This month was an exciting beginning to ETA Catherine Krol’s nine month stay in Gondanglegi. Idul al-Adha arrived, which meant animal sacrifice, communal eating and even a Manasik Haji event where the students of MAN 1 all practiced for a future pilgrimage to Mecca.

A notable cultural event was the Tumpeng-making competition between the classes, where they made beautifully decorated edible arrangements. Later in the day, all 700 of the students met in the courtyard with their homeroom teachers where they did as Indonesians do best, and shared a moment over a delicious meal.

In the classroom, after a noticeable adjustment period, there was much curiosity from the students of MAN 1 Malang about American culture and society. Catherine spent a good amount of time in August introducing herself and America, explaining cultural phenomena such as the US school system, music industry, typical food, etc. Another method for being an accessible resource is the establishment of an English Corner of the library, where Catherine will be posted at certain hours of the day so that students may approach her with any problems, questions or curiosities.

Catherine Krol is currently teaching at MAN 1 Malang, East Java

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All articles from August 2018 edition
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