February 2026 Edition
As we close out February, we reflect on a journey filled with fellowship, creativity, and cultural exchange. In this edition of the Fulbright ETA Monthly Highlights, we celebrate the ETAs’ commitment to nurturing English language proficiency and fostering cross-cultural understanding in classrooms across Indonesia.
This month, many of the ETAs hosted their local WORDS competitions — something reflected in many of their highlights. We look forward to seeing the local winners perform at the upcoming national WORDS competition.
Join us as we reflect on the transformative power of cultural exchange and the boundless potential it unlocks.
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.
Celebrating Community at the MAN IC WORDS Competition
After much preparation and anticipation, MAN Insan Cendekia Kota Kendari hosted its local WORDS competition on February 7. This year’s theme, “community,” asked students to reflect on their own experiences of connection. ETA Emiko Wu and the other English teachers were delighted to see the thoughtful and creative ways each of the nine participants interpreted.. Read More.
SMAM1TA’s Local WORDS Competition!
On Tuesday, February 10, the culmination of several weeks of hard work finally came to fruition. SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman held its local WORDS storytelling competition. There were a few hiccups, but ETA Brianna Adu-Kyei’s group of 10 students was always able to pivot. When sickness interfered with rehearsals, students worked on their blocking and.. Read More.
On Friday, February 6, ETA Andre Edmond accompanied 15 students from SMAN 1 Praya and the faculty to a parade celebrating the Lombok legend of Princess Mandalika. Schools of all types from all around central Lombok were invited to participate in the 2026 Bau Nalye Festival parade. This included traditional sword fighting conducted by elementary.. Read More.
This month, ETA Iyesha Belgrave hosted the local WORDS competition at SMA NU Al Ma’ruf. Ten students from grades 10 and 11 participated in the storytelling event, competing for a chance to advance to the national competition. The stories were carefully crafted around the theme “My Community.” The students took part in workshops throughout January.. Read More.
This month, ETA Ruby Mead hosted her local WORDS competition at SMK Negeri 10 Makassar, where eight students competed for the chance to visit Jakarta for three days with Ruby. The event began with brief introductions from English teachers Pak Iskandar and Ibu Elly, followed by a welcome speech from principal Dr. Andi Umar Patta… Read More.
Purple, Green, Gold, and Grammar: Mardi Gras Comes to Makassar
This month at SMKN 8 Makassar, ETA Sydney Grafals brought Louisiana energy to campus with a Mardi Gras celebration. As part of America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the school highlighted one US state and a celebration uniquely rooted in American culture: Louisiana’s Mardi Gras. In the weeks leading up to the.. Read More.
SMKN 9 Padang’s Long-Awaited WORDS Competition
On Thursday, February 5, students at SMK Negeri 9 Padang gathered for their weekly assembly, not knowing that they were in for a treat: SMKN 9 Padang’s local WORDS competition! From 25 initial sign-ups, 11 finalists stuck it out through ETA Aurelia Tan’s five intensive workshops, preparing competitors to write and perform their own original.. Read More.
