A Fated Sojourn:
Augmenting Education Beyond Borders

     Another thing I truly appreciated when I came to SMANSA was that their education system is shifting toward student-centered learning approaches. This method empowers students to take an active role in their education, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. They also incorporate values and character education into their curriculum. This includes teaching students ethics, moral values, and social responsibility, preparing them to be responsible citizens.

​

     It also did not go unnoticed how Indonesia's rich cultural diversity is reflected in the everyday lives of all teachers and learners in SMANSA, where Bahasa Indonesia, local dialects, and even foreign languages like English and German are promoted. Multilingualism is encouraged to celebrate the nation's diversity. It was definitely awe-inspiring how, even though Indonesia considers English as a foreign language, the teachers do not cease to utilize the language as a medium of communication among themselves and their students despite the frequent mistakes in their usage. It stirred my passion for enriching English language learning and teaching to help more people, not only from the Philippines and Indonesia but all across the globe, to understand, connect to, and appreciate the world through the English language.

     At SMANSA, the teachers evidently invest in their continuous professional development, ensuring they are equipped with the latest teaching techniques and strategies to meet the evolving needs of students. It is also impressive how the majority of the teaching personnel at SMANSA have multiple advanced studies degrees instead of having only their bachelor's degrees. The fact that teachers at SMANSA invest in continuous professional development demonstrates a solid commitment to providing high-quality education. They ensure that their students receive the best possible learning experiences by staying updated with the latest teaching techniques and strategies. This, in turn, benefits the students by enhancing the overall quality of education at the school. The prevalence of teachers with multiple advanced degrees indicates higher educational standards at SMANSA. This not only reflects the dedication of teachers to further their own education but also raises the level of expertise within the teaching staff. Having educators with advanced degrees can lead to more advanced and specialized instruction, ultimately benefiting the students by offering a more profound and more comprehensive education.

​

     At SMANSA, the teachers are continuously integrating technology in the classroom. They provide students with digital resources, online learning opportunities, and platforms that enhance the learning experience. For instance, Ibu Hj. Sulfajriani Indah, an excellent English and Educational Technology teacher and one of my cooperating teachers at SMANSA, generously shared with me an endless list of all her curated educational and technological platforms, which she frequently uses to engage her students in class. By providing students with digital resources and online learning opportunities, SMANSA educators empower their students to access a wealth of information and educational materials. This broadens the scope of learning and encourages independent research and exploration. Technology integration helps students understand the real-world relevance of their studies. They can see how the knowledge and skills they acquire are applicable in various professional fields, which can be motivating and inspiring.

     Most importantly, SMANSA emphasizes character development programs that instill values like respect, discipline, and perseverance in students. These programs are aimed at shaping students into well-rounded individuals. They also provide a well-rounded education with a balanced curriculum that includes arts, sciences, and vocational courses. This approach ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for various career paths. They frequently celebrate cultural diversity through events, festivals, and activities that allow students to learn about different traditions, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation. Lastly, SMANSA offers religious education to promote a sense of diverse religious beliefs and practices, fostering tolerance and respect for different faiths in a multicultural society.