Throughout the month of December, almost one hundred 10th grade students from SMAN 1 Temanggung had hand-written letters in the air in route to the US. In partnership with Fargo Davies High School in Fargo, North Dakota, ETA Allison Cwikla coordinated a new pen pal program called Pen Friends from America.

Allison presented about Fargo Davies High School to interested students at SMAN 1 Temanggung. After ‘oohing’ and ‘aahing’ at various photos of her alma mater, Allison asked the students to write letters introducing themselves, their families, and their favorite things about both Temanggung and Indonesia.

The letters, as well as a few photos, traveled to the US throughout December and are currently being responded to by 10th grade English students at Fargo Davies High School. To give the American students a better visual aide to their new pen friends, Allis and her English Club created a video showcasing SMAN 1 Temanggung and the city of Temanggung. Word from America is that the American students were “oohing” and “aahing” in return over the beautiful vegetation of Central Java and the scenic volcanoes situated behind SMAN 1 Temanggung. Both students are looking forward to learning more about their pen friends!

Allison Cwikla is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Temanggung, Central Java