I was initially invited by Prof. Dr. Jens Schneider to do a special lecture on occupational therapy and its intersection with gender and sexuality virtually. I immediately agreed on this because it’s my passion and vision to be able to bring into the table such agenda, especially in various context. However, Prof. Dr. Jens was able to open up the idea of the guest lectureship tenure in TUAS. It was one of the easiest yes despite I don’t know yet all the logistics and the requirements since I believe it would be a great opportunity for me to contribute to the department and learn at the same time. Also, it would be my first time to do an exchange for a month because most of my international engagements would usually last for a day or two only. Moreover, it was shared to me that this could bud potential partnerships and sustainable exchange between TUAS and my affiliations in my home country, which would be really good across all parties.

I would say to future lecturers/researchers to go to TUAS because it’s an amazing experience that could improve yourself personally and professionally. It paved the way for potential linkages and the program was great and unique due to its framing to the SDGs, which is relevant and important.  Guest lectureship in TUAS is an easy yes and a worthwhile adventure that could benefit everyone, the lecturer, the home university and TUAS.

I am a lecturer at two universities in the Philippines, teaching both bachelor’s and master’s level in the field of occupational therapy. Also, I am an elected board of director of the national association of occupational therapists in the Philippines. Aside from this, I am a doctoral student with research focus on occupational justice among the LGBT community within the Philippine healthcare system. Hence, I came to TUAS with extensive clinical experience and academic knowledge on occupational therapy, gender and diversity. These background are being utilized with my stay in TUAS as I teach workshops and classes on cultural sensitivity in clinical practice, develop modules on occupational science and collaborate with researches with the faculty of the occupational therapy department focused on international perspectives in occupational therapy, gender and diversity.

The guest lectureship is an honor and a responsibility. Being able to experience Trier and learn more about German university systems are really important because it enables me to walk the talk on fostering cultural competence within my practice and scholarship. Moreover, as a faculty member and now a liaison of partnership between TUAS and my affiliations, it would not just benefit me, but also students of all universities involved and the institutions themselves. Also, I am learning different approaches in teaching and it paved the way for me on molding myself in a better teacher especially on sharing knowledge and skills to students whose primary language is different from mine. Also, having interactions with various professionals within the Department of Computer Science + Therapy Science has opened myself on a lot of learning and curiosity on how to facilitate interprofessional education/teaching since all professors I met are all great and interesting.

I learned a lot during my stay. I was able to sit down to many classes and even majority are in German, I was able to see how faculty members interact with their students, which is different how students interact with faculty members in the Philippines. Hence, one approach I will take is having postures and activities that were demonstrated by the faculty members. It’s difficult to put into words but its more on their therapeutic use of self. In terms of research, we are still working on some articles and possible partnerships that could turn into publications.

I am the faculty in charge on research back in one of my universities and I learned a lot with the small group activities done in TUAS to improve the capacities of students in doing research. I am also very excited to co-author some articles with the occupational therapy professors. However, it was insightful also to have some exchange with some physical therapists, especially the post-doctoral fellows wherein I learned a lot on how to utilize technology in research, which is lacking in the Philippines.

One of the most memorable experience I had was meeting the students in a class where I taught how to do digital assessment in occupational therapy. This was memorable since it was a good feeling knowing how interested everyone is because they raised their hands and asks a lot of questions because of curiosity and willingness to learn. I also admire them so much because I know in Germany in the field of occupational therapy, going to the university is not required but they are here to learn more and pursue further education. It was humbling and made my lecture more meaningful.

There various differences on occupational therapy programs between the Philippines and in Germany. I think one major factor is the presence of vocational schools in Germany wherein the Philippines, to be a therapist, one should really enter the university. Moreover, classes are regular and per term, rather than modular. However, I appreciate this differences because I think both are unique and can still produce good therapists. However, this difference made me more interested to work more with TUAS and contribute on matters I can especially in improving occupational therapy education. Also, the ideas on the delivery of the topics and some activities were good also and I can imagine doing it when I get back to my home university.

I would say that there was no huge barrier I encountered during my stay especially all the people, especially those personnel in the international office and the occupational therapy department were very helpful. Also, there were some adjustments made to enable a good class interaction to ensure knowledge and skill transfer which eventually strengthen the topics on cultural sensitivity. However, during the stay, the weather was not so good, but I take it as part of the experience.