March 2026 Edition
This month, as Indonesian students observed Ramadan and Idulfitri, ETAs found meaningful ways to engage with their students and communities. From carrying out special projects and activities to immersing themselves in cultural events and local Ramadan traditions, they made the most of this busy season.
We’re also excited to share a special feature on our Ramadan Bliss initiative. Learn how ETAs used additional funding to strengthen community connections and engagement during the holiday season.
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.
SMKN 6 Padang’s Ramadan observance has been in full swing this month, with iftars, prayers, and pesantren, or an Islamic boarding school program. During pesantren, SMKN 6 Padang cancels all classes and holds Islamic study from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day. ETA Navara Syed has been observing these classes and adapting her co-teaching.. Read More.
When Ramadan rolled around, ETA Charlie Cushman felt a little out of place at first. Why did everyone stop eating and drinking during the day? To learn more about this important tradition that his community observes, Charlie hosted an Iftar dinner for over 35 teachers and students from SMAN 1 Kalianda to engage in a.. Read More.
SMAM1TA Gets Schoolhouse Rocked
On Wednesday, March 11th, ETA Brianna Adu-Kyei finally got to run the lesson she’d been waiting for: Introduction to SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar). As she read through essay paragraphs and homework assignments, correcting each one from her 12 classes of 30+ students, she noticed a lot of the same mistakes repeatedly. As a result,.. Read More.
Simple Games for Simple Past Tense
On Wednesday March 11th, Fulbright ETA Andre Edmond incorporated a short, team-based game to enhance a classroom lesson on storytelling in dramas at SMAN 1 Praya. The students are preparing to create a short performance based on an Indonesian legend or myth of their choosing in small groups of 4-6. Andre teaches 12 classes with.. Read More.
In March and February, ETA Alice Rodi enjoyed attending a number of events celebrating the month of Ramadan. Leading up to the beginning of Ramadan, Alice was lucky enough to experience Kudus’s unique tradition of Dandangan, an annual festival meant to welcome the holy month. The event, which supposedly dates back to the 16th century,.. Read More.
Ramadan Reminiscing: Iftar Traditions in New York and at SMK Negeri 9 Padang
During the last week of pesantren (religious school) at SMK Negeri 9 Padang, ETA Aurelia Tan’s schedule was packed with bukber plans, where you buka puasa (open fast) bersama (together) with friends and family. On Monday, March 9, she broke her fast with the U.S. Consul for Sumatra Lisa Podolny, alongside Padang-based alumni of U.S.-Indonesia.. Read More.
During the month of Ramadan, ETA Jackson Harris joined a class iftar (breaking of the fast) with students from Class XI Perhotelan 2 at SMKN 1 Kokap, alongside co-teacher Pak Prima. The gathering provided an opportunity for Jackson to engage with students outside of the formal classroom setting and participate in an important cultural and.. Read More.
In March, ETA Jason Yan brought an engaging and interactive lesson to the 11th graders at SMK Krian 2 Sidoarjo. The lesson focused on the essential communicative skill of “Asking and Giving Opinions,” a topic that encourages students to express their thoughts clearly and confidently in English. Throughout the session, Jason introduced common phrases and.. Read More.
Language learning can be really intimidating, even for people who have a lot of experience with it—and all the more for those who do not and who feel unsure of how to start. But teachers at SMAN 3 Kota Jambi courageously asked ETA Payton Storey to help them grow in their English skills. With the.. Read More.
Kinesthetic Classrooms & U.S. Geography
March has been a month of high energy and kinesthetic learning as students prepared for their upcoming Idulfitri break. To maintain engagement during this transition period, Fulbright ETA Nia Dufeal implemented a series of hands-on activities that transformed the classroom into a dynamic space for collaboration. One activity involved a tactile lesson on procedural texts,.. Read More.
