Two students from the English Education Department of Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik, Fanny Nazurotul Rohma and Felisia Sashmitha Rani, have officially completed their International Teaching Internship Program at Suntisart Wittaya School, Thailand. The program lasted for two months, from September to October 2025, and became a truly valuable experience for both of them to develop their teaching skills while embracing a new culture.

Suntisart Wittaya School is one of UMG’s partner institutions in Thailand, well-known for its disciplined, clean, and cooperative learning environment. From the very first day, Fanny and Felisia were warmly welcomed by the teachers and students. Although they initially felt nervous due to language and cultural differences, they quickly adapted and found a new rhythm in teaching and learning abroad. During their stay, Fanny and Felisia were not only focused on teaching English in the classroom but also took part in various school activities. One of the most memorable moments was their participation in Sukan Warna, the school’s annual sports and art festival that combines games, performances, and class competitions. They helped organize events, assisted students, and experienced the joyful and vibrant school atmosphere firsthand.

“The students were so enthusiastic! Even though we sometimes mixed English with body language, they were always eager to learn and communicate. Sukan Warna was so much fun the whole school was full of energy, and it really made us feel like part of the family,” said Fanny.

Aside from Sukan Warna, their internship also coincided with the school’s exam period, where they helped teachers supervise exams and prepare test papers. Through this experience, they observed how the Thai education system builds students’ discipline, orderliness, and sense of responsibility from an early age.

Fanny had the opportunity to teach in a Montessori class, where the learning approach was quite different from traditional classrooms. There, students learned through direct experiences and self-exploration. “At first, I was a bit confused because the Montessori method gives students more freedom. But later, I realized how exciting it was to see them learn in their own way,” shared Fanny. Meanwhile, Felisia worked mostly in regular classes using a teacher-centered approach, where the teacher plays a central role in guiding the lesson and students follow structured instructions. “I learned how Thai teachers maintain order and engagement in class. Even though the method was different from what we usually study at the university, it was still effective and helped students stay focused,” said Felisia.

Their experiences outside the classroom were just as memorable. They were invited to attend weekly teachers’ meetings, helped decorate the school for cultural events, and enjoyed traditional Thai food together with local teachers. All these experiences taught them how deeply education and culture are connected in everyday life. Now that they have returned to Indonesia, Fanny and Felisia feel that their two months in Thailand were not just about teaching practice it was also a personal journey that broadened their perspective on global education. “We came home with so many memories and lessons. It’s a mix of happiness and longing. Thailand will always hold a special place in our hearts,” they said with a smile.

This international internship program marks a meaningful step for Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik in preparing its students to face global challenges in education. Through teaching experiences abroad, students learn not only how to be teachers but also how to be lifelong learners open-minded, adaptive, and ready to grow beyond borders.