The Philippine Normal University (PNU) warmly welcomed Elias De Stickere, an exchange student from UC Leuven-Limburg (UCLL), Belgium, further strengthening the University’s commitment to internationalization and global academic engagement. Elias is expected to stay at PNU from January 7 to May 28, 2026, during which he will take part in academic, cultural, and community-based learning experiences. His engagement with PNU is under the Erasmus+ Semester Exchange Program.
Elias, a Bachelor in Primary Education student at UCLL, will undertake select professional and early childhood education courses at PNU, and will also do a teaching internship at the Center for Teaching and Learning of the Faculty of General and Experiential Learning. Through these engagements, he will be exposed to Philippine teaching approaches, classroom practices, and learner-centered strategies, allowing him to gain comparative insights into teacher education systems in the Philippines and Belgium. His academic participation is also expected to enrich classroom discussions and peer learning through the sharing of international perspectives.
To ensure a meaningful and well-supported exchange experience, Elias will be accompanied and assisted throughout his stay by the staff of the Linkages and International Office (LIO). In addition, student volunteers from PNU InVoLB will provide peer support by helping him navigate university life, academic requirements, and cultural adjustment. This collaborative support system reflects PNU’s strong culture of hospitality and student engagement, ensuring that international students feel welcomed, guided, and fully integrated into the campus community.
Outside the classroom, Elias has actively immersed himself in Filipino culture. He has already visited Intramuros, where he learned about the country’s rich history and colonial heritage. He has also experienced everyday Filipino life by dining at popular local fast-food restaurants and tasting a variety of Filipino delicacies. These activities have given him a deeper appreciation of Filipino culture, cuisine, and the warmth of local communities.
One of the highlights of his arrival was a courtesy visit to PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga on January 12, 2026. During the visit, University officials formally welcomed Elias and expressed their full support for his academic and cultural journey at PNU. The meeting underscored the importance of international student exchanges in fostering intercultural understanding, academic cooperation, and global citizenship.
Elias De Stickere’s stay at PNU symbolizes the University’s continued efforts to strengthen international partnerships and promote a globally responsive learning environment. With the guidance of the Linkages and International Office and the active support of PNU InVoLB student volunteers, his exchange journey is expected to be both academically enriching and culturally meaningful—contributing to deeper ties between the Philippines and Belgium and reinforcing PNU’s role in global teacher education.
