Joining The SEA-Teacher Project

Hello everyone! This time I would like to share my experience in joining the SEA-Teacher project. But, firstly, let me explain what SEA-Teacher Project is.

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. Based on the SEAMEO seven priority areas for the eleven SEAMEO Member countries to work together to improve the quality of education in Southeast Asia, “Revitalizing Teacher Education” is one of the priority areas in building and strengthening capacity of teachers in the region. The exchange is preferably for 4th year students whose major are in math, science, English and pre-school. The duration is for one month and based on the mechanism of cost sharing basis. Students’ roles and responsibilities are assigned weekly during the one month period (observe, assist in teaching, teach and reflect). Moreover, the host universities will provide mentors to supervise and monitor the students throughout the practicum period. The objectives of the project are to enable pre-service student teachers to develop their teaching skills and pedagogy, to encourage the pre-service student teachers to practice their English skills, and to allow the pre-service student teachers to gain a broader regional and world view.

Above are some short informations about the SEA-Teacher project. 

But, how can I be chosen as one of the delegations to be able to join this exchange program ? Well, It’s a long story.

It was all started when I registered myself to join one different exchange program. I put a lot of effort in it, but, unfortunately, the program was cancelled and my university will not be sending any delegation to that program. At first, I was a little bit disappointed hearing this news, because I felt like I lost my chance to study abroad. But, the next day one of my lecturer, Ms. Agita, told me that there will be another exchange program. She asked me and my other friends who were also about to join the previous program to keep focus on preparing ourselves to join the next program.

Not long after that, the official announcement of The SEA-Teacher Project Batch 6 was shared through my university’s international office instagram account. I was so excited yet anxious about it. I felt excited because the chance for me to be able to study abroad was widely open (again). But, what makes me anxious was the time of the registration which was really short. So, I have to prepare everything really quickly including the administration files. Fortunately, the requirements were not so much different from the previous program which was cancelled. So, I only had to adjust it a little bit.

I successfully passed the administration test, and moving on to the interview test. I did my best during the interview, because I just didn't want to lose another chance again. After putting such a huge effort and continuous pray, alhamdullillah here I am.…being one of the four chosen students that will become my university’s delegations in this SEA-Teacher Project Batch 6. There are only four students chosen out of fifteen students and I am so grateful for it. Later on, I will be given a chance to develop my teaching skill, practice my English skills, and gain a broader world view.

Me and one of my friend will be in Thailand, while the other two will be in Philipines. I think that's all for this time, pals. I’ll see you in Thailand!