GOOD bye teacher, see you tomorrow, thank you teacher, and good luck for you”.
Those were the greetings from the children whom I later recognized as students after class. I still remember vividly around 2 last month I went to Cambodia for an exchange experience through an international organization in 110 country.
Namely AIESEC, one of which is in Brawijaya University, Poor. together 14 other friends from different countries like China, Taiwan, Dutch, Krosow, Spanish, Bulgaria, and France; we carry out a social mission as teachers who teach local children in Cambodia.
In international level, Cambodia is called the Kingdom of Cambodia because it uses a monarchy system in its government. My project is in the province of Siem Reap which is the center of world tourism with the presence of Angkor Wat, which is a world temple site protected by UNESCO.
So that Siem Reap is the province with the highest cost of living compared to other provinces. I found it a challenge because it is not easy to live independently in Cambodia with a strong Theravada Buddhist culture.
Another thing is that the main dish is mostly processed noodles with pork, Of course it's a different matter for me and requires me to quickly adapt. This French colony, has a past history, which I think, terrifying.
The Poi Pot regime, better known as the Khmer Rouge, had an impact on education in Cambodia. There are still too many children who do not know education, one of which is because the income level of the community is classified as very low.
So it is difficult for them to take their children to school Realizing this, several local communities took the initiative to build social organizations. Currently there are many local organizations that focus on the development and future of Cambodian children living below the poverty line.
Have a busy teaching schedule, namely at 8 morning until 6 divided afternoon 4 class, does not make me saturated. Even though I'm tired because I have to ride a bicycle more or less 4 kilometers which incidentally I have never done in Indonesia.
I really appreciate their enthusiasm to learn English. Teaching for approx 1,5 hours for each class, the students were very enthusiastic and actively participated in the lesson. I feel that I am a useful person for others.
Another valuable experience was when I presented Indonesian and Banyuwangi culture. Conscious as a student of international relations, so I act as an ambassador for Indonesia and Banyuwangi. I was amazed when there were some students who specifically wanted to learn Indonesian, I'm happy to teach it.
I also demonstrated some saman dance moves in front of them. Then I showed some Indonesian regional dances including the Jejer Gandrung Dance through a video. “That is good and beautiful girls,they said.
They are very interested in Indonesian culture, and in the end I say, “You should come to my country especially my hometown which is Banyuwangi!.” (radar)
