December 2025 Edition
Welcome to the December edition of the Fulbright AMINEF English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Monthly Highlights, where we celebrate the efforts and achievements of our ETAs across Indonesia. This publication spotlights the impactful work ETAs are doing in their classrooms and communities. In December, many ETAs reported feeling settled into their new sites and routines. This aligned with the changing of the seasons in the US. and the cross-cultural exchange of America’s autumnal traditions and winter holidays.
This month’s edition also features a bonus article highlighting how ETAs celebrate International Education Week (IEW) at their respective sites. This year’s celebration was one of the biggest ETA IEW celebrations in AMINEF history!
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.
ETA Alice Rodi’s highlight of November was being able to celebrate Thanksgiving with RUS teachers, students, and staff – and even a fellow ETA. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Alice brought the holiday to SMK Raden Umar Said. The first event of the day was a feast in one of the teachers’ offices. In addition.. Read More.
This month, ETA Andre Edmond hosted a workshop at SMAN 1 Praya to prepare participants for his local WORDS Storytelling and Writing competition. His counterpart, Ibu Marissa Renny, assisted the session. The two focused on the specifics of storytelling and helped students brainstorm ideas for their own unique presentations. The session began with a brief.. Read More.
SMKN 9 Padang’s F-I-R-S-T Spelling Bee!
Kicking off class meeting festivities, ETA Aurelia Tan hosted SMK Negeri 9 Padang’s first-ever English competition, a spelling bee, on December 10. OSIS (Student Council) organized class meetings after the semester’s final exams, handling spelling bee sign-ups and prizes in the process. Aurelia worked with her counterpart, Ms. Lilla Rama Dona, to compile a list.. Read More.
After final exams, ETA Brianna Adu-Kyei participated in SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman’s Spirit Week, which included several different activities. The week included a food bazaar, a basketball relay, video gaming tournaments, and more. On December 11, she participated in the Teacher vs. Student volleyball game, with one catch – using a giant beach ball. It.. Read More.
SMAN 1 Kalianda WORDS Competition
On December 12, SMAN 1 Kalianda hosted its local WORDS Storytelling Competition. Over the course of three weeks, ETA Charlie Cushman worked with students to prepare them for the competition, which required students to write and perform an original story centered on the theme of “My Community.” The first step was drafting a story, so.. Read More.
Late Halloween/ Early Christmas Celebration with English Club
ETA Christina Stoll and the English Club at SMAN 2 recently had an exciting late Halloween and early Christmas celebration! The club watched “The Nightmare Before Christmas” together and discussed upcoming holiday traditions. Students also tried some American sweets that children typically find in their Halloween bags, such as Jolly Ranchers. Overall, this was a.. Read More.
After an intense two weeks of final exams, ETA Emiko Wu was excited to celebrate the end of the semester at MAN Insan Cendekia’s weeklong festival of sports and games. With over 15 different events, the campus buzzed with anticipation. The festivities kicked off with a parade throughout the campus, as each class donned homemade.. Read More.
On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!: Field Day at SMA NU Al Ma’Ruf Kudus
This past month, ETA Iyesha Belgrave hosted her first Field Day at SMA NU Al Ma’ruf Kudus. Field Day was modeled after the school-wide competition-based events that take place in many schools across America. In the weeks leading up to the event, a student committee came together to build their leadership skills, helping to organize.. Read More.
Engaging Students Through Trivia at SMKN 1 Kokap
During the final week of classes before final exams and the semester break, ETA Jackson Harris organized English-language Trivia Days in both regular English classes and the English Club at SMKN 1 Kokap. The activity was designed to encourage active language use in a fun, low-pressure setting while reinforcing listening, speaking, and teamwork skills. Modeled.. Read More.
Live from Kendari! ETAs Join a Radio Talk Show
In December, ETAs Jasmine Coley and Emiko Wu were special guests on the radio show “Sore Ceria ‘Besik’ Bincang Asik,” broadcast live on 90.8 FM from Kendari. The topic was “The Experience of American English Teachers in Kendari.” They discussed their culture shocks, favorite local Kendari cuisines, diverse teaching approaches, and more. They were initially approached.. Read More.
