. This program is designed to enhance teaching competencies, cultural understanding, and global perspectives among future educators.
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At the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, this program is carried out in collaboration with several partner universities in Southeast Asia. Through this partnership, selected student teachers are given the opportunity to conduct their teaching practicum abroad while experiencing different educational systems and environments.
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In this batch XI, a total of 12 students from Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto were selected to participate in the program, consisting of 11 students from the English Education Department and 1 student from the Primary School Teacher Education Department. We were then divided into several groups and assigned to different universities across the Philippines.
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As for my group, we were a team of four students who were assigned to Mariano Marcos State University. Being part of this group was a meaningful experience, as we supported one another while adapting to a new environment, culture, and educational system.
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For me, being part of the SEA Teacher Program was more than just an academic opportunity. It was a journey that challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, face my fears, and grow both personally and professionally. From the very beginning, I knew that this experience would not only shape me as a future teacher, but also as an individual who is more open to the world and its diversity.
