I apologize for not writing a new blog post for the past few days. Between adjusting to a 12 hour time change and discovering that my malaria pills were making me really nauseous, I had been feeling pretty low in energy for the first several days of the trip, but now that we have been here for close to a week and after I quit taking the malaria pills a couple days ago, I am back to my usual, energized self and hope to write daily posts. :) We spent the first half of the week building background knowledge about the country, culture, and the Indonesian educational system, which was all incredibly valuable information, but I don't feel like our international field experience officially began until the other day when we had the opportunity to interact with students and teachers at MAN 4 Jakarta, a Muslim public high school in Jakarta. As we pulled up to the school, we were immediately greeted by a gigantic outdoor banner. Here is a photo of my TGC colleagues (Wendy and Christy) and me wearing scarves for the first time! Since it was a conservative Muslim school, all of the female teachers wore head scarves to show respect to the school community's culture. It made us feel extra warm in the heat, but it was all a part of the experience. I am glad we had the opportunity to engage in this cultural practice!
The students and teachers put on a beautiful welcome program for us, including speeches, food (always so much food!), dance and musical student performances, interaction time, and a Q&A session between the students and U.S. teachers. I don't remember the last time I received such a warm welcome. Many of the U.S. teachers admitted that we weren't sure what to expect since (1) it was our first school visit and (2) the school was more conservative than most of the others we will visit, but, WOW, we were completely blown away by how welcome we felt by the school, students, and staff. Everyone was so excited to meet us, ask questions, and fully engage in an authentic cultural exchange. You could feel the energy and joy in the room. I couldn't stop smiling. The students here were absolutely incredible, just like I'd heard. So warm, kind, respectful, talented, hopeful -- I could go on and on. Students shared a cultural dance during the program. I loved their sparkly outfits! The school principal gave a welcome speech. We had time for a Q&A session between U.S. teachers and Indonesian students & teachers. TGC Fellows asked students their guiding research questions, and students and Indonesian teachers asked about study habits, international study opportunities, and our feelings about the current anti-Muslim rhetoric and Islamophobic policies of the Trump administration. The students poured their hearts and souls into musical performances that sent chills down our spine. We had been "warned" that we may be asked to sing during our time in Indonesia. Welp, it already happened. I was mortified at first when my TGC colleagues called me out and coerced me up to the front because I very, very rarely engage in on-the-spot, unrehearsed performances. However, I am so glad I had the opportunity to create music with these three students. Music is the most beautiful way to connect, especially in such a unique, cross-cultural setting. If you want to see a clip of the performance, CLICK HERE. These three students will always hold a special place in my heart, and this shared musical experience was definitely a major highlight of this fellowship for me. The students here LOVE taking photos and especially selfies! I cannot wait to visit my host community and meet my host teacher, school, and students later this week!!!
4 Comments
Janet Goier
7/19/2017 10:49:49 pm
What a wonderful update, KK!!! Loved seeing you wearing the headscarf. :)
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Grace Twietmeyer
7/20/2017 08:46:19 am
I love reading about what you're learning in the schools in Indonesia especially because that's where my family is from. So I feel an extra special connection!
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Safa
7/20/2017 09:36:02 am
I loved reading this!! I'm so glad you're having a good experience. The Q&A session sounds interesting, I'd love to hear more about the questions they were asking when you get back!
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Hugh
7/20/2017 04:45:24 pm
Simply amazing! I can't wait to hear about the dialogue between you and their school community. Will you have the opportunity to visit an elementary school? "Music is the most beautiful way to connect...". I agree. Really cool.
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Mrs. Kate Boyens is a K-5 EL Teacher at Scott Elementary School in Naperville, IL. She is a 2017 Fellow in the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program. She will be using this blog to share her journey during her international field experience in Indonesia in July & August 2017. ArchivesCategories |