Objectives of the Project

1. To enable pre-service student teachers to develop their teaching skills and pedagogy

2. To encourage the pre-service student teachers to practice their English skills

3. To allow the pre-service student teachers to gain a broader regional and world view

4. To expose future teachers to diverse teaching and learning situations and opportunities, and the value of flexibility.

The objectives mentioned above are the goals of the SEA Teacher Project.

As a student who have personally experienced this program, I think I was able to meet and achieve these objectives. While preparing for the days that I will be teaching in the class, I was able to learn and improve on making lesson plans in both Philippine and Thai format. When I was in the Philippines, it would take me days to finish a single lesson plan. However, I was able to finish 3 lesson plans with multiple revisions during my practicum in Thailand.

I became more confident with my English skill because my cooperating teacher would sometimes ask for some help to edit some of the letters that she write for the school. I also tried to speak some basic Thai words, phrases, sentences and questions in order to relate more to my students as well as with the other people that I encounter.

I have also gained more confidence when it comes to standing and speaking in front of my class. Honestly, one of my negative characteristics is the lack of self- confidence. I easily get nervous just by standing in front. I was somewhat awkward when talking to people that I am not close with. So, I was very grateful when I was able to overcome these shortcomings and develop a better version of me. I have learned new and effective teaching strategies that are very helpful when I came back to the Philippines and continued my practice teaching. I don’t get nervous now whenever I have a demo- teaching or whenever I have to speak in front of the class.

Aside from improving my self- confidence and communication skills, I have also gained more knowledge about the culture and tradition of Thailand specifically Chiang Mai. I always find joy and excitement when it comes to learning new things. I enjoyed exploring every place that we went to and get to experience things that I wasn’t able to do in my own country. I can also say that I became more independent in a span of one month because I have to live outside of my comfort zone which is my family. I get to decide on my own and have to look out for myself since no one was there for me in times that I was having difficulties.

This program is really a helpful tool for students like me because on my own experience, I was able to meet new people, discover new things and get to experience another world which is different from my own country.