Alexander Agoylo

Meet Alexander Agoylo from The Philippines

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What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

Attending Weld Central School's alumni homecoming was unforgettable! It was amazing to see the close-knit community come together, cheering for their team, enjoying tailgating, fireworks, and celebrating tradition. I also love our monthly breakfast tradition with some American colleagues at Pepper Pod, a one-of-a-kind restaurant in Hudson, Colorado. It’s a great way to bond over classic American food and culture.

What has been your favorite part about living in the US?

The connections I’ve built—with students, colleagues, and the community—have been the best part. The support and camaraderie at my school make every day fulfilling. I also love exploring new places, from hiking in Colorado’s mountains to seeing both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans—Hermosa Beach in LA and Fernandina Beach in Florida. Plus, experiencing different foods and traditions has been an adventure!

What has been the most challenging?

Adjusting to a new school system and classroom culture has been tough. Understanding student expectations, keeping them engaged, and managing the classroom in a different setting took patience and adaptability. Being away from my family is also hard, but staying connected with them and having a strong support system here helps.

Do you have tips for your fellow J-1 teachers?

First off—skills can be taught, but attitude is everything!

• Embrace the experience – Be open to learning from your students and colleagues.
• Build connections – A strong support system makes all the difference.
• Stay flexible and patient – Adjusting takes time, but it gets easier.
• Immerse yourself – Join local events, try new foods, and enjoy the cultural exchange.

What has been your student's favorite cultural exchange activity so far?

They loved learning about traditional Filipino courtship—especially harana (serenading)! It blew their minds that courtship used to involve singing under someone’s window. They also had a blast asking their Filipino pen pals about modern dating. Comparing traditions sparked fun discussions, and they were surprised to find so many similarities between the two cultures.

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