A Glimpse of My Sea-Teacher Student Exchange Journey

Mabuhay! 

I'm Lia Kamilatun Nikmah, usually called Lia. I'm a student studying English, and I am now in my fourth year. Unexpectedly, in this fourth year, I got the opportunity to go abroad, namely to the Philippines to take part in this Sea Teacher program. At first, I was scared, because this was the first time I went abroad alone, without my parents. I am very grateful and thankful to my parents for allowing me to join this program, especially my mother, it might be very hard to let me live independently in another country because I am an only child. Thank you very much. With just one friend, Isna, we traveled together from Indonesia to the Philippines, both of us for the first time abroad, and neither of us knew each other before. We traveled for almost 1 full day; it was tiring but also fun.

Upon arrival in Manila then we continued our flight to Iloilo. Upon arrival in Iloilo, we were warmly welcomed by the Iloilo campus team, they were very kind and warm. A few days later we got the news that we were placed in the Miag-ao campus, a place that sounded unfamiliar to us. I didn't know what it would be like there, I was still scared. But thanks to our first buddies, Jenny and Honey. They approached us with a warm welcome. At first, I didn't realize that they were both from Miag-ao, but then I realized on the way to Miag-ao there were two of them in the car. Haha.

To make a long story short, we were already in the campus dormitory, accompanied by our dearest buddies every day. Every week there are new buddies, and we get to know many people here. Starting when we attended the opening, unexpectedly everyone seemed excited about our arrival, we were warmly welcomed, and every time we passed by campus people, they always greeted and smiled by saying “Good morning, afternoon, evening...” Hahaha. And maybe it surprised us a bit that people here are so friendly. And it made me miss Indonesia again, and the friendly people too.

Regardless, I'm enjoying my new life in Miag-ao, they're very kind and like family. Always asking us how we're doing, if we're comfortable, if there's anything we need or not, how you're doing, if you're okay, how your day is going. It touched my heart. They didn't let me feel strange in a foreign country. They are like a home to me. Ma'am Noeme, Ma'am Cate, Ma'am Salome, Ma'am Jureca, Ma'am Sheila, Sir Immanuel, Sir Jude, Manang Jenny, Manang Arnellie, Manang Don, Honey, Sheena, Ronave, Dhersh, Niki, all the student’s ambassador, and many more I can't mention one by one.

Day after day passed, until it was time for the Teaching Practice. The first time I entered the school they looked at me with astonished eyes, I knew they were probably thinking “Who is she, why is she dressed like that, where is she from?” But after a few meetings, thanks to Ma'am Sheila as my teacher supervisor, they finally became normal and friendly to me, like Filipinos in general. Haha. I will probably never forget that I was allowed to share knowledge about Islam at Miagao National High School (Senior High School). It was an amazing experience, which I never imagined before. Understanding differences, tolerance, and respect for each other despite the many differences in religion, culture, customs, and habits.

Time goes by so fast, I will miss the people of that school, Miagao National High School, so much. A place where I learned, grew, and understood the social differences of schools, the differences in curriculum and teaching methods, and so much more. It's quite different from Indonesia. And with that difference, I can take the positive side to apply when I later teach in Indonesia maybe.

Aside from teaching at school, we also had a tour of Iloilo City, from the north end to the south end of the city. There were many beautiful and historical places that we visited, we learned many things ranging from cultural diversity, history, characteristics, city icons, city beauty, and many more. Iloilo with its city warmth, made me want to stay longer. I will keep this story as a story full of warmth. And I hope this journey doesn't end here, I hope I can visit next time, though I don't know when. I will miss all of you in Iloilo very much, thank you for all the kindness and warmth you gave us, we will never forget it. I wish you all good health and happiness. Let's meet next time. See ya!