Mohamed Mehdi BEMOUSSA – Algeria (October 2014 – April 2015):
“I came to Al Falah Assalam School in October 2014 for a three months internship as an English Teacher. After three months, I extended my internship to another three months. In total I spent six months in Al Falah Assalam School. I would like to talk a little bit about those six months.
The choice of Al Falah Assalam School for my internship came a little bit out of coincidence. I chose Al Falah Assalam School because I had a good feeling about it and that’s about it. However, shortly after starting my internship, I was very happy and satisfied that I chose Al Falah Assalam School. “Why is that?” people might ask. My answer is simple: it’s mainly because of the people who work in the school. Throughout all my internship, the people at the school gave me lot of support and treated me with great hospitality, kindness, respect, and even love. I had a great relationship with my colleagues and the students as well. As a consequence, I felt very comfortable working in the school, and it’s for this reason in particular that I decided to extend my internship.
After six month, the experience in Al Falah taught me so much both professionally and personally. On the professional level, I gained lot of experience in teaching little kids. During my internship, I taught five different grades (1st grade through 5th grade); consequently, I was able to encounter lot of cases and learn from them. On the personal level, I would say that the daily contact with my colleagues at the school allowed me to learn a lot from them. After my internship, I viewed things differently and felt more humble, confident, and open minded.
Last but not least, I think that Al Falah Assalam is a good school to do an internship in, because it offers a good environment for young people to develop and grow. It’s definitely a good place for young people to start from and gain experience. Therefore, I recommend the school to anyone wishing to do an internship in Indonesia.”
Laila Hesham Kamal El Din Mohamed Wassef – Egypt (August 2014 – September 2014):
« My experience in the school was great. I have learned a lot how to present the Egyptian culture and how to be representative. I learned how to be patient as I am communicating with the kids and also I had to be creative so that they could understand me and understand my language.
The people in the school, the students, and the teachers were very kind and friendly. I loved them. »
Przemek Zaręba – Poland (October 2012 – June 2013):
« I was teaching English at Al Falah Assalam in Tropodo from October, 2012 until June, 2013. At the beginning, I planned to stay there only 3 months, but I quickly realized I couldn’t leave the place where I met a lot of wonderful people, students, and where I simply felt home. Teaching children is not a piece of cake, but with a lot of support from the school I received, it was both challenging and absorbing.
Travelling around Indonesia had always been a big dream of mine, but I couldn’t predict that one day I would be here not only as a tourist, but also as part of that society: living and working in this incredible country. From the cultural point of view, I had a great opportunity for getting to know the Islamic heritage and for me, a Catholic one of the most memorable experiences was teaching English to Al Qu’ran teachers every week in the school mosque. Definitely my stay in Indonesia was not only about exploring the country, but what is more important it was about exploring myself when exposed to completely different cultures, customs, way of thinking and all of that helped me understand this part of the world much better and deeper. Besides, it taught me a lot of humility when coping with multicultural differences.
Now that my 3-month stay in Indonesia turned into more than two years and although I don’t teach at Al Falah any longer, I consider the School and Tropodo as a beginning of my amazing journey in Indonesia. And Al Falah will always have a special place in my heart. I recommend this place for anyone interested in both doing their internship and living an unforgettable experience. »
Olivier Duperrut – Switzerland (September 2012 – November 2012):
« My internship as an English teacher at Al Falah Assalam Elementary School in Tropodo close to Surabaya was a life changing experience for me. I had the opportunity to experience a life which was completely different from everything I had known so far.
Especially in the beginning, it was very challenging for me and I had difficulties to adapt in this for me completely new world. This is why I was extremely happy to get support from my school and also from AIESEC. Even though I had some unusual wishes, everybody always gave the best to satisfy my wishes.
I am grateful that I was integrated very well and I had the opportunity to have many interesting discussions. I learned a great deal about the daily life of the people, their culture and also their religion. Especially the insight into the Muslim religion was extremely interesting and valuable for me. However, the most important for me is that I found many friends that I will hopefully see again one day.
I am persuaded that my experience in Indonesia changed my perspective on life and enlarged my personal horizon tremendously. I would like to thank everybody who made the experience possible, especially the people from Al Falah Assalam and the people from AIESEC. »
Karine Aptel-Chevry – France (A one week internship during Augusut 2012):
« My mission at At Falah Assalam was to promote English conversation with the students. Not only their ability to speak and understand English but also their capacity to interact and communicate with a foreigner more broadly. Before being a language experience, it was a human experience; to overcome shyness or intimidated feeling and to create trust and ease with the students. Have FUN with them! As a teacher assistant, you don’t really have to teach grammar or any specific, but you are here to make it interactive and you are free to propose new activities and to join any activities organized with the school.
My experience at Al Falah Assalam was a team work experience. The English teachers of the school helped me to create more communication, through speaking, songs, games etc. with the students. As part of the staff, I felt confident and supported by the direction. I had great conversations with my Muslims colleagues who were eager to share their culture and religion, and as eager to understand and discover mine. The Al Falah Assalam staff is truly priceless; they are welcoming, family-oriented, open-minded, curious, sharing, helpful and generous!
My only regret is that I stayed so shortly! »