My SEA Teacher Deployment in Lamongan, Indonesia: A Journey to Remember 🇮🇩
When I first joined the SEA Teacher Project, I had no idea how life-changing the experience would be. I was excited, of course—but nothing could have prepared me for the warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness that welcomed me in Lamongan, Indonesia. This wasn't just about teaching English; it was about building meaningful connections, stepping into a new world, and discovering so much about myself along the way.
Our deployment began with a heart-touching and unforgettable welcome ceremony. As we arrived at SMK Lamongan, we were serenaded by a beautiful Muslim choir, singing their traditional songs with so much passion and grace. Their voices echoed through the hallways, setting a tone of peace, respect, and unity.
As we walked along the long alley of classrooms, students, teachers, and school headmasters stood on both sides, waving, smiling, and offering us the warmest greetings. It felt like a grand parade, but more personal and genuine. There was laughter, curiosity, and joy in the air.
What made the day even more special was the presence of principals from each of the cooperating schools. They came to welcome us, offering heartfelt embraces and genuine smiles that made us feel at home, even though we were miles away from our own countries.
The event continued with speeches from SEA Teacher Coordinators representing different countries. Each of them introduced us to our assigned school heads and spoke about the importance of cultural exchange and shared educational values. It was inspiring to hear how the program brings together future educators from across Southeast Asia to learn and grow together. The formalities, we shared a lovely lunch where conversations flowed easily—stories about food, traditions, festivals, and teaching styles. We laughed at the similarities and learned from the differences. It was a beautiful moment of unity, a reminder that even in our diversity, we are all connected.
Among all the student teachers, I was the only elementary education major—and because of that, I was the first one deployed to MI Tarbiyatul Banat, a madrasah-style elementary school. As I stepped into the school, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of emotion. The surroundings reminded me of home in the Philippines—the warm smiles of the children, the chatter in the air, the kindness of the teachers. The only visual difference was the beautiful mosque within the school grounds, which added a peaceful charm to the environment. The classrooms had high ceilings and a small population of students per kelas (class), creating an intimate and focused learning space. Every corner of the school felt full of life and positivity. The school principal, the teachers, and the students welcomed me so warmly—it truly felt like I was becoming part of a family, not just a school. Their excitement for my presence made me feel seen, valued, and inspired. I knew then that this journey was going to be something I’d carry in my heart forever.
Being part of the SEA Teacher Program in Lamongan has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. I’ve grown as a teacher, a learner, and a person. I’ve experienced a new culture, found new friends, and discovered that kindness and hospitality speak a universal language. To the people of Lamongan, to MI Tarbiyatul Banat, and to everyone involved in SEA Teacher—terima kasih banyak. Thank you for showing me the beauty of Indonesia and the power of shared purpose in education. This journey wasn’t just about teaching English. It was about building bridges, sharing smiles, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
