UGM’s KKN program gives many new experiences for each participant because it will live in a new place in a certain period of time. This experience is felt by Charles Beafort, one of the many international students who joined SCS-CEL program for two weeks from the 23 of November until the 7 of December (TAHUN BERAPA). “SCS-CEL was a very nice experience. It allowed me to discuss with Indonesian people, farmers, and student from the other faculty and exchange about our cultures as they were as interested in mine as I was in their” said Charles.
Charles also said that through SCS-CEL, he has gained many new positive values. For example, he now knows Indonesia better by going directly to a new environment which he never visited before. Going to a new place also opens the experience for a new intercultural interaction, after which Charles concluded that Indonesia is a very multicultural and diverse nation.
Charles went to do his SCS-CEL program in Sendangsari village, located in Minggir sub-district, Sleman district, Yogyakarta. Sendangsari village has most of its area covered by paddy fields as it is considered a rural area. Most of Sendangsari villagers go through their day by farming.
In his SCS-CEL program, Charles went alongside with other team members and gave out classes to local children on fishing, the importance of hygiene and healthy life style. This string of classes was meant to introduce local children to topics that are very closely related to their daily life and thus important to be known early.
In addition, Charles also provided elementary level English teaching to children in his neighborhood. He taught the kids how to greet other people politely and other basic conversation skills they might need to communicate with foreigners. Introducing English early on is important, considering in the present era, English is vital for an international exposure.
Through this SCS-CEL UGM program, Charles has learned many things that he did not know before living in the vicinity of UGM. He gained new knowledge and perspective on life, culture, and other positive values that will help him grow as a better and wiser person.