Aina Zillan Zalila - Student Exchange Experience

Beyond my teaching practicum at NU Nazareth School, my journey at National University Manila was also enriched through various student exchange experiences within the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences.

I had the opportunity to attend several university classes, particularly in the Bachelor of Elementary Education program. One of the classes I joined was an English class for second-year students, where I observed teaching demonstrations and learned how future educators practiced and developed their teaching methods. Through this, I gained insights into how teaching skills are built through active practice and peer feedback.

I also joined a Physical Education class, where I was invited to share about Technological Practices in Indonesia. This became a meaningful exchange of ideas, as we discussed how technology continues to shape modern learning environments.

Another memorable experience was participating in a third-year Physical Education class, where I learned the traditional Filipino dance, Polka sa Nayon. This gave me a deeper understanding of how cultural heritage is integrated into education and student life.

In addition, I attended a second-year class focused on sewing, which allowed me to observe how practical life skills are incorporated into teacher education programs.

One of the most meaningful academic moments during my exchange was when I had the opportunity to consult with Susan D. Gopez and personally asked her to become my professional perspective for my undergraduate thesis. During our conversation, I shared my research project on interactive storybooks as an educational medium for children.

After learning about my study, Ma’am Susan expressed genuine interest in my research topic and later invited me to present and share my thesis project with her class. Being given the opportunity to present my work in an international academic setting was both an honor and a meaningful affirmation of my research journey. It gave me confidence that my work has relevance beyond my own university and inspired me to continue developing educational materials for young learners.

What I admired most about the professors at National University was their teaching style. They created an engaging and comfortable environment where students felt like collaborators rather than just learners. The classes felt warm, interactive, and lively, yet still maintained professionalism and academic rigor.

I also noticed that class sizes were much smaller compared to my university in Indonesia, usually ranging from 12 to 20 students. This allowed for more focused discussions, stronger participation, and closer interaction between students and lecturers.

Through these experiences, I learned that teacher education is not only about mastering content, but also about building confidence, creativity, and meaningful human connection in the learning process.