My First Week in Roxas City – A Heartwarming Beginning to My SEA-Teacher Journey

1. Arrival at Roxas Airport – An Unforgettable Welcome 

(January 22nd, 2025)

My SEA-Teacher journey in the Philippines began with a heartwarming surprise. On Wednesday, January 22nd 2025 I arrived at Roxas Airport with a fellow student from Universitas Muhammadiyah Kotabumi. We were the first participants to arrive in the city. To my amazement, faculty members and student buddies from the host university were already waiting, holding a large banner with our names, photos, and home university.

As we stepped out of the terminal, they warmly placed garlands around our necks. It was a touching gesture that made me feel truly welcomed. My feelings were mixed—joyful and excited, yet slightly emotional as I had to part ways with my friend who was assigned to a different institution.

The hospitality shown by the lecturers and buddies was exceptional. They accompanied me to my apartment, explained all the facilities kindly, and made sure I felt comfortable. That evening, they invited me to a welcome dinner, where I got to taste traditional Filipino food for the first time. Some flavors were surprisingly familiar, reminding me of Indonesian dishes, while others were new but incredibly tasty.

2. Visiting Capiz State University

 

(January 23rd, 2025)

The following day, my buddy took me to visit Capiz State University (CapSU) Main Campus, especially the College of Education. I was introduced to several lecturers and administrative staff, all of whom were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

We toured the campus, exploring the classrooms, faculty offices, and other facilities. One thing that stood out was the strict dress code—students are required to wear uniforms and ID cards every day, which is quite different from university life in Indonesia.

While visiting the university library, I was surprised to learn that undergraduate theses were written by groups of two to four students. Even more impressive, students here don’t pay tuition fees—their entire education is fully funded by the government. This was both inspiring and eye-opening for me.

3. International Day of Education Celebration 

(January 24th, 2025)

On January this day I attended the International Day of Education organized by the College of Education. As an international student, I was warmly welcomed by the organizing committee, lecturers, and students.

The event was attended by hundreds of education majors. One of the highlights was a seminar on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. The speaker emphasized the importance of using technology wisely and responsibly to enhance learning, rather than to replace human effort.

Being part of this event made me feel like more than just a guest—I felt truly involved in a global academic community.

4. Coffee Time Tradition – New Friends and Delicious Bread

(January 24th, 2025)

After attending the International Day of Education, I was invited to take part in the faculty’s annual tradition called Coffee Time—an event where free coffee and local Filipino bread are served to students.

The bread was soft, slightly sweet, and had a unique texture I’d never tasted before. During the event, I met students from various majors. We instantly connected, shared jokes, stories, and had such an enjoyable time—it felt like we’d known each other for ages.

What made me even more comfortable was how fluent and confident they were in English. They complimented my English too, saying it was clear and easy to understand, which really boosted my confidence. We exchanged social media and promised to keep in touch.

5. Shopping at the Traditional Market – A Cultural Discovery

(January 25th, 2025)

Curious to experience more of local life, I went shopping at a traditional market with my roommates and our buddy. The atmosphere reminded me a lot of Indonesian markets—busy, colorful, and full of fresh produce.

But one thing surprised me—they didn’t know what sweet soy sauce was! When I asked the vendors, they said they only sold salty soy sauce and usually used brown sugar for sweet dishes. As someone who loves sweet soy sauce, I was slightly disappointed, but I also appreciated the cultural difference and learned to embrace new ingredients and tastes.

6. Exploring Roxas City – Beach, Mall, and Cathedral

(January 26th, 2025)

It was such a joyful day. We finally met our SEA-Teacher program coordinator, a kind, graceful, and caring woman who guided us on a weekend city tour.

We visited the beautiful Baybay Beach, enjoyed a delicious seaside lunch featuring Roxas specialties like clams, chop suey, and fresh coconut. We also went to the local mall and visited the grand Roxas Cathedral, which left me in awe with its architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

It wasn’t just a sightseeing trip—it was a moment of bonding, reflection, and gratitude.

7. Welcoming Ceremony at Capiz National High School

 

(January 27th, 2025)

Our first day at Capiz National High School (CNHS) was full of excitement. We joined the flag-raising ceremony and were welcomed in a special program. I introduced myself in Hiligaynon, the local language—and the students and teachers responded with cheers and big smiles. It was such a touching moment.

We met the school principal and were introduced to our cooperating teacher, Miss Marica. She was kind, articulate, and very supportive. She guided us through the school’s curriculum, facilities, and teaching plans with patience and clarity.

I was also amazed by how fluent and confident the students were in using English. We exchanged stories about our cultures, took selfies, and had fun conversations. I felt instantly connected with them.

8. Grand Opening of SEA-Teacher Batch 10th

(January 30th, 2025)

The official opening ceremony of SEA-Teacher Batch 10 was held at CapSU Main Campus, attended by 21 student teachers from various Indonesian universities. Each of us wore our traditional clothing, representing our regional identity.

The ceremony began with an elegant sword parade, followed by an amazing choir performance that sang the Indonesian national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” and a traditional Batak song “Dulu Batak.” Hearing those songs performed by Filipino students was deeply emotional for me.

We were introduced one by one and performed cultural presentations. I wore the traditional Lampung attire for women (Mulei) and my partner wore Batak traditional dress. We performed “Cangget Agung” and a traditional dance, and I gave a short explanation of our costumes and their cultural meaning.

After the event, we visited the Division of Roxas City Education Office, where we met the education director and staff. We also toured the Mayor’s Office, where we engaged in a Q&A session about local governance and education policies.

Closing Thoughts – Reflection on My First Week

My first week in the Philippines was filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable experiences. From heartfelt welcomes and cultural exchanges to inspiring conversations and new friendships, every moment was meaningful. I feel truly grateful to be here and can’t wait for what the coming weeks have in store.