Crossing Borders, Collecting Lessons: My Seateacher Program Journey

First Step Beyond Home

The first time I went abroad, I realized that I was not only leaving my country, but also my comfort zone. Standing at the airport with a small suitcase and big expectations, I felt excited and afraid at the same time. I was about to join the SEA-Teacher exchange program, and deep inside I kept asking myself a simple question: Am I ready? I did not know then that this journey would become one of the most meaningful chapters of my life

Hello, my name is Nella Simanjuntak. I never imagined that one day I would go abroad to teach. Growing up, traveling to another country felt like a distant dream. But here I am participating in SEA-Teacher Program Batch 11 in the Philippines.

Through this program, I was given the opportunity not only to teach, but also to explore and fully immerse myself in a new culture. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my sending university, Universitas Jambi, and my receiving university, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), for making this life-changing experience possible 

Moments That Stayed With Me

One of the most memorable experiences during the exchange was my very first day of teaching. Walking into the classroom, seeing unfamiliar faces, and hearing a different language made my heart beat faster.

However, as the lesson began, something slowly changed. The students smiled, asked questions, and actively participated. At that moment, my fear faded, and I was reminded of why I chose education

Another meaningful moment was the opening ceremony at the College of Education. I was surprised to see how many people came to welcome us. I felt a little nervous at first, but everyone was incredibly kind and friendly, which made me feel comfortable and accepted. And I always remember the campus tour at DMMMSU–SLUC. 

I was accompanied by my buddies (Cristal, Melany and Catherine), who kindly showed me around the campus. They introduced me to the different colleges and facilities that support students’ academic lives. Exploring the campus made me feel welcomed and helped me understand the learning environment better.

One special memory was our dinner time with our buddy, Sir Alex. During dinner, we shared many stories about culture, food, and even our future career plans. Sometimes, we cooked together, with Sir Alex as the head chef, while Sabila, Syafiq, and I became his assistants. My favorite menu was chicken adobo, a dish I will always associate with warmth and togetherness.

After my teaching demonstration, we had an evaluation session with Ma'am Abelynn T. Llarenas. At first, I was very nervous and afraid of disappointing her. However, the evaluation was done kindly and constructively. She gave thoughtful feedback and helpful suggestions to all of us. Afterward, we even had coffee together. That moment taught me that evaluation is not something to fear, but a chance to grow. Salamat po, Ma’am Abelyn.

Bonding time with other SEA-Teachers was equally meaningful. Participants from Thailand and Indonesia came with different personalities and backgrounds, yet we formed strong friendships. We helped one another, shared cultures, and created a sense of family far away from home. Pim, Pin, and Pi from Thailand; Ian and Flado from Indonesia (UKI); and my fellow teammates from Universitas Jambi Sabila, Syafiq, and myself made this journey even more special

What Fit in My Suitcase?

That is a good question. When I came back from the SEA-Teacher program, my suitcase looked like it had just survived a battle. It was full of snacks, gifts, and items I didn’t even remember buying. Anyone who opened it might think I went there just to shop. But honestly, those snacks were not the real souvenirs. I am deeply grateful to the Dean, lecturers, teacher buddies, and my students who showered me with so many thoughtful gifts. Between the messy clothes and the overloaded bag, I carried something much heavier: new teaching skills, unforgettable memories, and a mindset that quietly changed. My suitcase returned fuller, but so did I.

Unique Experiences

One unique experience that caught my attention was the flag ceremony. Each college at DMMMSU holds its own flag ceremony, attended by lecturers, staff, and students. This is something uncommon in Indonesia. I found it meaningful because it reminds students of nationalism and respect for their country.

Another unique aspect was that university students still wear uniforms on certain days, similar to senior high school students in Indonesia. In my opinion, this tradition is very unique and positive, as it creates a neat, disciplined, and professional atmosphere on campus.

Becoming More Than a Teacher

The exchange program has come to an end, but the lessons it gave me will stay far longer. This journey taught me that growth often comes from uncertainty, and meaning is often found in the unexpected.

I started this program as a student teacher who wanted to gain experience abroad. I ended it as someone who understands that teaching is not only about delivering lessons, but also about building connections, embracing differences, and growing together.

This experience reminded me that when we dare to step beyond our comfort zone, we do not just cross borders, we discover who we are becoming.