HI! I'M EMILY!

 Hello! My name is Emily D. Gomez, a 4th-year college student taking up Bachelor of Technical Vocational Teacher Education, major in Computer Hardware Servicing at Iloilo Science and Technology University Dumangas Campus, Philippines.

I am honored to be one of the participants of the SEA Teacher Exchange Program, proudly representing my university and my country in this meaningful international journey. Who Am I as a SEA Teacher?

As a pre-service teacher, I joined the SEA Teacher Program to step out of my comfort zone, experience teaching in another country, and learn more about education beyond my own community.

During my stay in Indonesia, I taught advanced Microsoft Office applications to Animation and Programming students at SMK Raden Umar Said. I was also hosted by Universitas Muria Kudus, where I experienced warm hospitality and a vibrant learning environment.

Beyond teaching, I embraced cultural exchange tasting traditional dishes like Soto Kudus and Es Dawet, visiting historical landmarks such as Menara Kudus and Kartini Museum, and learning about Indonesian music, dances, and traditions.

What is the SEA Teacher Program?

The SEA Teacher (Southeast Asian Teacher) Exchange Program is a project by SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization). It provides pre-service teachers from Southeast Asia with the opportunity to: Teach in another Southeast Asian country

Learn about different education systems

Exchange culture and build international friendships

Develop teaching skills in a global context It’s not just an internship it’s a life changing journey that helps future educators grow personally and professionally. Why Join the SEA Teacher Program?

Joining this program allows you to:
• Gain international teaching experience
• Improve your adaptability and communication skills
• Discover new cultures and traditions
• Build connections and friendships with students and teachers abroad
• Represent your school and country with pride My Message to Future SEA Teachers

To my fellow education students—don’t hesitate to join the SEA Teacher Program. It will open your heart and mind to new possibilities. You’ll not only become a better teacher but also a better person, ready to inspire and connect with the world. I came to Indonesia as a teacher, but I left as a learner of culture, friendship, and life beyond borders.

I am Emily D. Gomez, proud SEA Teacher participant from ISAT University Dumangas Campus, and I encourage you to take this journey of teaching, learning, and cultural exchange!

A HEARTFELT FAREWELL: CLOSING EVENT OF THE SEA TEACHER PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITAS MURIA KUDUS

 As my SEA Teacher journey at Universitas Muria Kudus (UMK) came to an end, the university hosted a beautiful closing event to formally bid us goodbye. It was a bittersweet moment filled with gratitude for all the experiences and friendships we gained, yet tinged with sadness as we were about to leave a place that had become our second home.

The event was thoughtfully prepared by UMK’s faculty and students. The venue was simple yet filled with a warm atmosphere of appreciation and togetherness. It began with opening remarks from the university officials, who expressed their heartfelt thanks for the cultural and academic exchange we shared during the SEA Teacher Program. They emphasized how this partnership between UMK and ISAT University continues to strengthen ties between our countries and provide opportunities for students to learn beyond borders. As part of the program, we SEA Teachers prepared a special intermission number to express our gratitude and share a piece of our own culture. It was a fun and memorable performance that made everyone smile and reminded us how music and arts can connect people, no matter where they come from. Performing in front of the UMK community was our small way of saying “thank you” for the kindness and hospitality they showed us throughout our stay. Another highlight of the closing event was the sharing session, where I had the honor to speak about my experiences as a SEA Teacher. Standing in front of the UMK students, I shared how the program allowed me to: • Grow not only as a teacher but also as a learner of culture and life. • Experience teaching in a new environment, adapting to different learning styles, and improving my skills. • Build friendships and connections that go beyond borders. I encouraged UMK students to join the SEA Teacher Program in the future, assuring them that it’s a life-changing opportunity to discover new cultures, expand their teaching skills, and represent their country with pride. Seeing their curious and inspired faces was truly rewarding I felt like my words sparked a new wave of excitement and possibility. As the event came to a close, there were exchanges of heartfelt messages and tokens of appreciation. We took photos, shared hugs, and promised to keep in touch despite the distance. It was bittersweet leaving behind a place that had given us so many lessons and memories was not easy, but the experiences we gained would forever stay with us. Reflections on the Closing Event This closing ceremony reminded me that while our time at UMK had an ending, the impact of the SEA Teacher Program is lasting. It was more than just an academic exchange—it was a journey of cultural understanding, personal growth, and lifelong friendships. Saying goodbye to UMK was not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter where I can carry forward everything I learned and inspire others to do the same.

UNIVERSITAS MURIA KUDUS: OUR HOME FOR THE SEA TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAM

 The collaboration between ISAT University and Universitas Muria Kudus serves as a bridge that connects two countries through education and cultural understanding. This partnership allowed us SEA Teachers to gain valuable international teaching experience while also immersing ourselves in Indonesia’s rich traditions and everyday life.

Through this program, I realized how education can extend beyond classrooms and truly unite people from different cultures. One of the highlights of my stay was the campus tour at Universitas Muria Kudus. Walking around the campus, I immediately noticed how it balanced modern facilities with a calm, nature-filled environment. • Modern Classrooms and Facilities The classrooms were well-equipped with audio-visual tools that support interactive learning. The computer labs were designed to meet the needs of students taking up programming, multimedia, and other tech-based courses. • Green and Peaceful Spaces The university was surrounded by lush greenery and open areas that gave a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. It created a peaceful vibe, perfect for studying or simply reflecting after a busy day. • The Library and Learning Centers The library was a quiet, welcoming space filled with books, research materials, and digital resources. It showed how the school values both traditional and modern ways of learning. • Student Activity Areas There were spaces for group work and extracurricular activities, which gave students opportunities to collaborate, build friendships, and develop their talents beyond academics. The school environment at Universitas Muria Kudus felt warm, inclusive, and student-centered. It wasn’t just a place for academic learning; it was a community where students and teachers interacted with mutual respect and support. The atmosphere was calm yet vibrant—calm because of the peaceful surroundings, and vibrant because of the lively energy of students engaged in their studies and activities. It was easy to see that UMK fosters a learning culture that balances knowledge, creativity, and personal growth. I also noticed how clean and organized the campus was, reflecting the discipline and pride that the university community has for their school. More than the facilities, the people of UMK made the experience truly special. The staff and students were always ready to help, guide us through the campus, and share their knowledge about Indonesian culture. They even introduced us to traditional Indonesian food, such as Soto Kudus made with buffalo meat and Es Dawet, making us feel part of their community. Simple conversations, shared meals, and laughter turned strangers into friends. Visiting Universitas Muria Kudus gave me a deeper appreciation of how a school can create a nurturing environment not only for learning but also for cultural exchange. Its partnership with ISAT University made it possible for us to experience education from a global perspective while embracing cultural diversity. The campus tour showed me that UMK is more than an academic institution—it is a place where knowledge, nature, culture, and community come together. It inspired me to bring back the lessons I’ve learned—not just in teaching but also in creating meaningful connections beyond borders. Universitas Muria Kudus will always hold a special place in my SEA Teacher journey. It was not only our host university but also a welcoming home that nurtured learning, friendship, and cultural understanding.