Japan, here we go!⛩️

When I was in my first year of college, I made a note to myself about what I planned to do during my college years. Starting from I must always get good grades in every semester, be an active student, and also looking for experience to be able to go abroad for a program. Being a SEA-Teacher participant is one of my dreams! When in my first year of university I heard the news that one of my seniors had successfully become one of the SEA-Teacher participants to the Philippines at that time, hearing that news made me even more convinced that someday it would be my turn to become one of the participants and go abroad for teaching experience.

Fast forward to my fifth semester, during my third year of college, exciting news circulated in our study program group chat: registration had opened for the 4th Batch of the SEA-Teacher Pilot Project. This time, students from the Science Education/International Program on Science Education (IPSE) would have the opportunity to study at the University of Tsukuba in Japan. The moment I heard this, I reached out to my parents to discuss the possibility of participating. Their enthusiastic support encouraged me to pursue this incredible opportunity.

I promptly confirmed my application with the study program and was asked about my readiness regarding departure preparations, necessary documents, English proficiency tests, finances, and more. After completing all requirements, I received the exciting news: I had been accepted as a representative of the Science Education/IPSE program for the SEA-Teacher batch 4 in Japan!

On January 31, 2025, I finally went to Japan after going through various twists and turns of my Japanese VISA process that was late in coming out, but finally we were able to leave! I went with Galuh, my friend from UPI majoring in Social Studies Education. This was our first experience in Japan! So it was a little bit scary and nervous but as much as possible we did it bravely and full of fun! The seven-hour flight from Indonesia to Japan was filled with anticipation. As we soared through the skies, my mind raced with questions: What would Japan be like? Would it be an enjoyable experience? How would my teaching journey unfold? Would I make a positive impression on my students? These thoughts swirled around me during the flight, but little did I know that they would lead to unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing for years to come.