ETA Tineer Ahmed was in for a surprise when arriving for the first day at SMAN 3 Banjarbaru, where she thought it would start with a teaching lesson. As her counterpart Ibu Ari drove her to the school, she told Tineer to get ready for a red carpet… this was not what Tineer expected to happen at 7:30 in the morning. Students, teachers, and staff with smiles on their faces were lined up from the entrance of the school to the stage. Headmaster Rahmah presented a personalized Sasirangan scarf (a handmade South Kalimantan fabric with Banjar motifs) to Tineer. They walked towards the stage to watch talented student groups perform traditional songs and dances and embrace Dayak culture.

The day ended with a large plate of nasi tumpeng (cone-shaped rice dish) shared with the school administration. Tineer felt highly honored that her school created this welcome ceremony and looked forward to engaging in a cultural exchange with everyone she would meet for the next seven months.

The same day, Tineer attended the city’s Pameran festival with Ibu Ari and other SMAN 3 teachers. They spectated more native performances involving fire, dragons, and the gambang instrument. She tried popular dishes like bakso (meatball) and soto Banjar (chicken noodle soup).

In September, Tineer connected with more people in her friendly community: going to the floating market in Banjarmasin with local co-teachers and ETAs, trying outdoor Zumba on her street with her female neighbors, and engaging with students in activities during English club.

Tineer Ahmed is currently teaching at SMAN 3 Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan.