Now in its 10th batch, the SEA-Teacher Programme remains one of SEAMEO’s flagship regional initiatives in advancing internationalisation and cross-cultural learning for pre-service teachers. Since its inception in 2016, the project has provided more than 1,800 student teachers from 122 universities and institutions across Southeast Asia with opportunities to teach abroad, broaden perspectives, and develop intercultural understanding through classroom immersion.

To commemorate this milestone, the 10th Batch SEA-Teacher Evaluation Meeting was held on 5–6 August 2025 at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia, bringing together coordinators, alumni, mentors, and representatives from participating universities — as well as institutions interested in joining the programme.

The meeting gathered participants from nine countries, both onsite and online, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, Japan, Canada, China, and South Korea. Together, they reviewed the programme’s achievements and insights, discussed common challenges, and charted directions for the next decade of regional teacher mobility.

Beyond academic training, SEA-Teacher offers a powerful platform for building global-minded educators. Through direct teaching practice in another country, participants gain the confidence to adapt, communicate, and connect across cultures. According to the latest evaluation findings, over 85 percent of participants reported improved English and communication skills, while almost 90 percent felt better prepared for professional teaching roles after completing their practicum.

The SEA-Teacher’s student panelists from Universitas Brawijaya also highlighted personal growth in empathy, patience, and resilience — attributes that strengthen their ability to teach inclusively in diverse classrooms.

The programme’s impact extends beyond individual learning. Participating universities have deepened cooperation through joint research, co-authored publications, and collaborative innovation in teacher education.

But SEA-Teacher is more than a programme — it is a journey that transforms perspectives and lives. For many participants, the experience extends far beyond professional training; it sparks curiosity, friendships, and a lasting sense of purpose that continues to influence their paths long after they return home.

Ms Risako Ishihara, a participant from the 2nd Pilot Batch of the SEA-Teacher Project, shared her reflections and experiences during her exchange in Indonesia—including her inspiring decision to return as a teacher there after graduation.

Ms Risako Ishihara, a participant from the 2nd Pilot Batch of the SEA-Teacher Project, shared her reflections and experiences during her exchange in Indonesia—including her inspiring decision to return as a teacher there after graduation.

Among the participants was Ms Risako Ishihara, who joined the second pilot batch, spending several weeks teaching science in Indonesia. The warmth and collaboration she experienced inspired her to return later as a Japanese language partner, this time mentoring students and sharing her own culture through education. Her story exemplifies how SEA-Teacher connects people and communities, turning learning into lifelong bridges of understanding.

As SEA-Teacher moves forward, its success lies not only in its scale but in its spirit — nurturing educators who see teaching as a form of service, dialogue, and cultural exchange. The experiences and lessons gathered over the past decade continue to shape the future of teacher education across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Side Story

Behind Every Successful Exchange

While SEA-Teacher continues to expand its reach, on-the-ground implementation reveals practical lessons that ensure the programme remains responsive and inclusive. Coordinators and participating universities have identified several recurring challenges:

 

1 Compressed Timelines and Approval Delays

Internal clearance often involves multiple layers, causing delays that lead to rushed preparations or missed participation.

2 Semester Misalignment Across Borders

Differences in academic calendars shorten practicum periods and complicate institutional matching.

3 Unspoken Expectations and Motivation Gaps

Students join with varying intentions—some prioritise teaching, others focus more on travel—leading to mismatched expectations.

4 Variability in Mentorship and School-Level Support

Mentor involvement and school support differ widely, affecting the quality of the practicum experience.

5 Adjustment to Intercultural Living

Culture shock and language barriers impact student well-being, especially in rural or unfamiliar environments.

6 Hidden Costs and Financial Constraints

Uncovered expenses such as local transport, materials, or visa fees can strain students financially and limit inclusivity.

7 Varying Levels of Institutional Readiness

Not all institutions have efficient systems for logistics, communication, or student preparation, leading to uneven experiences.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Policy and Collaboration

These challenges have become catalysts for improvement. During the Evaluation Meeting in Malang, delegates agreed on several directions: enhancing alignment of semester schedules, developing flexible practicum durations, establishing clearer mentoring standards, and exploring joint funding mechanisms to make mobility more inclusive.

By turning challenges into collaborative action, SEA-Teacher partners reaffirmed their shared goal — to ensure that every exchange remains meaningful, sustainable, and impactful for the educators who will shape Southeast Asia’s classrooms of tomorrow.