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 is my passion and vision to be able to bring such an agenda to the table, especially in various contexts. However, Prof. Dr. Schneider established the concept of the guest lectureship tenure in TUAS. Despite not knowing all the logistics and requirements, it was an easy 'yes' for me. I believe it would be a great opportunity for me to contribute to the department and learn simultaneously. Also, it would be my first time doing an exchange for a month because most of my international engagements would usually last for a day or two only. Moreover, it was shared with me that this could be a potential partnership and sustainable exchange between TUAS and institutions in my home country and would benefit all involved parties.

I would say to future lecturers/researchers to go to TUAS because it is 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 of the SDGs, which is relevant and important. Accepting a guest lectureship at TUAS is undeniably favorable, representing a valuable opportunity that benefits all stakeholders involved: the lecturer, the home university, and TUAS.

I serve as a lecturer at two academic institutions in the Philippines, instructing students at both the bachelor's and master's levels in the discipline of occupational therapy. Also, I am an elected member of the board of directors of the National Association of Occupational Therapists in the Philippines. Aside from this, I am a doctoral student with a 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 in occupational therapy, gender, and diversity. These backgrounds are being implemented during my stay in TUAS as I teach workshops and classes on cultural sensitivity in clinical practice, develop modules on occupational science and collaborate with researchers within the faculty of the occupational therapy program focused on international perspectives in occupational therapy, gender, and diversity.

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

I learned a lot during my stay. I could sit down in many classes, and even when the majority were in German, I could see how faculty members interacted with their students, which was different from how students interacted 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 is difficult to put into words but it is more on their therapeutic use of self. Regarding research, we are still working on some articles and possible partnerships that could turn into publications.

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

One of the most memorable experiences 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 was because they raised their hands and asked a lot of questions because of curiosity and willingness to learn. I also admire them so much because I know, that 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.

The guest lectureship is both an honor and a significant responsibility. The opportunity to immerse myself in Trier and gain deeper insights into the German university systems holds great importance. It allows me to authentically integrate the principles of fostering cultural competence within my professional practice and scholarly endeavors. Furthermore, in my capacity as a faculty member and presently serving as a liaison for the partnership between TUAS and my affiliations, it would benefit not just me, but also the students of all universities involved and the institutions themselves. Moreover, I am in the process of acquiring diverse teaching methodologies. This endeavor has facilitated my personal development as an educator, particularly in the effective impartation of knowledge and skills to students whose primary language differs from my own. Also, interacting with various professionals within the Department of Computer Science + Therapeutic Science has opened me to a lot of learning and curiosity on how to facilitate interprofessional education/teaching since all the professors I met are great and interesting.

There are various differences in occupational therapy programs between the Philippines and Germany. I think one major factor is the presence of vocational schools in Germany whereas in the Philippines, to be a therapist, one should really enter a university. Moreover, classes are regular and per term, rather than modular. However, I appreciate these differences because I think both are unique and can still produce good therapists. However, this difference made me more interested in working with TUAS and contributing to matters I can, especially 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.