UMS Faculty of Education Welcomes International SEA-Teacher Participants

The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) recently welcomed exchange students from Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines, participating in this program. The welcome event took place at the FKIP UMS Dean’s Office on Tuesday (1/10/2024).

During the reception, FKIP UMS provided technical briefings regarding the activities the participants would engage in, both at UMS and in partner schools according to their respective study backgrounds. FKIP UMS has collaborated with various schools at different levels to facilitate the teaching practice for SEA-Teacher participants.

“In Solo, the learning process is almost the same as in the Philippines, but the culture is different. Here, you might gain many experiences in teaching practice,” said Dr. Mauly Halwat Hikmat, Ph.D., Vice Dean I of FKIP UMS. 

She also added that the exchange students would learn about Javanese culture as part of the program, offering them new experiences due to the cultural differences.

Mauly expressed her happiness about the arrival of SEA-Teacher participants from the Philippines, especially as this marks the first time Mariano Marcos State University is involved in the SEA-Teacher program at UMS.

The SEA-Teacher program itself is a teacher exchange program initiated by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization. Meanwhile, the SEA-Teacher activities at UMS will begin on Friday (4/10/2024). 

“They will engage in activities such as lesson planning, teaching practice, and exploring the local culture,” Mauly added.

One of the SEA-Teacher participants at UMS, Kyrells Maxene, shared their excitement about the opportunity to experience teaching firsthand. 

“We have many expectations about what we will learn, especially about effective teaching methods and the meaning of education for the students we will teach,” Kyrells said. 

She is also eager to apply educational strategies and curricula, as well as learn about the local culture in Solo, including traditional songs and dances.

In addition to Mariano Marcos State University, other universities from the Philippines will also join the SEA-Teacher program at UMS, bringing the total number of participants to nine students. The foreign exchange students will stay at the Pesantren Mahasiswa Kiai Haji Mas Mansur, Campus 4 UMS, throughout the program.

Writer: Maysali

Editor: Genis 

Translator: Rizal

Source: News UMS