Starting with the End in Mind: Reflections on my Fulbright Experience in the Philippines
- Shanna Held
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
A few days ago, my time as a Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms participant ended. I had been in the Philippines, especially in the Bicol region, learning and teaching as part of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC) program since mid-July. And now I am left to reflect on and process the time I had the there. Being a TGC scholar opened my eyes to new ways of learning, living, and connecting with people. This blog post is the first of several in which I share my classroom and school experiences, insights into local customs, and highlights of Bicol’s rich culture and natural beauty. I hope my story encourages others to consider global education as a path to discovery and impact.
Guiding my Experience
Prior to leaving for The Philippines, participants were asked to develop a guiding question that would help us focus on what we wanted to get out of our experience. My question was "“How does the confluence of historical and heritage cultures affect modern identity among Filipino youth and how are these cultures represented in education settings in the Philippines?" I also had two supporting questions: "How does exposure to multiple languages, especially those of indigenous or heritage origins, influence identity?" and "How are secondary (non-English) languages taught/addressed in school?"
I will explore these answers in upcoming blog posts. Themes like religion, socioeconomic opportunity, multilingualism, and student leadership will be explored as a I recount the lessons I learned during my adventure.
The Heart of my Experience - Teaching
The most enjoyable and memorable part of my time in the Philippines was teaching area 12th graders in an English classroom. Teaching at Legazpi City Science (LegaSci) High School in Legazpi City, Albay, Bicol was unlike any classroom experience I had before. The students I met there were engaging, talented, so incredibly kind and eager to make their mark on the world. From the first moments of the welcoming ceremony to the tears I shed only a few short days later at the closing ceremony, my time with them was the heart and highlight of my experience. I can not wait to share their stories with you.
I was also able to spend time throughout the two weeks I was in the Philippines visiting and observing different schools. Along with the other Fulbright participants, I visited regular public high schools like Pitogo High School in Makati and Oro Site High School in Legazpi, the AHA Learning Center which provides education support to those in disadvanted areas, and even showcased my beloved home state Nebraska at the America250 state fair showcase at the Montessori de San Juan. All of these visits contributed to unique ways to my understanding of what it looks like to be a Filipino student or teacher today.
Learning Outside the Classroom to Bring it Back to the Classroom
As it often happens whenever I travel, there were also many lessons I learned outside of the classroom. Starting with the moment I stepped out of the airport in Bicol, I was flooded with the kindness and hospitality of Filipinos. Mabuhay is not just a word of welcome. It is warmth, spirit, and goodwill all rolled into it. The warmth and generosity of the Filipino people made my stay memorable and stands out to me as one of the best pieces of my trip. To experience hospitality on that level, magiliw na pagtanggap, was a unique experience I've yet to experience anywhere else. It will come up again in future blogs as it was a defining experience for me.
Bicol itself is a beautiful province. With Mt. Mayon as a background, I was able to spend the last bit of my time there visiting its cultural sites like the Cagsawa Ruins and the Daraga church Nuestra Señora de la Portería. These visits helped to refresh my mind, body, and spirit. They also provided me with insights into the shaping of the values held dear to those living in Bicol. Upcoming blogs will be peppered with their influence as well.
What made my experience in the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program truly special were the people I spent it with it. From my fellow Fulbright teachers to my host teachers and PAEF and, most certainly, my Filipino students, I encountered kindness and openness everywhere. Their stories and smiles made every day rewarding and inspired me to keep learning about their culture and bring back those lessons to share in my own community. I can not wait to share these lessons with you!
A lovely preview of what’s to come. I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of your reflections and seeing the Philippines through your eyes.