SMA Muhammadiyah 1 Taman (Smamita) held a Farewell Party for its guest teacher from New York City, United States, Brianna Baffour Adu-Kyei, at the school’s second-floor hall on Tuesday (12/5/2026). After the event, the writer had the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with Brianna about her experiences living in Indonesia, especially in Sidoarjo.
During the interview, Brianna revealed that the biggest challenge she faced was not related to social interactions or the school environment, but rather her health while adapting to life in Indonesia.
According to her, coming from abroad meant she had to adjust to different food and weather conditions compared to what she was used to in the United States. As a result, she often became ill, particularly during her first semester.
“I had to adapt to different food and weather, and during the first semester I got sick quite often,” she explained.
She admitted that the situation was sometimes frustrating because just as she began to feel comfortable and settle into a routine, she would get sick again, whether from a cold or stomach problems.
“Sometimes when I finally got into a rhythm, I would catch a cold or have stomach issues. That became a recurring challenge,” she said.
Despite those difficulties, Brianna believes the experience taught her the importance of adapting to circumstances. She praised both the school community and Indonesian society for being flexible and supportive in dealing with unexpected situations.
“I learned a lot from the school and from my time in Indonesia about how to adapt to circumstances as they come,” she added.
Besides discussing the challenges of living in Indonesia, Brianna also shared her perspective on Muhammadiyah as an Islamic organization. She explained that before coming to Indonesia, she was not very familiar with Islam because she was raised in a Christian family and attended a Catholic school.
Although there were West African Muslims in her community back home, most of her understanding of Islam came only from hearing about their experiences.
However, during her time at Smamita, Brianna felt she gained direct experience in understanding Muslim life more deeply. She learned about students’ daily habits, Islamic greetings and expressions, and even experienced the atmosphere of Ramadan firsthand.
“I unintentionally participated a little in Ramadan because the school canteen was closed. From there, I learned a lot about Islamic culture and traditions,” she said with a smile.
Brianna also expressed her admiration for listening to Qur’anic recitations during her stay at the school. She said the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for Islam and its followers.
“I feel that I now have a much greater appreciation for Islam and its practitioners,” she stated.
According to Brianna, the experience has helped her better understand and connect with Muslim communities, something she previously did not fully know how to approach.
The Farewell Party became an emotional moment of appreciation for Brianna’s dedication during her time at Smamita, where she contributed to both classroom learning and international cultural exchange. (*)
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