My name is Mariel M. Napo, and I am an elementary school teacher from the Philippines currently teaching at Barack Obama Elementary School in the Normandy Schools Collaborative in Missouri through the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program. I joined the program to grow professionally, learn from a different educational system, and share my culture, teaching experiences, and Filipino values with my students and colleagues. Little did I know that this journey would also lead to meaningful friendships beyond the classroom.
My friendship with Ms. Nelson, our school secretary, began with something as simple as greeting each other in the morning. We would exchange friendly greetings and teach each other how to say “Good morning” in our respective languages, including its Filipino translation, “Magandang umaga.” Eventually, we became friends on Facebook, where she saw the fun activities and adventures I shared during my summer vacation in the Philippines in 2025. My posts sparked her interest in visiting my home country, and she mentioned that she wanted to come with me someday. We even made a list of places we wanted to visit together! What started as a simple conversation eventually became a reality when she and her son visited the Philippines. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the beauty of my homeland, introduce them to our culture and traditions, and create unforgettable memories together.
A Taste of Home – Sharing Filipino Culture Through Friendship
Some of the most meaningful cultural exchanges happen in ordinary moments—around a family table, during a trip, or while sharing a meal with someone who is curious about where you come from.
One of my most memorable cultural exchange experiences was sharing my Filipino culture with my colleague, Ms. Claudine Nelson, the school secretary at Barack Obama Elementary School. When she visited the Philippines, I felt excited and proud to introduce her to a part of my life that is deeply important to me—my family, my home country, our traditions, our food, and the Filipino way of making guests feel welcome.
Introducing Ms. Nelson to my family was especially meaningful to me. In Filipino culture, family is at the heart of who we are, and welcoming someone into our family circle is one of the ways we show care and hospitality. I wanted her visit to be more than sightseeing. I wanted her to experience the warmth, connection, and sense of belonging that I grew up with.
Discovering Siquijor
One of the highlights of her visit was traveling with Ms. Nelson and her son to Siquijor. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, natural scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. For me, sharing Siquijor with them was special because I was able to introduce them to a place that reflects the natural beauty and relaxed island life of the Philippines.
What made the trip even more memorable was seeing the Philippines through Ms. Nelson’s eyes. I enjoyed hearing her reactions and watching her experience places and traditions that are familiar to me in a new way. Her curiosity made me appreciate my own country even more.
Where Culture Meets the Table
I also brought Ms. Nelson to Binulo, where she experienced traditional Kapampangan cuisine. I take great pride in the food of Pampanga. Kapampangans are known for their passion for cooking, flavorful dishes, and carefully prepared food. For me, Filipino food is much more than something we eat—it carries memories, family traditions, and stories.
I wanted Ms. Nelson to experience the Filipino way of sharing food firsthand. I explained that Filipino meals are often served family-style, with dishes placed in the middle of the table so everyone can share. We do not simply eat to satisfy our hunger. Food brings people together. It creates a space for conversation, laughter, stories, and connection.
She was adventurous enough to try several Filipino dishes, including food cooked in bamboo, pitichan with atchara, adobong balut, and sisig. Watching her try foods that were different from what she was accustomed to was one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. I appreciated her openness and willingness to try something new. It reminded me that cultural exchange becomes meaningful when we are willing to step outside what is familiar and learn from one another.
What touched me most was how much Ms. Nelson enjoyed her time in the Philippines. She told me that she wanted to visit again the following summer and that she would like to explore Cebu next time. Hearing this made me feel proud because it showed me that what I shared with her had made a personal impression.
She even told me that if I could not travel to the Philippines in the summer, she would still consider visiting and would contact my brother. That statement meant a lot to me. It showed me that her experience had gone beyond being a vacation. She had formed a connection with my family and with the culture I had shared with her.
“I was not simply showing a colleague my country; I was sharing a part of myself.”
Looking back, I realize that this experience was just as meaningful for me as it was for her. I was able to share the places I love, the food I grew up with, the importance of family, and the Filipino value of making people feel welcome.
This experience changed the way I think about cultural exchange. I used to think of it as something that might happen through formal programs, classrooms, or special events. For me, it happened naturally—through a family introduction, a trip to Siquijor, a shared meal in Pampanga, and conversations about our different experiences.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to share my Filipino heritage with Ms. Nelson. More than anything, this experience reminded me that culture is best shared through personal connections. Sometimes, a simple meal, a family gathering, or a trip together can create memories and friendships that last much longer than the visit itself.
Interested in learning how Greenheart Teach USA can help your school address teaching needs while enriching your campus through cultural exchange? Contact our team to learn more about bringing experienced international educators to your school community. Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.