Finding Myself Through the SEA Teacher Journey in the Philippines

 

Hello! Welcome to my blog!

So, this is me trying to put my journey into words.

This blog is where I share my experience as a participant in the SEA Teacher Program Batch 11 in the Philippines. Honestly, it started as just a program I joined, but along the way, it slowly became something much more personal.

I found myself learning in ways I never expected through unfamiliar places, new people, cultural differences, moments of doubt, and quiet nights of reflection. Some days were exciting, some were overwhelming, but each day taught me something, not only about the world outside, but also about myself.

About Me

My name is Siti Sabariah. I am currently a third-year student at Universitas Jambi, majoring in English Education. I’ve always believed that learning doesn’t only happen inside classrooms, it happens through experiences, conversations, and moments that slowly change the way we see ourselves and the world.

Joining the SEA Teacher Program in the Philippines was one of the biggest steps I’ve taken outside my comfort zone. What started as an academic opportunity soon turned into a deeply personal journey. Living and learning in a new country pushed me to adapt, reflect, and grow in ways I had never imagined. Before leaving Indonesia, my feelings were mixed. I was excited because this was an opportunity I had been waiting for, but at the same time, I felt scared. Teaching abroad felt like something big and unfamiliar, and I was not fully sure whether I was ready for it.

One of the most important preparations was academic readiness, especially microteaching. I practiced lesson planning, teaching demonstrations, and classroom delivery. Even though it was just practice, I often felt nervous. I kept thinking about how it would feel to stand in front of real students in a real classroom. At that time, self-doubt came easily. I questioned my ability to teach and worried about making mistakes. However, looking back, this phase was not only about preparing teaching materials. It was also about preparing myself mentally learning to face fear and slowly trust my own ability.

What Is the SEA Teacher Program?

   

Before I go further into my stories, I think it’s important to share a little about what the SEA Teacher Program actually is.

The SEA Teacher Program is an international exchange program designed for pre-service teachers from Southeast Asia. It gives students the opportunity to experience teaching and learning in another country, while also immersing themselves in a different culture and education system. For me, the program was not only about academic practice or fulfilling university requirements. It was about stepping into a new environment, learning to adapt, and understanding education from a broader perspective. Living and participating in the program in the Philippines, particularly at University of Batangas Lipa City, allowed me to interact with new people, observe different ways of learning, and grow beyond what I had known before.

Through the SEA Teacher Program, I learned that education is not limited by borders. It is shaped by culture, values, and human connections. And in that process, I found myself learning just as much as I was expected to contribute.

First Impression in the Philippines

 

My first impression of the Philippines was very pleasant. The weather was nice, warm but comfortable, and it made the days feel calm. Food was everywhere, served in generous portions, and tasted really good. It quickly became one of the things I enjoyed the most during my stay.

What stood out the most was the people. Filipinos are extremely hospitable. Almost everyone we met greeted us warmly, smiled sincerely, and made us feel welcome. From the first day, I felt accepted and comfortable, even though I was in a new country.

There were cultural differences, but they felt interesting rather than overwhelming. Simple daily interactions showed how kind and respectful people were. These differences helped me understand that living and teaching abroad is not only about adapting, but also about appreciating new ways of life.

Teaching in a Real Classroom

 

Teaching in a real classroom was one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I taught Grade 10 junior high school students, and they were smart, active, and very friendly. The classroom atmosphere was lively, and students were not afraid to express their ideas or participate in discussions. I used a student-centered approach, where students were encouraged to be more active in the learning process. Instead of giving direct answers, I guided them to think, discuss, and solve problems on their own. Seeing students engage and respond confidently made the classroom feel alive.

However, teaching was not without challenges. Since this was my first time teaching real students, I felt nervous and lacked confidence at the beginning. I was afraid of making mistakes and unsure of myself. But day by day, I learned a lot from my mentors, my cooperating teacher, and even from the students themselves. Their support helped me grow more comfortable and confident in front of the class. After several days of observation, I noticed that my cooperating teacher managed the class using engaging activities and motivation. Inspired by this, I made sure that during my local and final teaching demonstrations, I included interactive activities such as games and used varied learning media. These strategies helped create a fun and engaging learning environment.

Life Outside the Classroom

Life in the Philippines was not only about teaching. During my one-month stay, I lived with two mentors whom we called “Nanay,” which means “mother.” Living with them allowed me to experience Filipino culture in a very personal way. Through daily conversations, I learned about their history, habits, and traditions, while also sharing stories about Indonesian culture.

Food became an important part of my daily life. On our first day in the Philippines, we tried Jollibee, which I had often seen on social media. I also discovered my love for ampalaya. Before this, I disliked bitter melon, but after trying it in the Philippines, I found that it was not bitter at all and actually very delicious. Other foods like sinigang, pancit, and many more became part of my routine.

            

The University of Batangas Lipa City, also organized many activities beyond teaching. We joined a CEAS tour to Zambales, where we enjoyed the beautiful scenery while learning about local history. We also participated in a baking class, where we learned how to make cookies. In Lobo, we experienced the warmth of the local community, visited a clear river near the mountains, and saw how hospitable the people were. 

Through this program, I gained friendships that made my journey even more meaningful. 

I met people who accompanied me, explored with me, and shared moments filled with love, culture, food, laughter, and togetherness.

One of the most memorable moments was the Cultural Night, which also served as a farewell event. On that night, we had the opportunity to introduce Indonesian culture by performing a traditional dance from Jambi. Standing of the people, sharing a part of my culture, felt meaningful and emotional. It was a moment where cultures met through music, movement, and shared appreciation.

As the farewell approached, the atmosphere became emotional. Saying goodbye to everyone was not easy. In such a short time, they had become part of my daily life. That night made me realize how deeply this journey had touched my heart, and how difficult it was to leave a place that once felt unfamiliar, but slowly became a second home.

What This Journey Taught Me

Before joining the SEA Teacher Program, I truly believed that I would not be able to become a teacher in the future. I underestimated my ability and doubted myself, especially because I am an introverted person. However, after teaching in a real classroom, my perspective changed. I felt something warm and meaningful when interacting with students and other teachers. Teaching no longer felt scary, it felt purposeful. Even though I was nervous, once I stood in front of the students, many of my fears slowly disappeared.

This journey taught me that fear does not define my ability. Confidence grows through experience, self-belief, and support from others. My mentors, cooperating teacher, and students helped shape me into someone who become more confident and braver. Through this experience, I began to see myself as a future teacher. I learned that being a teacher is not about being perfect, but about being present, willing to learn, and caring for students. This journey helped me find my identity, my values, and my belief in myself.

This journey may have ended, but what it gave me will stay with me for a long time. The memories and lessons will always be part of who I am.