Chris Handerson Ramos

Meet Chris Handerson Ramos from the Philippines! 

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What has been your most memorable cultural experience so far?

One of my most memorable cultural experiences so far was our first cultural exchange activity, where we shared Filipino food with our colleagues. We prepared pancit bihon, lumpiang Shanghai, maja blanca, and sapin-sapin, and I enjoyed explaining the stories and traditions behind each dish. They were genuinely curious about the history of the food and asked thoughtful questions, which made me feel proud to share a part of my culture.

We also showed photos that highlighted the beauty and richness of the Philippines, giving them a glimpse of our traditions, hospitality, and diverse cuisine. That experience reminded me that cultural exchange is more than sharing food—it is about building connections, fostering understanding, and appreciating one another's backgrounds. It made me even more proud of my Filipino heritage and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country.

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

My favorite part about living in the United States has been the opportunity to experience and learn about American culture firsthand. Every day, I get to see how people value independence, respect for diversity, volunteerism, and community involvement. I also enjoy learning about American traditions, holidays, and local customs, which have helped me better understand the people and the communities I work with. Living here has broadened my perspective and allowed me to appreciate both the similarities and differences between American and Filipino cultures. It has been a meaningful experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Another thing I have really enjoyed is the warmth and kindness of the people I have met, both inside and outside the school. My colleagues have been welcoming, supportive, and always willing to help whenever I have questions or need guidance. Outside of school, I have also experienced the friendliness of the community, which has made adjusting to life in the United States much easier. Their kindness has made me feel valued, included, and more at home, even though I am far from my family and my home country.

What has been the most challenging?

I would say that I have not experienced any major challenges while living here in the United States. However, one challenge I faced at the beginning was learning how to build strong connections with my students and gain their trust. I had to understand their personalities, learning styles, and ways of expressing themselves to create a classroom environment where they felt comfortable and motivated to participate.

Over time, I learned that building relationships is an important part of teaching. By showing patience, understanding, and genuine care for my students, I was able to encourage them to become more engaged and productive in class. This experience helped me grow as an educator and taught me the value of creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

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

My first tip for my fellow J-1 teachers is to always show your passion and dedication for teaching. Let your true self shine because when people see that you are genuine and sincere in what you do, they will appreciate you more, accept you, and build a stronger connection with you. Your authenticity will help you create meaningful relationships with your students and colleagues.

My second tip is to remember to take care of yourself. There may be times when everything feels overwhelming, but do not be too hard on yourself. Take time to rest and recharge because when you are not at your best, it can affect both your happiness and your ability to be productive. Knowing your limits allows you to give your best without losing yourself in the process.

Lastly, be brave and embrace new experiences. Do not be afraid to step outside your comfort zone because that is where growth and learning happen. Moving to a new country and experiencing a different culture can be challenging, but it is also a great opportunity to discover new strengths, learn from others, and become a better version of yourself as an educator and as a person.

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

One of my students’ favorite cultural exchange activities so far was our letter exchange activity. I asked my students to write letters where they only used their initials to keep their identities private. In their letters, they shared about their everyday lives, their interests, their routines, and what it is like to be a student and a part of their community here in the United States.

I sent their letters to my students in the Philippines, and they also responded by sharing their own daily experiences, traditions, and Filipino culture. Through these letters, students from both countries were able to interact and learn from each other in a meaningful way.

What made this activity special was that it was not only about discovering and appreciating another culture, but also about giving students an opportunity to express themselves through writing. They were able to practice communication skills, organize their thoughts, and build connections with someone from a different background. Seeing their excitement as they received and read the letters showed me how powerful cultural exchange can be in creating understanding and friendship among students.

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