ASU Pre-service Teachers Head to Indonesia for Teaching Program
January 15, 2025 – Four pre-service teachers from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) at Aklan State University (ASU) are set to begin an international teaching experience at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) in Indonesia. The students who will be deployed are Mr. Ronil Pio I. Iledan, Ms. Reyna H. Dela Cruz, Ms. Aliana Marie C. Cawaling, and Mr. Renz Llamera. Accompanied by CTE faculty member Ms. Sharmaine L. Lava, the group will participate in a month-long program from January 19 to February 16, 2025. Ms. Lava is also invited to join a UMS Extension Activity wherein she will be a lecturer along with other activities UMS has prepared.
This opportunity comes after the students successfully passed a rigorous selection process conducted by the UMS Committee, adhering to the standards set by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO). The program aims to provide international exposure and hands-on teaching experience in a foreign academic setting.
During their stay in Indonesia, the students will be provided with free accommodations and local travel expenses, courtesy of UMS. ASU-CTE has also committed to supporting the students by covering their meal allowances. These provisions ensure that the participants can focus on their teaching and cultural exchange activities.
The pre-service teachers is required to maintain a blog, documenting their experiences throughout the program. Additionally, they will submit weekly updates to the ASU Information Office for publication, allowing the university community to stay informed about their activities abroad.
Before their departure, Dr. Jeffrey Clarin, who, along with International Affairs Director Dr. Manuel O. Malonesio, received the students who will be deployed to Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) in Indonesia, provided essential advice to the students, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible conduct. “You are not just representing yourselves, but you are also bringing the name of ASU with you. Be respectful of local practices and take care of yourselves,” Dr. Clarin reminded them.
This is not the first time ASU has sent students to UMS for pre-service teaching. In 2019, four students participated in a similar program, setting a successful precedent for this year’s cohort. ASU continues to strengthen its partnership with UMS, highlighting its commitment to providing future educators with diverse learning opportunities.
As these pre-service teachers prepare for this life-changing experience, the entire ASU community wishes them success in their academic and cultural endeavors.
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