Samarinda City, Indonesia

On June 7, 1962, based on the Decision of the Governor of the First Level Region of East Kalimantan No. 15/PPK/ KDH /1962, a higher education institution named Mulawarman Higher Education Institution was established in Samarinda. Then, on September 27, 1962, it was designated as the founding date of Mulawarman University (UNMUL), based on the Decree of the Minister of Education and Science No. 130 of 1962 dated September 28, which was officially confirmed based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia I No. 65 dated April 23, 1963. Initially, Mulawarman University had 4 faculties: Statecraft and Commerce (in May 1966, changed to: Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and Faculty of Economics), Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Mining.

The history of the establishment of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education of Mulawarman University (hereafter referred to as FKIP Unmul) began with the formation of a presidium known as the Presidium of IKIP Samarinda in the year 1972. This presidium later officially declared its merger with Mulawarman University, becoming one of its faculties. The merger of the Presidium of IKIP Samarinda into the fifth faculty of Mulawarman University at that time was ratified through the approval of the Governor of East Kalimantan, Mr. A. Wahab Syahranie, at the Level I Regional Government, and through the Decree of the Director General of Higher Education Number: 181/D/E/1978.

In the context of time, FKIP Unmul has traversed a long history as a faculty entrusted with the implementation of the three pillars of higher education in the field of education in the region. Currently, Mulawarman University has 13 faculties with various study programs, and FKIP Unmul remains one of the favored faculties, boasting a large number of students. It serves as a reference point in the provision of education in the provinces of East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan. This signifies that FKIP Unmul functions as one of the subsystems within the broader system of educational provision, both at the regional and national levels.

Dr. Nurul, Bu Nita, and Bu Khusnul, professors from Universitas Mulawarman, were truly exceptional host teachers during our SEA Program in Samarinda, Indonesia. Their dedication and genuine care for us went above and beyond expectations. Not only did they ensure that we stayed on track with our schedule, but they also created an environment where we felt welcome and supported every step of the way. Their hands-on approach allowed us to learn and grow, and they made sure we experienced the rich culture and beauty of Samarinda while balancing our academic commitments. We are incredibly grateful for their kindness, thoughtfulness, and the lasting impact they’ve had on our experience. Their unwavering commitment to our success made this program unforgettable, and we feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from such inspiring teachers.

Bu Nita is not just a supervising teacher but also a mentor who has had a profound impact on my learning journey. As a professor from Universitas Mulawarman, her dedication to her students is truly inspiring. She possesses a remarkable ability to combine professionalism with warmth, making her both respected and loved by everyone around her. Her thoughtful guidance has helped me grow, and her kindness always makes me feel supported and valued. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn from her, and I will always remember her positive influence on my academic and personal development.

Han, Ayak, and Dean, my amazing buddies from the FKIP Department, were like family to me during the program in Samarinda. From the very beginning, they were there to guide me around the city, helping me navigate new places and ensuring I was always comfortable. Their kindness, support, and friendly nature made every moment enjoyable. They were not just companions but true friends who always went out of their way to accompany me to school and back home, making sure I never felt alone. Their care and warmth were a constant source of comfort throughout my time in Samarinda, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering support and the unforgettable memories we created together. They truly made the experience special, and I’m proud to call them my family in Samarinda.

​I had the opportunity to be one of the guest speakers at the Educational Sciences International Conference 2024, where I shared insights on the education system in the Philippines and my experiences as a pre-service teacher. I discussed the challenges and strengths of our system, highlighting the role of educators in shaping young minds. I also reflected on my journey, from classroom observations to hands-on teaching, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and student-centered learning. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to engage with educators worldwide and gain valuable perspectives on global education.