From Malang to Krabi: English Learning by Indonesian Students in Thailand
Department of German
Firmansyah Nurhakim
May 26, 2024
Learning and Students
SDG 4
KRABI, THAILAND – AMI (short for Asistensi Mengajar Internasional, or International Teaching Assistance) is a program by Universitas Negeri Malang (UM, translated as State of Malang University), where they send their college students overseas, especially to Thailand, to teach students from Kindergarten to High School. It has been running for the past nine years. This year, UM sent students from the Faculty of Letters and the Faculty of Education to various regions in southern Thailand, such as Krabi, Ko Lanta, and Satun. These regions are known for their significant Muslim population, so seeing mosques and women wearing hijabs is common.
One of the schools where UM students teach is Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School, an Islamic boarding school in Krabi. Its strategic location and adequate facilities make it a primary destination for foreign college students, especially within the ASEAN region, to also teach and share knowledge with the students.
This year, UM sent three students from Faculty of Letters to teach at Eakkapapsasanawich Islamic School. They are from the English Literature, Arabic Education, and German Education departments. These students are assigned to teach English to students from junior high school to senior high school levels. The teaching methods are left to the creativity of the students, giving them the freedom to maximize their potential in teaching.
The teaching of English is differentiated between junior high and senior high school levels. At the junior high level, the materials provided include basic language skills such as writing, reading, listening, speaking, and translating. At the senior high level, the focus is more on basic communication and tourism. Teaching methods for junior high students are made enjoyable using songs and guessing games. Conversely, learning for senior high students is more intensive with periodic assignments to monitor progress and identify the difficulties faced by the students.
The main challenge faced by the students in teaching is the language barrier. Although many Muslim communities in Krabi have learned Bahasa Melayu, only a few can use it in daily communication. The students’ English proficiency is also limited to understanding words only, so even simple sentences are often difficult to comprehend and respond to. However, the students’ enthusiasm for the arrival of Indonesian students is palpable. They greet and try to communicate with limited language, showing their warm welcome to foreign students who teach for approximately a month.
Through this program, UM students not only share knowledge but also gain valuable experience in interacting with international communities. They learn to understand and appreciate cultural differences and develop creative and adaptive teaching skills. This program is expected to continue, bringing benefits to both parties and strengthening the relationship between Indonesia and Thailand.