In her first month at the site, ETA Hannah Semmes played more games than she had in the last decade of her life. She and her co-teachers have found that games are an effective strategy for getting students up and active, mentally and physically—this is important in an Indonesian classroom, where students typically remain seated for the school day while teachers rotate. Through games like Charades, Slap the Board, pronunciation battles, and Unscramble the Word, students have engaged with the sports-themed chapter for grade 10. This builds upon excitement from the 2024 Olympic Games, in which Indonesia won its first-ever gold medals outside badminton in sport climbing and weightlifting. Hannah cannot yet tell if her students are fiercely competitive or fiercely interested in the prize: an American candy (and halal) Tootsie Roll.

Hannah and her co-teacher, Ibu Rita, held their first English Club with 60+ students. They kicked off with icebreakers like “Why do you want to learn English?” and “What is your dream job?” followed by goal setting. Hannah is grateful to know a skilled team of future forensic criminologists, game developers, businesswomen, fiction writers, notary publics, and soldiers. Hannah also enjoys practicing English and sharing American games like iSpy and Down by the Banks with her unofficial mini club of teachers’ children between classes.

From gifting amazing food (it’s mango season!) to inviting Hannah into impromptu aerobics classes at the iconic Pantai Panjang (Long Beach), Bengkulu and SMAN 10 play no games when it comes to hospitality!

Hannah Semmes is currently teaching at SMAN 10 Bengkulu, Bengkulu.