5. Summary and Suggestions

1.1 Purposes of practicum

The SEA Teacher program provides a valuable opportunity for aspiring educators to enhance their teaching skills and gain practical experience in diverse educational settings. By participating in this program, I aim to deepen my understanding of effective teaching methodologies and classroom management strategies while immersing myself in a multicultural environment. This experience will allow me to interact with students from different backgrounds, fostering my ability to adapt my teaching to meet diverse learning needs. Additionally, collaborating with experienced educators and mentors will enable me to receive constructive feedback and improve my instructional practices. Ultimately, my goal is to become a more effective and culturally competent teacher, better prepared to inspire and support my future students.

1.2 Procedures of practicum

'The sending university will be the one to select their participants for the program. They may conduct an interview or rate the students through a certain criteria. The university will interview us in the preliminary round, and if we pass, we will choose a school. Participants are deployed in their receiving university which sends them to the schools wherein they will have their practicum.

The participants of the program will do the practicum for 20 days. They will have their observation week, teaching assistance, teaching practice and evaluation.

Going back to their own respective countries, they have to fulfill the requirements required by the SEAMEO.

1.3 Outcomes of the practicum

It provides invaluable hands-on experience in diverse cultural and educational settings, allowing interns to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of students from various backgrounds.

The student teachers develop essential professional skills, such as classroom management, lesson planning, and communication, which can significantly improve their teaching effectiveness.

The student teachers are able to improve their teaching, English and communication skills.

The student teachers are aware of the different school systems used in other countries.

1.4 The challenges of practicum

 One of the primary difficulties is navigating cultural differences, as teaching styles, student expectations, and classroom dynamics may vary significantly from what interns are accustomed to.

Additionally, interns may encounter limited resources or support in unfamiliar educational systems, making it challenging to implement effective teaching strategies. 

Furthermore, being away from home and familiar support systems can lead to homesickness, adding emotional strain. Despite these challenges, overcoming them can ultimately contribute to personal growth and professional development, preparing interns for a successful career in education.

1.5 Overall impressions

I am very satisfied with the program and my practicum in Philippines. I was able to meet the purposes that were intended for us SEA Teachers. I learned a lot from the teachers and at the same time from my students. I’m also glad that I was able to share the Vietnam culture to them. I will never forget this once in a lifetime experience that I had. 

Thanks to the program, I was able to meet and make more friends. I am very happy to have met my buddy. 20 days, not too long, not too short, helped me have many beautiful memories that I can not forget in Baguio City, Philippines.

1.6 Suggestions for future improvement

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the SEAMEO program for providing me with such a transformative experience. This opportunity has significantly enriched my teaching skills and deepened my understanding of diverse educational practices across Southeast Asia. The program not only equipped me with valuable knowledge and hands-on experience but also allowed me to connect with fellow educators and mentors who inspired and supported me throughout my journey. I am especially thankful for the guidance and resources offered, which have been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally. This experience has truly opened my eyes to the importance of cultural exchange in education, and I am excited to apply what I have learned in my future teaching endeavors.

I am very satisfied with the program but I would like to suggest for a longer practicum period. It would be very helpful for the next participants of this program to have a longer practicum time in order to learn and be trained a lot. I know it’s quite hard because the participants are also having their practice teaching in their own countries but that would help a lot.

Thanks to the program, I was able to meet many other friends. They were very enthusiastic and kind to me. I am very grateful to my mentor, my buddy and my friends at the attic. I will miss everyone very much.

Thank you, SEAMEO, for this incredible opportunity!