Ika Rizki Refima Putri, a student in the Indonesian Education and Literature program at Universitas Negeri Semarang’s Faculty of Languages and Arts (Fbs), had the opportunity to participate in the Lantip International program in Manila, Philippines, for approximately one month.
During the program, Ika served as an Indonesian language teacher at Manila Science High School, one of the top science schools in the Philippines. She taught 7th-grade students using a curriculum that not only focused on language but also incorporated cultural elements to promote Indonesian culture internationally.
Ika shared that the primary challenge of teaching in a foreign country was the language difference and the students’ learning culture.
“Initially, they were a little confused when they heard Indonesian, but I tried to make the class more engaging with games, songs, and interactive activities,” she explained. “As a result, they became energetic and enthusiastic.”
Furthermore, Ika also gained valuable experience as a cross-cultural educator, having to adapt to different cultures. She noted that this meant more than just adjusting her teaching methods; it also involved appreciating the habits and communication styles that differed from those of her Indonesian students.
The Lantip Internasional program serves as a form of Unnes’s internationalization, established through a partnership with the Philippine Normal University, known as “The National Center of Teacher Education.” Through this initiative, Unnes’s students not only teach but also learn from the differences in educational systems, cultures, and learning environments abroad.
The program also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By participating, Unnes students not only support the enhancement of educational quality across countries but also strengthen international collaboration in the field of education between Indonesia and the Philippines.
“This experience opened my eyes to the fact that being a teacher means more than just instructing; it also means being a cultural ambassador for Indonesia,” Ika said. “I am proud to have had the opportunity to introduce both our language and national identity on the international stage.”
