November 17–21 marked the celebration of International Education Week, an initiative founded by the US government to promote the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. To celebrate, ETA Ruby Mead—joined by her fellow ETA Sydney Grafals and EducationUSA Indonesia adviser Fadhil Adiyat—hosted a field trip to Makassar’s American Corner in Nipah Mall.

Joined by 23 students from SMK 10 Makassar and 15 from SMK 8 Makassar, Ruby participated in an informative talk show regarding her time living abroad in Indonesia and elsewhere, her daily life as a college student in America, the annual holiday of Thanksgiving, and Native American History Month. Following the talk show, SMK students actively participated in discussions about Thanksgiving foods, traditions, activities, and myths. Ruby and Sydney provided pictures of snowy football games, gratitude circles, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade floats and enlivened crowds, a history of Friendsgiving, and a presentation about the Wampanoag and Indigenous American history and activism. Students made “hand turkeys” and enjoyed macaroni and cheese, as well as Oreo cookies decorated to resemble turkeys. After festivities and photos, participants were free to explore the many resources and games available at the American Corner. From PlayStation 5 battles to competitive circles of Hedbanz and UNO, the evening successfully ignited students’ interest in American culture and international exchange.

At the end of the event, SMK students walked away with not only gemstone arrowheads and friendship bracelets as souvenirs but also a newfound space for English language play and community.

Ruby Mead is currently teaching at SMKN 10 Makassar, South Sulawesi.