Crossing Classrooms and Cultures: Filipino Pre-Service Teachers’ SEA Practicum Narratives in Medan, Indonesia

Authors

  • Herman M. Lagon Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) & University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v4i4.1911

Keywords:

Cross-Cultural Teaching, Global Citizenship, International Practicum, Pre-Service Teachers, SEA Teacher Project

Abstract

Teaching abroad is widely seen as a powerful learning experience, yet stories from the Global South remain underdocumented even though this is where most teachers will eventually practice their craft. In 2025, three ISUFST pre-service teachers took the leap from Iloilo, Philippines, to Medan, Indonesia for SEAMEO’s SEA Teacher Project. They taught English to Grades 5–6, tackled math in gender-segregated classes, and led PE games for high school girls. The month was marked by both nerves and laughter, with lessons that extended well beyond academics. Using a narrative case study approach, evidence from interviews, journals, and teaching artifacts revealed five themes: courage under personal and financial strain; belonging fostered by community hospitality; pedagogy adapted to language barriers; confidence built through reflection and improvisation; and values-driven global citizenship. The findings show that international practicums, when backed with solid support, drive lasting growth. They urge teacher education and policy to move beyond competence, shaping teachers who can lead with resilience and empathy in today’s globalized world.

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Author Biography

Herman M. Lagon, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) & University of St. La Salle (USLS)-Bacolod, Philippines

Biography:

Sir H is a self-proclaimed Netflix-YouTube-Audiobook buff, Funko pop collector, and Sci-Fi geek. He was once “christened” by students as the “Multitasking Ninja,” partly due to his involvement in different genres. He was already a civil society advocate and a practicing journalist before he joined the Ateneo-Santa Maria community in 2001. He taught physics for 12 years and was a be-medaled teacher (PERAA, PRISSAAP, Metrobank), researcher (UP, IAMURE, PAIR, WVSU), chess coach (PRISAA), and school paper adviser (DepEd, NSPC, PIA, GPA). After being assigned High School (HS) Subject Area Coordinator (SAC) in Science for seven years, Sir H was tasked to be the Associate Principal for HS and Senior High School for five combined years. After a thorough community discernment process in 2018, he was appointed as the first Integrated Basic Education (IBEd) lay Principal of the school. He was recently given his second term in office. A licensed civil engineer, physical science teacher, and guidance counselor, Sir H has three master's degrees up his sleeve: science education (UI), business administration (PEN-UI), and guidance (UP). He earned his Ph.D. degree in Science Education with a specialization in Mathematics (WVSU) as a DOST scholar. He is currently taking a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at USLS. Dr. Lagon is also a reserved Army Lieutenant Colonel, a Paul Harris Rotary International Fellow, a board exam reviewer, a freelance columnist, a book/worksheet author, and a scholastic researcher. He is a father of two Ateneo alumni, one is currently taking her course in medicine; and the other, his co-teacher in school, is about to finish her master's degree in guidance and counseling. During his years in the Ateneo, what he values the most is the concept of the Ateneo way—that endless desire (magis) of forming leaders who animate a “faith that does justice.” He just early retired in Ateneo at 47 last July 15, 2022. He is currently the physics and math professor and Director of Advancement and Linkages of Iloilo State College of Fisheries (ISCOF).

Affiliations:

International Society for Technology Education (ISTE), Society for Technology in Education (STEP) Philippines, Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter (MTAP-IC), Inc.; Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE), Inc.; National Organization of Science Teachers and Educators, Inc. (NOSTE, Inc.); Philippine Association for Teacher Education (PAFTE); Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Inc.; Regional English Circle, Inc.; Mathematics Trainers Guild (MTG) of the Philippines; Philippine Physics Society (PPS); Rotary International (Mother Club of Iloilo); Jesuit Basic Education Commission (JBEC); Jesuit Chinese-Filipino Apostolate (JCFA); The GLOBE Program; WDSA (Association of DOST scholars in WVSU COE GS); Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association (PGCA); Educate Magis.

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AJET, E-Palli Publishers

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Published

2025-11-08

How to Cite

Lagon, H. M. (2025). Crossing Classrooms and Cultures: Filipino Pre-Service Teachers’ SEA Practicum Narratives in Medan, Indonesia. American Journal of Education and Technology, 4(4), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajet.v4i4.1911

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 4 (2025): American Journal of Education and Technology

Section

Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Herman M. Lagon

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.