SEA Teacher
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Surakarta, Indonesia
Universitas Sebelas Maret isn’t just a school, it’s a vibrant learning community where students grow, explore, and thrive. Since its establishment in 1976, the institution has been dedicated to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment that welcomes learners from all walks of life. Here, education isn’t just about textbooks and exams; it’s about fostering a love for learning, building strong character, and preparing students for a bright future.
At the heart of Universitas Sebelas Maret is a commitment to equity, responsibility, and community. Every student is seen as an individual with limitless potential, and the school’s mission is to help them unlock it. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of passionate educators, Universitas Sebelas Maret continues to set the standard for excellence, inspiring young minds to dream big and achieve even bigger.
Academic Support System
The university provided exceptional academic support, exceeding expectations to ensure that all participants were well accommodated. The warm and grand welcome set the tone for a meaningful exchange experience. They carefully placed each participant in their respective teaching specializations, ensuring alignment with their expertise and interests.
In my case, they honored my request to teach in a special education school, making me the first special education (SPED) teacher they accommodated in the program. This opportunity allowed me to immerse myself in Indonesia's special education system while contributing my knowledge and skills.
Beyond teaching, the university provided platforms for me to share insights about my program and discuss the differences in special education practices between the Philippines and Indonesia. Additionally, they granted me access to specialized classes, allowing me to sit in on Braille and sign language courses, further enriching my learning experience.
Teaching System
The teaching system of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) was supportive yet valued the sense of autonomy, individuality, and self-expression of students. Rather than hand-holding students through every step, UNS provided opportunities that encouraged them to take initiative and make independent decisions, fostering self-reliance and critical thinking. This approach was evident in their classroom structure, where students were encouraged to engage in discussions, express their ideas freely, and take an active role in their learning journey. Educators at UNS acted as facilitators, guiding students toward resources and critical insights rather than dictating their paths.
Others
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) is a sprawling, buzzing ecosystem of learning. Big, diverse, and unapologetically ambitious. Compared to the more contained and tradition-steeped halls of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), UNS stretches its academic reach across a vast array of disciplines. Here, education isn’t just about teacher training and pedagogical research; it’s about pushing boundaries, merging ideas, and weaving different fields into something richer, something unexpected. There’s a strong pulse of interdisciplinary learning—students aren’t just handed a syllabus; they’re nudged (or thrown) into a world where subjects collide, and new ways of thinking emerge. It’s not just school; it’s an intellectual adventure.