Education: A key to embrace diversity

Personal Perspectives about SEAMEO Sea Teacher Project

We can never run from globalization. Education was the key to deal with major problems in the society. It builds bridges and destroy walls that creates isolation.

I believed this opportunity had made me someone I dream to become.This project was really a good training for future educator in which they will be exposed to genuine experience of teaching with different community of learners, learning styles and the medium of instruction. I was really challenged because I’m in the field different from my usual and comfort environment. It made me appreciate the beauty of other culture and see its relation to my own valued culture. It made me respect each other’s differences and unique traditions.

Nothing is impossible if you believed in yourself. I started to believe that I can do this challenge the moment I see the students. No one will believe in you if you can’t even do that to yourself. Never lose your dream just because you’re afraid to risk.

With the people who are willing to help, I knew I should not fear to risk. I did the best I can to succeed from adjustment to coping with the new environment and the medium of instruction. This project opens a chance for us to see a lot of possibilities and the beauty of teaching. Now, I pay attention to engage myself to workshops, training and any organization where I can hone my teaching abilities. I had no regrets of joining this project because I am far from what was in the start. It was really an amazing experience after all. As I look back from our recent journey, I felt proud and honored that I had been to different place which showed the Thai culture. I hope students who are willing to be trained can have access on this kind of project. One day, money will never be an issue for attaining best quality education.

SUGGESTION

The receiving school should stick on the activity structure, made by SEAMEO for the students to have their focus and give all their time to teaching, unless it is clear to be part of the internship. Also, the task to be done on a specific time of the week as well as the giving of time frame or class schedule must be observed. The teachers should include themselves in the so-called adjustment, so that it’s not only the Sea-Teacher who will make an effort to reach out. I understood the fact that some of them are not into English but, at least they won’t detach themselves from us. Also, the student teacher should be involved in the daily teaching based on the given time frame, so that we could have more relevant experience as to how we can manage the class.