In a warm and interactive session, Pak Markus led participants through activities that blended self-expression with peer learning. From travel tales to hidden talents, the group discovered how simple questions can unlock rich stories and strengthen professional bonds.


Yogyakarta, April 18, 2025 — A recent learning session facilitated by Pak Markus, a senior lecturer at Sanata Dharma University, offered participants an engaging and personal experience designed to strengthen their interpersonal communication skills. The session, which emphasized self-introduction and peer-to-peer sharing, was divided into two main activities and successfully fostered a dynamic, reflective learning environment.

In the first activity, participants were encouraged to ask a minimum of three questions to the facilitator. The activity prompted a wide range of inquiries, leading to insightful and personal responses from Pak Markus. He shared that he had visited Thailand three times — Chiang Mai in 2012 and Chiang Rai in 2023 and 2024 — expressing his fondness for Chiang Rai due to its natural surroundings and distance from city life.

He also spoke about his passion for keeping Koi fish, mentioning that some of them can cost as much as Rp8,000,000 (approximately 4,000 THB). Anyway, he decided not to spend that much money to acquire costly fish! In addition, Pak Markus shared details about his personal interests, including reading, writing, singing, and storytelling. He noted that he aims to read one book per week.

Professionally, Pak Markus has been teaching at Sanata Dharma University for 26 years, with the vast majority of his courses conducted in English. He is fluent in Javanese, Indonesian, and English, and comes from a village located about 40 kilometers west of Yogyakarta. Describing himself as someone who prefers focusing on solutions over problems, he also identified himself as joyful and mindful in his approach to life and teaching.

When asked about Thai culture, Pak Markus stated that he is familiar with some aspects and enjoys Thai food, particularly Pad Thai. He humorously mentioned that many Thai people assume he is Thai because of his appearance. He also touched on cultural nuances in southern Thailand, particularly regarding food taboos among Muslim communities.

The second part of the session involved small group work where participants interviewed one another and delivered brief presentations. Through this interactive task, each participant's personality and background came into view.

One participant, Kai, emerged as an adventurous spirit with a deep fondness for shopping and discovering new cafés and restaurants. She has known her colleague Junior for over a decade and is recognized for her curiosity and willingness to take risks.

Pu stood out as an intellectually sharp individual with a background in computer science, surprising many with her excellent English despite not coming from an English education background. She also shared her aspirations: if she were to win a grand prize, she would purchase a house near the sea, travel the world, open a Thai restaurant, and contribute to charity.

Junior was described as soft-spoken and attentive—a teacher who listens more than she speaks. Her first impression of Yogyakarta, shaped by a welcoming homestay experience, left a positive mark on her journey.

Another participant, Pi Aey, was portrayed as a warm and nurturing kindergarten teacher. Though more senior than many in the group, she carries herself with gentle energy and speaks English fluently, making her a comforting presence in the session.

The group also highlighted Nan, who was likened to a princess for her elegant demeanor. Her cheerful and outgoing personality brought energy to every interaction, with her talkativeness always framed in a positive light.

Pupae was recognized not only for her beauty but for her emotional intelligence. She is seen as a reliable colleague, someone others turn to in difficult times—a good counselor, a comforting friend, and even a source of helpful advice when it comes to makeup.

George, an English teacher from Chiang Mai, was noted for his popularity and warmth. A member of the Karen ethnic group, he is a father of two and left a strong impression with his friendly presence.

Su, originally from Suphanburi and now residing in Nakhon Pathom, was characterized as kind and lively. Known for her love of shopping and her habit of napping, she humorously admitted to often feeling hungry after waking up from a nap.

Aom has been working at JS School for 19 years. She is seen as both a colleague and a “sister,” appreciated for her welcoming nature and a smile that lights up the room, effortlessly bringing joy to those around her.

Lastly, Auan, who has spent 16 years at JS School teaching in the girls’ section, impressed the group with her sense of humor and fluency in English, which she has spoken since she was just three years old. While she presents a serious demeanor, her colleagues described her as approachable and supportive.

At the conclusion of the session, Pak Markus expressed his appreciation for the participants’ openness and engagement. He remarked on how much could be learned through simple yet meaningful activities, and emphasized that the combination of speaking, listening, and writing made the learning process “more tolerable,” even when the vocabulary presented challenges. The session offered not only a chance to practice language skills but also a rare opportunity to build deeper interpersonal connections—reminding everyone of the power of storytelling and attentive listening in both education and community-building.