Reflection

The SEA Teacher Project or the “Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia” is a project that aims to provide opportunity for pre-service student teachers from universities in Southeast Asia to have teaching experiences (practicum) in schools in other countries in Southeast Asia. (SEAMEO Site)

I am one of the lucky participants of Capiz State University to join in this one of a kind opportunity, to teach and to experience of the other country. I was assigned by SEAMEO in Thailand particularly at Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. At first I doubt about it since it is far from the central part of Thailand and that province is not really known. But, after our journey at Nakhon Si Thammarat, I can say that all of our sacrifices were all paid off. Nakhon Si Thammarat, my home away from home.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University is my receiving University. It is a typical university that every college students would ever imagine. It is a very wide University that seems like there’s a community within the University. Together with me is a fellow Capsunian, a student-teacher in MMSU-Philippines, and one from Indonesia. NSTRU provided us with a pleasant accommodation. A simple orientation welcomed us in their University. Yes we’re not welcomed like how the way our University welcomed the inbound, but the ambiance of the environment and the people around us let us feel that we are not away from our home. It’s not just Pre-service teaching experience but also enculturation and it made my stay in Thailand perfect and memorable.

My first week in Thailand was not easy. It was difficult to adjust in their foods that almost burn out my tongue with their extreme spices, the people on how the way they communicate with us with their language that makes me feel I was like an alien to them, the signage that was all written in Thai and we’re having a hard to understand it, the behavior of the students that at first you will think they are all hyper, and their teaching practice that it feels like every day is a demonstration day. The following weeks seems so very fast. We’re now starting to adapt their culture but time flies very fast. We just savored our days in Thailand and enjoy every moments we have with our friends, co-teachers, and with my lovely students.

Through with this SEA Teacher Project I did not just experience how to go abroad but also I came to many realizations and learning that you can’t just get and learn inside the four corners of the classroom. First, first impression last. You must do good in every firsts steps you make. Every firsts is anchored with first impressions. Second, communication is not a hindrance to establish a good relationship with others. It is difficult to communicate with them, but through technology, life is easy. Third, respect each and every cultures they have. If they do things that we find weird, respect them because they will respect you back. Fourth, don’t teach the way you were taught because a teacher you need to adapt in every situations. Remember that a teacher is also an artist. Fifth, wherever you are and where ever you go, remember that you a teacher. That is our greatest power.