unesa.ac.id. SURABAYA —The way of international student exchange programs is the dream of many students. This opportunity not only opens global insights, but also strengthens academic competencies and international networks.
Gita Ayu Permatasari, Student of S-1 English Education Study Program, Faculty of Language and Art (FBS) is one of the students UNESA Sea Teacher in the Philippines.
Who would have thought, his interest in K-Pop and Korean drama which indirectly made him able to win the opportunity to study at Saekyung University, Yeongwol, South Korea.
"Since childhood, I always dreamed of going abroad. My interest in So Nyeo Shi Dae (SNSD) and Super Junior made me increasingly want to explore the world and get to know Korean culture," he said. He prepared himself and participated in a tight selection and succeeded in passing the program.
While there, he felt a different academic culture. The learning system there turned out to apply resting hours every 50 minutes of learning. According to him, the system is more effective, because it keeps students focused without boredom.
In addition to studying in class, this 2021 class student also attended various other programs such as Korean language courses, taekwondo, photography, to CPR training at fire department.
"Most memorable when I had the opportunity to attend a meeting with the local mayor and rafting in the Dong River with other international students," he said.
Become a teacher in the Philippines
After completing the program in Korea, Gita did not complacent about what he got, he continued his experience through the sea teacher program in the Philippines in semester 7, In educational institutions.
In the Philippines, Gita was placed in the Basic Education School, University of Saint Louis, where she taught grades 7 and 10. He told the education system there which was quite different from in Indonesia.
There, English becomes the main language of instruction, and learning emphasizes the understanding of literature.
"They not only learn English literature, but also explore Roman Literature and Greek Mythology. This approach is different from in Indonesia which is more focused on grammar and improvement of communication skills," he said.
As a Sea Teacher, Gita must prepare Lesson Plan
"After teaching, I immediately get an individual evaluation session, and every week an evaluation is held together with other subjects. This, helps me in finding weaknesses in teaching me," he explained.
Continue to New Zealand
From her experience following the international program, Gita saw a significant difference between the education system in South Korea and the Philippines.
In South Korea education is more focused on preparation for higher education entrance examinations, so that the academic pressure is very high that requires students to learn very seriously.
While in the Philippines, they prioritize the development of skills and active learning, so it feels more relaxed but still active.
Gita hopes that her experience will become a valuable insight and motivate her to continue his education abroad.
"I aspire to continue my studies abroad with a scholarship for the Education Fund Management Institute (LPDP) or New Zealand Scholarship. I want to go to New Zealand or New Zealand because the education system is internationally recognized for its quality," he said. [*]
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Reporter: Mochammad Ja'far Sodiq (FIP)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: Doc Gita Ayu Permatasari
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