One Month Worth A Lifetime

 One Month Worth A Lifetime

A Brief Narration of a SEA Teacher Program Student-Teacher 

Indonesia - Philippines

Hi, I'm Alkarintsi Dzulwantiana, you may know me as Karin, a student of Universitas Sriwijaya in English Education Program. and I present you, a mini blog

Going abroad and learning English was few of the many dreams that I have been having on my bucket list since i was in Elementary school, and having the opportunity many years later made me always so grateful that God never stopped on giving me good things in life and to make me appreciate it even more.

I always loved the idea of experiencing new things, especially if i can give back on the get-go, and being a participant of SEA Teacher program as a student-teacher really made me view the world in a broader perspective. If it wasn't for the program, I wouldn't know about the integrity of Philippine Normal University. Sometimes, only seeing AND experiencing it ourselves made a really huge difference.

Since I experienced a dozen of stuff there, how about dividing them into chapters? that way, it will be easier to look for, right? here we go!

-Beginning of It All-

How my heart beats when the date hits October 8th and I went to the airport with my mom, and met my friends and lecturers there due to it being my first time ever experiencing an airplane flight! We had a long flight which is Palembang - Jakarta - Hongkong - Manila and even from the start, I am excited to see what will happen next!

-Arrival-

Upon arriving, we arrived at Manila International Airport at 9 pm and being greeted by Ma'am Dhana, a teacher and professor from PNU's Early Childhood Major, also someone that will be our co-supervisor while we are in Manila. We take some currency from the ATM (first time seeing the Peso currency!) and waited for PNU's van to pick us up. 

Then the van took us to the university we are having an exchange with, Philippine Normal University. we were being greeted by Ma'am Victoria Delos Santos, a professor from PNU, major in Environmental Science. Both Ma'am Vicky and Ma'am Dhana took us around the town that day, ride a jeepney, showing us SM Mall and eat at Jollibee!

-Our Place of Stay-

We were told that we will be staying at PNU hostel, but for our first three days, we will be staying at Santa Isabel College's dorm, due to the rooms in PNU hostel still fully booked, and i don't really mind! it's still a new experience and i get to see new places. Our room is pink too (I feel like a Barbie and i love it). Probably a bit of a culture shock because I'm a muslim and we get to experience living in a christian college dormitory. 

But nonetheless, after three days there, we are finally brought to PNU hostel, and get divided into 3 rooms. The boys having room 406, Faiza and Salsa having room 307, then me and Kinan having room 308. Us -the girls- choosed our roommate in the most fair way possible (hompimpa style) (but we of course don't mind about who we will be roommates with).

-Philippine Normal University-

The next day, after our arrival, a few ladies and gentlemen from PNU's English Education major came to pick us up from Santa Isabel, they are giving us a tour around PNU and gave us a brief history about the campus. The Philippine Normal University (PNU) is a premier institution dedicated to teacher education in the Philippines. Established on December 1, 1901, the university was initially known as the Philippine Normal School. Its founding aimed to address the need for trained educators in the rapidly evolving education system following the American colonial period.

PNU played a crucial role in shaping the teaching profession in the country, offering programs that focused on pedagogy and various academic disciplines. Over the years, it became known for producing highly qualified teachers who contribute significantly to the Philippine educational landscape.

In 1991, the institution was granted university status and was renamed the Philippine Normal University, reflecting its broader educational mandate and commitment to excellence in teacher education. The university has since expanded its programs to include graduate studies, research, and community service, further enhancing its role in the development of the country's educational system.

Today, PNU is recognized as the National Center for Teacher Education, known for its innovative teaching methods, research initiatives, and commitment to improving the quality of education in the Philippines. Its alumni include influential educators, policymakers, and leaders who have made significant contributions to various sectors.

We had the opportunity to meet up with Mr. Bryan C. Bayuta, the director of PNU the very next day, to be welcomed right at his office.

- Class Observation-

Upon being given a tour around the campus, we are also brought to some of PNU's controlled class to observe them. Namely grade three, and grade eight. It was such a sudden move too because in the first second, we just got around campus to have a tour, then suddenly we are told to observe. It was fun though, because there are already student-teachers practicing in the classroom, and we get to immediately experience what it's like viewing one of the classrooms in the Philippines.

But, since PNU's semester is going to end, we are told that we will be observing and teaching the classes from a public school that has an association with PNU, Araullo High School. It's not too far from our hostel, so we can go there by foot. Upon arriving, we are immediately assigned with our supervising teachers and classes. 

I get to observe grade 10 in there. Namely 5 classes starting from 6.00 am to 10.45 am. It's a pretty shocking news for me because in Indonesia, 6.00 am is still too early to start a class. The classes names are Rousseau, Newton, Descartes, Aquinas and Weber. But I thought that I will be the one who would have to walk from class to class.

-The People I Met-

 To show that these are the people that I met in a daily basis after my assignment in Araullo High School. First off is my supervising teacher, Miss Adeline Tejada. My first impression about her is that I immediately think that I am in good hands, because she is a very charismatic woman and by the way she acts, i can tell that her students listens to her. My thought is immediately validated when I entered my first class on Thursday, October 17th. Whenever her voice resonates through the class, the previously loud students will became quiet, and she handles students like her own children but also still strictly professional. She showed care and I can see that she prioritizes her students and their educational process very much.

Another person that I need to mention is Louiella Magbanua, a student-teacher from PNU who has her final practice teaching in Araullo High School under Miss Tejada's supervision. My first ever observation is in a class that she teaches, and I admire the way she teaches and how she bond with the students, especially since she is still so young, she knows what's up with the newer generations. She also helps me with a lot of things, answer my questions, and treats me nicely. When I'm the one having to teach the classes, she's the one that will help me control the students, because I can't speak Tagalog, and sometimes the students don't understand English, therefore the language barrier. With that, she will tell them in Tagalog the things that I just said.

Then I won't forget also the 5 classes that I've teach! two of them are special science classes, and three of them are just regular classes, but I get just the same treatment by all of them! Everyone is so nice, and well-even though still acting like how teenagers would- still so respectful. Some of them even asked me a lot of questions regarding Indonesia.

-Teaching Experience- 

Ma'am Tejada didn't assign me in too many lesson hours due to having Louiella around, but when I finally have the opportunity to teach, it is such a new experience, due to me having to constantly speak in English all the time. My subject was about the usage of passive voice in present perfect test. I was afraid that I may not deliver the lesson well but thankfully all the classes are so obedient, they paid attention to my class, did the assignments and behaved nicely in the classroom.

For my final demo, I teach Descartes class, with the lesson being "Modal Verbs in Language of Campaign". I have my demo on the same day with all of my SEA Teacher friends, November 4th. It does make me kind of nervous because a well-known English professor from PNU, Ma'am Felicidad Corenna Brono will be grading my teaching, but I always remembered that I am there to give English lessons to the students, therefore I just enjoy and teach as effectively as possible. (I can't even have a picture with Descartes after the class, so I went back the next day just to take a picture with them!)

-Places That I Go To-

Being in a new country meaning that we never know anything about the places there. Well, atleast for me. At the time, I don't know anything about the Philippines, but the Program have cultural studies in which we are able to visit popular tourist spots when we have the time.

October 12th, with our supervisor from Universitas Sriwijaya, Ma'am Rita Inderawati, Ma'am Vicky and Ma'am Dhana took us to Intramuros. They tell us a brief history about the place. Intramuros, known as the "Walled City," is a historic district in Manila, Philippines, rich in colonial history. Established by the Spanish in 1571, it served as the administrative and religious center of the Spanish colonial government. The name "Intramuros" comes from the Latin words for "within the walls," reflecting its fortified nature, designed to protect the city from external threats. Today, Intramuros stands as a cultural heritage site, attracting tourists and locals alike. It showcases the rich history of the Philippines and serves as a reminder of the country's colonial past, featuring museums, restored buildings, and vibrant plazas that celebrate its unique legacy.

On the same day too, we were taken to MOA or Mall of Asia, one of the largest mall in the entire Asia. Woah, it is big alright. it's like a mix of 6 malls that I know, combined into one.

Then on November 2nd, we are taken to Tagaytay, a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, known for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. Its history dates back to the pre-colonial period when it was inhabited by indigenous groups. The name "Tagaytay" is derived from the Tagalog word "tagay," which means "to drink," reflecting the area's early use as a stopover for travelers. Ma'am Vicky, Ma'am Dhana and Ma'am Cheers accompanied us along the way.

First of we are brought to admire the view of Nuvali lakeside in Santa Rosa. Our supervisors rented us a small motor boat for us to enjoy for 5 minuters across the lake. It was a short but fun ride since there are artificial wave that came towards our boat!

Then, we went to the Sky Ranch, a popular amusement park. It is a part of the larger SM Group, which aimed to enhance Tagaytay's appeal as a tourist destination. Designed to provide a mix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions, Sky Ranch features a variety of activities, some of the including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and zip lines, and many others. Sky Ranch also emphasizes its beautiful surroundings, incorporating the natural landscape into its design. The park’s location offers breathtaking views, making it a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the cooler Tagaytay climate. We record some pictures and videos and ride the viking pirate ship ride!

For lunch, we are brought to Jaytee's. Jaytee's is a well-known food establishment in the Philippines, particularly famous for its delicious and comforting dishes. also, the most dashing view that you could ever see can be witnessed while you eat there.

And at the end of the day, we are brought to Twin Lakes. One of the key features of Twin Lakes is the Twin Lakes Shopping Village, which offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The development also emphasizes green spaces and outdoor activities, aligning with Tagaytay's reputation as a refreshing getaway. It was no doubt one of the best places in Philippines to take pictures in, due to it's refreshing decorations!

Then on November 7th, our PNU friends brought us to Kyapo, a vibrant district in Manila, Philippines, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The area is named after the "kiapo" plant, which grew abundantly in the region during the Spanish colonial period. they brought us to a store in which sells beautiful and mezmerizing souvenirs that we could buy and take home. and after that, we take a stroll around Manila and watch the sunset together!

-Fun Facts that I Randomly Remember-

-One of the popular malls in Manila, which is SM Mall is quite literally our second home, because we always needed to buy groceries there to cook our food. we can always eat out, but we have to be careful due to us being Muslims, and Manila having a lot of pork-based food

-There are 3 days in total in which we are absent from school. Not because we're lazy, but because of the typhoon. I've never seen rain keep pouring cats and dogs nonstop for days, but well, now I have.

-There is one superstition regarding the torch statue in front of the PNU building, if the students there take a picture with the torch as a background, their graduation is likely to be postponed. Well, thank god we are students from Universitas Sriwijaya, so the superstition will not work on us.

-Impressions-

November 8th, 4 different airports never stopped me to feel awe. Did I just experience living in the Philippines for a month? i asked myself. The feeling of familiarity is still there. Still being in Southeast Asian made Manila almost feel the same like in Palembang, but obviously not all parts of it. Just walking around the city always made me say "I feel like i'm in Indonesia, but as a foreigner." Don't know if that sentence made sense or not. The most distinguishing difference is the food, of course, we need to be extra careful with the food that contains meat in it. and surely everyday is leg day because our school is not very far from our hostel, so i feel extra healthy this one month!

-Conclusion-

Reflecting on my one month-long journey as a participant in the SEA Teacher Program, I realize that this experience has been profoundly transformative. From the excitement of my first airplane flight to immersing myself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines, each moment has contributed to my personal and professional growth. 

Living and teaching in a new environment challenged me to adapt and embrace the unknown, allowing me to develop a broader perspective on education and cultural differences. The warm hospitality of my Filipino peers, the guidance of my supervising teachers, and the interactions with my students enriched my understanding of effective teaching practices and the importance of cultural sensitivity in education.

Exploring iconic sites like Intramuros, Tagaytay, and Twin Lakes deepened my appreciation for the Philippines' history and natural beauty. These experiences not only provided joy but also highlighted the significance of community and connection across cultures.

As I return home, I carry with me invaluable lessons, cherished memories, and a renewed passion for teaching. This journey has indeed been worth a lifetime, shaping me into a more compassionate and culturally aware educator ready to share my experiences and insights with others.

Obviously I can't include all of my specific experiences since there will be no ending to this blog if that happens, but I would like to thank everyone that has been the part of this journey with me. Thank you to Ma'am Vicky and Ma'am Dhana who always make sure that all our needs are fulfilled, Ma'am Rita and all crew that has been taking care of us pre-departure. our PNU buddies Aly, Yiella, Jaira, Mona and Dave. and my special thanks to Kinan, Faiza, Salsa, Rama and Akrom, the 5 SEA Teacher-Students who has become a companion throughout all this.

Salamat po!