MY INTERNSHIP JOURNEY AT SMK RUS WITH ANIMATION AND PROGRAMMING STUDENTS

 As part of my SEA Teacher Journey in Indonesia, I had the privilege of completing my teaching internship at SMK Raden Umar Said (SMK RUS) a school recognized for its excellence in multimedia, animation, and programming. From the very first day, I felt the energy of a campus that encouraged creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Exploring the SMK RUS Campus The SMK RUS campus was truly inspiring. It had well-equipped computer labs, multimedia rooms, and creative studios designed for animation and programming students. The facilities were modern and industry-relevant, allowing students to experience real-world learning. Walking through the halls, I often saw students busy with digital projects designing characters, creating animated clips, or coding programs. There were also open areas where students gathered to discuss their ideas, making the school feel more like a creative hub than a traditional institution.

Teaching Focus and Learning Styles During my internship, my primary role was teaching the advanced use of Microsoft Office applications to Animation and Programming students. While they were skilled in creative software, learning advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint was essential for project documentation, data analysis, and professional presentations. I used a demonstration-based and hands-on teaching style: • In Word, I introduced them to advanced formatting, templates, and styles for creating polished reports. • In Excel, we focused on formulas, functions, and data visualization tools like charts and pivot tables. • In PowerPoint, we explored creative slide designs, transitions, and effective storytelling techniques for presentations. After demonstrations, I provided practical exercises so they could apply what they learned immediately, encouraging independent practice and collaboration. Classroom Management Strategies Managing a classroom of creative, tech-savvy students required a structured yet flexible approach. To keep lessons engaging and organized, I: Set clear objectives at the start of each class. Used step-by-step demonstrations to ensure everyone could follow along. Encouraged peer collaboration, letting students help each other troubleshoot. Gave individual support during exercises to address different learning paces. Showcased students’ outputs, motivating them to do their best. This approach maintained focus and created a positive, interactive atmosphere where students felt confident to ask questions and share their ideas.

The Learning Environment The learning environment at SMK RUS was modern, collaborative, and supportive. The students were highly engaged and curious, making it enjoyable to teach them. The labs and classrooms were designed to feel like real workspaces, preparing students for industry settings. What I appreciated most was the mutual respect and teamwork between teachers and students. The culture of learning was active, where students were not only recipients of knowledge but also contributors through sharing and discussion. Cultural Exchange and Experiences Aside from teaching, this internship was also about cultural exchange. I shared insights about my country’s education system, traditions, and even a bit of our language. In return, the students introduced me to Indonesian culture, taught me simple Bahasa Indonesia phrases, and shared their daily life experiences. I also joined in local cultural activities at the school, which deepened my appreciation of Indonesia’s traditions. Through simple conversations, shared meals, and laughter, I built connections that went beyond the classroom. Challenges I Faced Like any teaching journey, my internship came with challenges: • Language Barrier: At first, it was challenging to explain advanced Microsoft Office concepts clearly because some students were not confident in English. I overcame this by using visual demonstrations, simple terms, and even basic Bahasa Indonesia for better understanding. • Different Learning Paces: Some students learned quickly, while others needed more time. To manage this, I prepared extra exercises for faster learners and gave one-on-one guidance to those who needed more support. • Adjusting to a New Environment: Teaching in a new country meant adapting to different classroom dynamics and cultural expectations. However, the friendly staff and students made the transition much easier. These challenges taught me patience, flexibility, and the importance of adapting teaching methods to meet students’ needs. Reflections on My Teaching Internship Teaching advanced Microsoft Office skills at SMK RUS showed me that even basic software can be powerful when mastered at an advanced level. It was fulfilling to see students apply what they learned to their animation and programming projects, proving that productivity tools are valuable across all fields. More than the lessons, I gained new perspectives on education and culture. I learned that teaching is not just about delivering knowledge it’s about building trust, encouraging curiosity, and creating an environment where students can thrive. The cultural exchange made this experience unforgettable. I came as a teacher, but I left as a learner of culture, friendship, and lifelong lessons.