Before coming to Indonesia, I knew almost nothing about this country -- its cultures, languages, traditions or people. All I knew was that Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world. Now, after living here for months, I can say with certainty that Indonesia is so much more than any statistic or fact I had read before coming. It is a place filled with warmth, generosity and community. It is a country where people welcome you with open arms, even when you struggle with the language or don’t quite know your way around. It is a place that has truly become a home to me.
Saying goodbye is much harder than I ever imagined. My school recently held an Iftar and farewell party, and as I looked around at my students, fellow teachers, and friends, I realized just how much these people have become a part of my life. Leaving isn’t just about packing my bags and boarding a flight -- it’s about leaving behind a community that has changed me in ways I never expected.
Mark Twain once said, “One must travel to learn.” Thanks to the Fulbright Program, I have had the privilege not just to travel, but to live, learn and grow in a new environment. Through my grant, I was not only an English Teaching Assistant but also a cultural ambassador.
