January 2026 Edition
As we step into the new year, January brings new opportunities and experiences. In this edition of the Fulbright ETA Monthly Highlights, we reflect on the strides made, the challenges overcome, and the impact our dedicated cohort of educators across Indonesia created. From innovative teaching methods to community outreach initiatives, each story encapsulates resilience, creativity, and dedication that define our mission. Join us as we celebrate the commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering learners with the English language skills they need to thrive in a growing, interconnected world. Plus… see the exciting ways many of our ETAs are preparing for the AMINEF WORDS National Competition.
This month’s edition also includes a bonus feature article highlighting the ETA Mid-Year Enrichment Conference in Jakarta!
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.
Supporting Student Creativity Through WORDS Competition Workshops
Throughout the month of January, ETA Jackson Harris facilitated a series of WORDS Competition Workshops at SMKN 1 Kokap to prepare students for the school’s local WORDS Competition, scheduled for the first week of February 2026. The workshops guided students through each stage of the story creation process, emphasizing both English language development and creative.. Read More.
In January, ETA Jasmine attended the Fulbright ETA Mid-Year Conference. She was tasked with organizing an oleh-oleh (souvenirs) exchange between the ETAs alongside ETA Jason and Brianna. The oleh-oleh could be cultural souvenirs from their region in Indonesia, traditional snacks or local specialties, handmade crafts or batik items, small items representing Indonesian or home culture,.. Read More.
Students from SMKN 6 Padang began their WORDS Storybook competition journey by participating in multiple WORDS workshops that covered various aspects of writing and performing short stories. ETA Navara Syed had students brainstorm and peer review each other’s stories, encouraging collaboration and confidence in their writing. Workshops began on January 7 and have taken place.. Read More.
A Gallery Visit at Palangkaraya
A visit to a local art gallery in Palangkaraya offered a memorable opportunity for cultural connection and creative exchange. ETA Nia Dufeal visited the gallery alongside her sitemate, ETA Christina Stoll, where they were welcomed by the gallery’s owner and primary artist for a personalized tour. Throughout the visit, the artist shared insights into his.. Read More.
Bridging Understanding Across Chasms of Opinion, Through English
If you asked a random student at SMAN 3 Kota Jambi whether they like durian or not, you would probably get a response as spirited as the fruit is pungent. Whether that response would be positive or negative is a coin toss. But it is a perfect question to ask to get a class roiled.. Read More.
Back at It with Self-introductions!
January marked ETA Ruby Mead’s return to the classroom—as well as that of her students at SMK 10 Makassar—following their two-week break. To counteract holiday fatigue and help students return to the mindset of actively producing simple English sentences, Ruby and her counterpart, Ibu Elly Fatmasari, led a lesson on self-introductions. Following a tongue-twister warm-up.. Read More.
English with a Side of Snacks!
This month, ETA Sydney Grafals (SMKN 8 Makassar) brought English learning to life in her 11th-grade culinary classroom through a hands-on lesson focused on procedure texts. Students began by studying the structure and purpose of procedure texts, including how to clearly explain steps, ingredients, and sequencing in English—key skills for both language learning and culinary.. Read More.
For the week of January 12–16, ETA Victoria Djou taught a mystery-themed narrative text lesson. The lesson began with an interactive activity in which each student received a character card and became a suspect in a class murder mystery. Students circulated the room, asking one question about their classmates’ characters, such as hobbies, jobs, or.. Read More.
From Central Java to New Hampshire: SMK Raden Umar Said’s Pen Pal Exchange
ETA Alice Rodi’s highlight of January was the continuation of her first Community Engagement Project: a pen pal exchange between SMK Raden Umar Said’s English Club and middle school students at Windham Woods in New Hampshire. The project was inspired by pen pals Alice had as a child and was born out of an interest.. Read More.
School Founding Anniversary Celebration
To kick off the new year, ETA Andre Edmond celebrated the 59th founding anniversary of his host school, SMAN 1 Praya. On Saturday, January 17, Andre joined the students and teaching faculty for a day of celebratory activities. To start the day, students gathered for the morning ceremony to showcase their unique banner designs, each.. Read More.
