April 2026 Edition
Welcome to the April edition of the Fulbright ETA monthly highlights. April was a busy month for the ETA program. The ETAs and their students attended the annual WORDS competition in Jakarta, and the ETAs also attended the second annual US Fulbrighters Conference. April also marked the last full month of the ETAs’ time at their sites. ETAs spent April finishing their community engagement projects, preparing their final lessons, and spending some last precious moments with their community.
This month, AMINEF is excited to share two feature articles highlighting the work ETAs have completed. The first is about our annual WORDS competition – a huge success – and the second highlights how ETAs celebrated the 250th anniversary since the signing of the US Declaration of Independence.
We wish the ETAs luck during this next chapter!
AMINEF American Program and Communications Teams
We welcome your thoughts and reflections.
Share which stories stood out, what teaching approaches sparked ideas, or which activities you’d like to explore further. Feel free to write to us at communications@aminef.or.id. Selected feedback will be featured in the next edition—and you may even receive a small token of appreciation from us.
Sprinkles, Stars, & Stripes, Oh My!
To celebrate her students’ triumph in a school-wide poster making contest, ETA Ruby Mead hosted a donut party wherein students played American culture trivia in honor of the nation’s 250th year of independence. Eager and always competitive, the 11th grade Computer and Network Engineering (TKJ) students put their best effort forth to guess the identity.. Read More.
Anchored in Community: Celebrating a Year of Teaching on a Phinisi Sailing Trip
Aboard a traditional Phinisi boat, the pride and symbol of Makassar, ETA Sydney of SMKN 8 Makassar joined the Vocational English Teachers Association (VETA) Makassar chapter for an evening that blended cultural celebration with professional connection. Throughout the year, Sydney has worked alongside VETA members, all of whom are English teachers at vocational schools across.. Read More.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 67th year of statehood for Hawaii. Many people abroad may associate the United States with Hollywood films or McDonald’s; however, having been born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, ETA Victoria Djou experienced America in a different way from fellow ETAs. While Hawaii is part.. Read More.
A Classroom Celebration of Jazz
April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and to celebrate, ETA Emiko Wu introduced her 10th-grade students to jazz in the classroom. During the lesson, she explained common jazz instruments and defining elements of the genre, such as improvisation and call-and-response. In recognition of America250, the lesson focused on jazz’s American roots, highlighting its development in Black.. Read More.
During April, the 11th grade students at SMAN 1 Kalianda learned about making comparisons in English. To bring the lesson to life, ETA Charlie Cushman brought real US dollars and coins to class so that students could practice making comparisons while getting their hands on American currency. Students at SMAN 1 Kalianda are always excited.. Read More.
Building on previous lessons regarding procedural texts, Fulbright ETA Nia Dufeal transitioned her students from comprehension to active production using a collaborative teaching model. To prepare for independent writing, students first worked in small groups to draft step-by-step guides for various daily tasks. This peer-led approach allowed students to troubleshoot technical language and sequencing together.. Read More.
This past month, the 2nd annual U.S. Fulbrighters Conference was held in Jakarta. 26 Fulbright ETAs, scholars, and researchers came together to learn about the vastly different experiences of the Fulbright grant and to engage with the community. Fulbright ETA Iyesha Belgrave had the opportunity to participate in this conference and gave a presentation about.. Read More.
National WORDS Competition in Jakarta
ETA Christina Stoll and her student Qonita Anis Zhofira from class X10 SMAN 2 Palangkaraya recently attended the annual national WORDS Competition in Jakarta, hosted by AMINEF this month. Qonita was selected from a group of students at SMAN 2 Palangkaraya who competed in a local competition for the chance to go to the national.. Read More.
In April, ETA Jasmine Coley taught her students about Earth Day in celebration of America250. Jasmine showed them different ways her schools in America celebrated Earth Day, such as by creating a school garden. Jasmine’s students talked about how they hoped Indonesia would celebrate Earth Day one day and how they could help make their.. Read More.
