My internship at SEEd Academy in Jakarta, Indonesia was a truly unique and rewarding experience. As part of a hybrid team, working both in Singapore and in Indonesia, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues to curate curriculum packages, prepare learning materials, and conduct trial classes for a new childcare centre that was starting up in Jakarta.

I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and learn about the different ways that childcare centres operate in Indonesia. Having worked with colleagues from both Singapore and Indonesia, gave me valuable insights into different perspectives and approaches to teaching and learning. Additionally, I challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone and interact with parents and teachers from different cultures. This experience develop my communication and interpersonal skills.

One of the most valuable aspects of my internship was learning about the cultural differences in how childcare centres operate in Indonesia and Singapore. This required me to be adaptable and open-minded when addresssing the educational needs of children in different cultural contexts.

As a foreigner working in a new country, I had to quickly adapt to a variety of changes, including cultural differences, language barriers, and a new work environment. I also had to accustom myself to be away from my family and friends for a rather long period of time. This experience taught me the importance of being flexible, resilient, and resourceful. During my internship, I was able to manage my time effectively and juggle multiple tasks.

Another key learning experience was gaining insights into the intricacies of starting a new childcare centre. From developing curriculum to marketing the centre to parents, I saw first-hand the many challenges and rewards involved in this process. This experience allowed me to gain insights into the different factors that need to be considered when designing a curriculum that is both educational and engaging for young children. I interacted with parents and teachers to understand their needs and experiences, and to promote a childcare centre to parents that exceeds their expectations, and build relationships with the community.

Overall, my internship at SEEd Academy was a truly enriching experience that broadened my horizons and develop me both personally and professionally. I am delighted to have played an instrumental role in starting up this new childcare centre, and I am confident that the skills and knowledge that I acquired will be invaluable in my future career.