From March to May 2026, I had the privilege of joining the Faculty of Education and Culture of Tampere University as a PhD exchange student. This experience greatly enriched my PhD journey – both intellectually and personally – by allowing me to advance in my PhD research on the Filipino teacher as an ethical professional, expand my professional network, and experience a new academic and cultural environment under the supervision of Dr. Elina Kuusisto.
Figure 1. At Tampere University City Centre campus
I am grateful to Dr. Kuusisto, Tampere University, and The Education University of Hong Kong, where I am a PhD candidate, for their commitment to fostering international research collaborations. I had been eager to work with Dr. Kuusisto given her expertise. Her co-authorship (with Prof. Kirsi Tirri) of the monograph Teachers’ Professional Ethics: Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Research from Finland, which received the 2025 AERA SIG 67 Outstanding Book Award for Moral Development and Education, along with her many other publications on the topic, like “Teachers’ moral competence in pedagogical encounters“, reflects her deep expertise in the ethical dimensions of teaching.
A highlight of the exchange came early on when I traveled to Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, to co-teach an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) course, “Ethics Education for Future Teachers,” with Dr. Kuusisto from 9 to 13 March 2026. The program brought together students and staff from four partner universities across Europe. As part of the course, I presented my research on ethics education in Philippine teacher education institutions and supervised an international student group working on a mini research project, which included a school visit and teacher interviews. The program also provided opportunities for cultural immersion through visits to Bratislava’s historical and cultural sites. See news on Comenius University website: https://www.fedu.uniba.sk/detail-aktuality/browse/5/back_to_page/aktuality-27/article/od-pondelka-bipujeme/.
Figure 2. Presentation of Dr. Elina Kuusisto and Eunice Contreras at the Erasmus+ BIP Ethics Education for Future Teachers
Figure 3. The team from Tampere University: students and staff (Dr. Elina Kuusisto and Eunice Contreras) at Bratislava’s UFO Observation Tower
The exchange also took me beyond Finland. I attended the Global Philosophy of Education Field Launching conference at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (19-20 March 2026), where I was introduced to innovative research in the field and had the chance to connect with scholars from different parts of the world. I also attended the AERA Annual Meeting at the Los Angeles Convention (8-12 April 2026) during the exchange, where I presented my work in poster and Ed-Talk sessions and was able to discuss my research with Dr. David T. Hansen, whose work on the call to teach is central to my theoretical framework.
Figure 4. With Dr. David T. Hansen at AERA 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center
At Tampere University, I participated in the doctoral seminars of the Multiculturalism, Transnationalism, and Transformation in education (MTT) research group. These seminars exposed me to the projects of other PhD students at the university and were designed to develop research skills and foster peer learning. Participants shared written work for feedback, followed by in-person discussion facilitated by MTT professors (Dr. Kuusisto, Dr. Inkeri Rissanen, and Prof. Mervi Kaukko). I received valuable feedback from both faculty and peers. It was especially eye-opening to learn about research on child safety in refugee camps in Ethiopia, teacher professionalism in Indonesia, and intercultural competence among teachers working with newly arrived migrant students in Finland. These socially significant topics prompted me to reflect on the broader impact of my own research. The seminars also enabled informal interactions over lunch, which helped build relationships with my peers and may open opportunities for future research collaboration.
A key component of the exchange was working closely with Dr. Kuusisto on journal publications. Her expertise, particularly on the purposeful teacher, was invaluable in writing an article based on my study on the call to teach among ten exemplary Filipino teachers. Through both in-person and online meetings, I gained practical insight into academic writing for publication. Her meticulous feedback, patience, and encouragement were instrumental in strengthening the paper and in shaping my own vision of how I would like to be as a future research mentor when I return to my work as a faculty member in a Philippine university.
Beyond academic work, the exchange allowed me to experience Finland’s beautiful natural landscapes more fully. I spent time exploring Tampere’s lakes and forests and witnessed the transition from winter – when I arrived in early March, there was still occasional snowfall – to spring – with the sun only setting at 10:30 in the evening. I also enjoyed local events, including an international market one weekend and a fish festival on another.
Figure 5. Excursion to one of Tampere’s many lakes
Overall, this three-month exchange was a transformative experience. I am grateful for Tampere University’s support, Dr. Kuusisto’s invaluable mentorship, and my university’s promotion of international research exchange opportunities that made this experience possible.
Text and photos by Eunice Contreras