After their classes end for the day, ETA Millicent Yurong and counterpart Bu Annisa of SMKN 2 Balikpapan prepare for a different kind of lesson. Because Balikpapan has not had an ETA in recent years, the ETA and counterpart have been discussing American culture and education with various English clubs, student government groups, and teacher organizations around the city.

Audience members were consistently most interested in learning about education in America: “Public school students don’t usually wear uniforms?” “There is no official national curriculum?” “Teacher-led prayer isn’t allowed in public schools?”

When extra time remained after presentations, Millicent and Annisa led games like telephone, where participants attempted to accurately convey an English sentence down a line, one person at a time. Winning teams received America-themed stickers and candy.

Blackouts are common in Balikpapan, and presentation days were no exception. During a discussion at SMKN 7 on October 14th, OSIS students gathered in a dim office to meet with presenters. School staff members quickly adapted to the challenge, displaying the downloaded slideshow on various computers around the room so students could follow along.

As Millicent and Bu Annisa travelled around the city, they encouraged schools to apply to the ETA program. They hope that this experience will inspire some students to consider educational opportunities abroad.

Millicent Yurong is currently teaching at SMKN 2 Balikpapan, Kalimantan Timur.