Indonesia Opens 2026 Teacher Exchange Program with South Korea

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) has opened applications for the 2026 Indonesia–Korea Teacher Exchange (IKTE) Program, offering Indonesian teachers the opportunity to gain international experience and broaden their global outlook.

According to the ministry’s official website, the program is jointly organized by the Directorate-General of Teachers, Education Personnel, and Teacher Education (Ditjen GTKPG) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU)—an institution under UNESCO—and the Ministry of Education of South Korea.

Indonesia–Korea Teacher Exchange Program

The IKTE program is part of the Asia-Pacific Teacher Exchange for Global Education initiative. It aims to strengthen teachers’ capacity to deal with the challenges of multicultural education in today’s global era.

Through this program, Indonesian teachers will live, teach, and learn in South Korean schools for three months. The program begins with cultural and educational adaptation training to help participants understand Korea’s social and academic environment.

Meanwhile, South Korean teachers will also be placed in Indonesian schools to share insights, teaching methods, and classroom practices based on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework.

The exchange is expected to enhance teaching competencies and nurture empathy, collaboration, and intercultural communication skills among educators from both countries.

Since its inception in 2013, the program has become an important platform for improving global teaching competencies, strengthening cross-cultural understanding, and expanding the educational network across the Asia-Pacific region.

How to Register and Eligibility Criteria for IKTE 2026

Registration for the program is open from February 2 to March 2, 2026, via the official website: https://gtk.kemendikdasmen.go.id/ikte.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Aged between 30–45 years old

• Employed as a civil servant (ASN) or permanent teacher of a private foundation (GTY)

• Have at least five years of teaching experience at the elementary, junior high, senior high, or non-vocational technical school level

• Proficient in English, both written and spoken

• Active in professional teacher communities (e.g., KKG, MGMP, MGBK, or equivalents)

• Physically and mentally fit, and not pregnant

• Possess achievements or skills in Indonesian traditional arts

• Have international exposure or relevant experience

• Hold approval from the head of the respective educational institution

Required Documents

Applicants need to upload the following documents to the registration portal before March 2, 2026:

• National Identity Card (KTP)

• Appointment decree (SK) for civil servant or GTY status and the most recent position decree

• Teaching assignment SK for at least the last five years

• Valid English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS/Versant) within the last two years, minimum score 450 or equivalent

• SK proving membership in teacher associations (past five years)

• Certificate(s) of art or cultural skills (past five years)

• Certificate(s) of achievement, innovation, or excellence in teaching (past five years)

• Medical certificate

• Certificate of participation in international conferences (past five years), as attendee, presenter, or organizer

• Commitment statement form (available on the registration website)

• Permission letter from the principal or foundation head, endorsed by the local education authority (template provided online)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and recent color photograph (4×6 cm)

All documents must be uploaded to the registration system by the deadline. Additional details and the technical guide are available on the program’s FAQ page.

Opportunities and Benefits of the Exchange

Selected participants will gain valuable professional and personal experiences through this initiative. Teachers will:

• Teach and collaborate with local educators in South Korean schools

• Participate in language and cultural adaptation training

• Learn directly about South Korea’s education system

• Build an international network of educators

• Exchange innovative teaching methods and practices

• Serve as education ambassadors representing Indonesia on the global stage

This program emphasizes mutual cultural understanding and professional collaboration. Teachers act as bridges between the Indonesian and South Korean education systems, fostering global-minded learning communities in both nations.

For complete information on the Indonesia–Korea Teacher Exchange Program, visit the official website: https://gtk.kemendikdasmen.go.id/ikte/

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