Yogyakarta, Indonesia – On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a delegation of teachers from Thailand visited Universitas Sanata Dharma (USD), engaging in a meaningful exchange with students from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP). Several students found the International Curricula class to be a fantastic and insightful experience. Two class instructors, i.e. Christina Kristiyani, M.Pd., Ph.D. (English Education Study Program) and Markus Budiraharjo, Ed.M., Ed.D. (Master Program of English Education), are in charge of co-teaching this three-credit course of International Curricula for Hard Sciences.


One student described it as one of the most memorable learning experiences during their study period. The class introduced students to various curriculum systems globally, such as Montessori, IB, and Cambridge, helping them see education from a broader and more open perspective. Students noted that these curricula offered different structures and approaches compared to the national curriculum in Indonesia.

One student also found some similarities with the Indonesian curriculum, particularly in the student-centered approach. The approach to teaching in this class was highlighted as unique and different from other courses. With only 10 students, the class atmosphere was conducive to very intense and personal discussions. Maria Priska Herwidasari noted that the learning involved deep discussion. One student felt the atmosphere was different from the start, with more intense discussion and a deep reflection approach. Elisabeth Zita Pramesti mentioned that discussion, reflection, and independent exploration were emphasized. The seating arrangement was sometimes changed, for example, into a "U" shape, making discussions more lively and interactive.

Students were sometimes asked to speak one by one or express their opinions in English or Indonesian. The material was very contextual, often coming from real experience, such as direct observation, and encouraged reflection. Venny Pratiwi found the class atmosphere relaxed but still focused, not boring. Many personal experiences were shared by lecturers and friends, adding knowledge and value. A key aspect of the class for many students was the opportunity to practice using English. Yemima Olivia stated that the course dared her to express opinions using English. Maria Priska Herwidasari noted that intense discussion helped her become brave to give opinions in front of others, even using English.

One student found that learning using English and small discussions pushed them out of their comfort zone, becoming braver over time despite initial hesitation and fear of making mistakes. Veronica Chrisdiana Sukardi felt the main impact was the encouragement to dare to speak and write in English. Marina F Virginia Talubun initially lacked confidence due to not being fluent in English but kept trying to learn and understand, sometimes using Google Translate. Despite language barriers, she remained enthusiastic because the delivery was interesting and sharpened her thinking. Another significant experience was the visit to a school implementing an international curriculum. Maria Priska Herwidasari described this as an interesting experience because the school, although nearby, had very different characteristics than expected.



This experience was something she did not get in her major courses. One student felt this visit provided learning that could not be obtained in their major courses, where learning was usually theoretical or simulated. Seeing the international curriculum "live" and applied in the classroom, observing teacher-student interaction, teaching approaches, and the class atmosphere helped this student imagine the role of a teacher. Marina F Virginia Talubun felt visiting a school with a different curriculum opened her eyes to the education world. This direct experience enriched her understanding of diverse curriculum application in real education.

The course also prompted students to reflect on the nature of education and their future roles. Salvatore Widaton Purnayama found building lesson plans and achievement goals challenging initially but realized these things would help his future students. He understood that being a teacher is an act of service, requiring putting students into one's life and whole heart. He aims to become a better planner for his future students. Salvatore also realized the crucial importance of preparation, which applies to many aspects of life.

Reflecting on his past, he didn't realize the extent of preparation teachers did and now appreciates his former teachers more. One student learned that curriculum is not just documents or rules, but embodies values, and each system has unique characteristics and challenges, opening a perspective on tailoring education to student needs. Elisabeth Zita Pramesti was encouraged to connect international curriculum practice with Indonesian education reality, strengthening her awareness that education globalization enriches approaches without eliminating local values.

Marina F Virginia Talubun found the material beneficial for preparing to be a more modern teacher ready for current challenges. Experiences Meeting the Thai Teachers The meeting with the teachers from Thailand was a great experience and left a very memorable and eye-opening impression for the students. It was described as a very valuable reflective moment. The Thai teachers were consistently described as very friendly, open, and warm. Maria Priska Herwidasari noted they adjusted well and often asked questions.

One student felt their friendliness and openness made the atmosphere very close. Marina F Virginia Talubun observed they were not awkward and actively asked questions, and felt they must be enjoyable teachers for students due to their humor, politeness, and focus. Elisabeth Zita Pramesti was initially very nervous due to her English fluency concerns, but found the teachers very friendly, making her happy to meet them. She noted their openness to dialogue and sharing good practices.

Their humble yet passionate attitude served as a role model for learning and respecting differences. Veronica Chrisdiana Sukardi admired their spirit of learning and noted their enthusiasm during the campus tour. Venny Pratiwi was impressed by their spirit in exploring technology and new approaches in teaching, which motivated her to learn and innovate.

The meeting provided an opportunity for cultural exchange and demonstrated human connection. Salvatore Widaton Purnayama noted that an exchange of culture happened naturally and highlighted the teachers' empathy towards a classmate far from home, showing that humanity connects everyone. One student learned that building relationships as educators starts not always from the same language but from respectful and open attitudes. Veronica Chrisdiana Sukardi shared that the most touching moment for her was witnessing the teachers' genuine empathy when they learned about a student who came far to study, with one teacher even crying.

Conversing with the Thai teachers, primarily in English, was a significant part of the experience for many students. Yemima Olivia found that needing to express opinions in English to be understood encouraged her to speak up and made her more confident despite limited English ability because they were able to understand her. Maria Priska Herwidasari found dialoguing in English with foreigners very interesting, initially nervous but becoming more comfortable and unafraid of making mistakes. One student very much enjoyed conversing in English, learning to be more confident and unafraid of mistakes despite limitations. This student felt they learned most in this process about courage, communication, and the importance of understanding the outside world. Marina F Virginia Talubun described speaking English with people from other countries as a very memorable experience.

Despite initial fear due to limited English, she became more comfortable and less worried about mistakes, learning that daring to try is far more important than speaking perfectly. She also noted that talking directly provided lessons not available from books. The experience reignited her spirit to deepen her English skills. Venny Pratiwi found direct communication with foreigners a very valuable experience, helping her understand the importance of language and communication for building interaction and bonding. Students also learned about education in Thailand and shared about Indonesia. Salvatore Widaton Purnayama noted they didn't have enough time to discuss curricula between the two countries but hoped for another chance.

Maria Priska Herwidasari learned that the Thai school system has similarities in terms of classes and activities. She was happy to share her experiences and knowledge about Indonesian schools, and the Thai teachers were interested in Indonesia's characteristics and the students' background as future modern math teachers. Elisabeth Zita Pramesti also noted many similarities in learning between Thailand and Indonesia. She enjoyed listening to the Thai teachers share their experiences in the STEAM room.

They even taught some Thai vocabulary and invited the students to visit Thailand. In summary, both the International Curricula class and the meeting with Thai teachers provided students with valuable experiences related to different educational approaches, the role of a teacher, and global perspectives, while also significantly boosting their confidence and skills in using English.