After working through the challenges of October, ETA Kush Mansuria found November to be a month of forming genuine connections with those around him. Kush experienced many big and small moments of feeling close to those around him and part of a larger community.

Kush started November by reaching out to alumni from other programs from AMINEF and the Regional English Language Office. For one of these meetings, Kush went with ETA Maddy Mele and ETA Tessa Sontheimer to Semarang to visit Mbak Nailil Muna. She is an alumna of the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant program. They discussed and compared their experiences in Indonesia with Muna’s experiences in the United States. They also enjoyed the time in the city to visit a newly opened Uniqlo and drink milk tea.

Kush is also proud of developing his relationships with other teachers outside of school. Every Friday afternoon, Kush and a group of teachers go for lunch at various restaurants around Kudus. He shares his recent adventures around town and about his life in America.

One of Kush’s favorite moments in November is when Pak Imron, the student guidance counselor, called Kush to ask if he can immediately come to the teacher’s room and bring Bananagrams. During Teachers English Club, Kush introduced a modified version of the game and interest in the game has spread almost all teachers at SMK Raden Umar Said.

In December, Kush looks forward to building relationships with other locals as he moves into a new village community. He is also excited about his upcoming trip to India to see some extended family and share his experiences abroad with his community.

Kush Mansuria is currently teaching at SMK Raden Umar Said Kudus, Central Java.