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.
On December 1, ETA Jason Yan at SMK Krian 2 Sidoarjo celebrated Thanksgiving with his school community. Collaborating with the English Club, he created a “What Are You Thankful For?” turkey display, a beloved tradition commonly used in American schools. Stationed in the school’s main area, the interactive exhibit invited teachers and students alike to.. Read More.
Padang in Recovery: Communities After the Floods
In the aftermath of the flooding in West Sumatra, ETA Navara Syed collaborated with a grassroots organization that aims to protect women and children in West Sumatra. After being connected with the group via student teachers from SMKN 6 Padang, Navara delivered games and snacks to local children who had lost many of their belongings,.. Read More.
December in Palangkaraya marks the start of a highly anticipated holiday season for Christians in the local community. This month featured a Christmas gathering with students and teachers from SMK Negeri 3 Palangkaraya. ETA Nia Dufeal was invited to share in this local Christmas celebration. The celebration, which included the singing of Christmas songs in.. Read More.
Double Issue: Reaching American Kindergarteners & Building English Confidence in the Workplace
This past semester, ETA Payton Storey had the privilege of partnering with Reach the World, an American exchange program, to share his journey of living and learning in Indonesia with a kindergarten class in the US. Over the last few months, Payton wrote a series of blogs for his kindergartners about various aspects of his.. Read More.
This month, ETA Ruby Mead participated as a guest speaker in SMAN 9 Makassar’s English Camp. This multi-day event marked Ruby’s second visit to the school. It featured various activities and sessions designed to enhance students’ English language learning and broaden their exposure to American culture. The “Converse With Miss Ruby” session began with a.. Read More.
“Me & My ETA”: An English Camp Storytelling Adventure
With the WORDS competition approaching, ETA Sydney Grafals in Makassar wanted to ensure her students felt confident and prepared. To spark creativity, her school hosted a two-night META ECamp, short for “Me & My ETA English Camp.” Over three days, 10th- and 11th-graders participated in a range of activities designed to strengthen their English skills,.. Read More.
The English-language Local WORDS Competition at SMAN 5 will be held in January 2026 and requires participants to craft original stories. In preparation for the story-writing component, ETA Victoria Djou hosted a workshop on December 11 to encourage reflection on the competition’s theme of community and to introduce the basics of storytelling. During the first.. Read More.
Special Edition: ETAs Celebrate International Education Week Across Indonesia
International Education Week (IEW) is an initiative of the United States Department of State to expand horizons, foster connections, and promote mutual understanding between the United States and other countries. IEW carries out this mission through a week-long celebration that encourages American students to explore opportunities for studying abroad and international students to explore options.. Read More.
