International mobility PH Zurich Summer School: expanding horizons

Approximately 40 trainee teachers from Europe and overseas took part in this year’s PH Zurich Summer School. Among them were 12 PHZH students. The focus of the programme was on inclusion, drama, gamification – and Switzerland.

Monday, 1. September 2025

Despite taking place at 2500 meters above sea level, it was still T-shirt weather. The view from the Säntis mountainside was fantastic, the alpine landscape almost magical, and the students were thrilled by it all. This year, PH Zurich Summer School was blessed with particularly fine weather. Good thing, too, as the supporting programme was just as much a part of the Summer School as the modules. “Through the yodelling workshop and the visit to the chocolate factory, I experienced Swiss culture first hand together with colleagues from all over the world and got to dive under the surface of things. It gave me a strong sense of belonging”, said a student from China.

A shared passion: teaching

This sense of belonging also blossomed during the modules. “The exchange between us locals and the international students was highly enriching for both sides: We learnt from each other, asked questions, gave answers – and made friends”, said one PHZH student when asked to sum up the weeks of the programme. In the “Performative Teaching and Learning across the Curriculum” module, the students learnt to use theatre in their lessons in a way that does not scare children away, but rather motivates them to participate in a playful way. One trainee teacher stated that she is already looking forward to putting what she has learnt into practice. “Quite honestly, this course should be a compulsory module for everyone”, she added with a laugh.

The sentiment was similar among the international students. They, too, looked back on the programme with great satisfaction. As one student from Taiwan reported: “It was great to learn more about the Swiss education system and other education systems around the world. I was impressed by the similarities, but also by the differences. Most of all, I was delighted to meet people from all over the world who share my passion: teaching.”

“A truly amazing week!” was the verdict of another PHZH student who took part in the module “Special Needs and Inclusive Education in Switzerland and in a Global Context”. “The lecturers relied on their extensive knowledge to guide us through an exciting, informative week with plenty of school visits and discussions. We were quick to form bonds with each other. Everyone was very motivated and we exchanged ideas and learnt a lot about inclusion in different countries.”

Learning from each other through games

Collaboration and exchange were also central to the “Gamification in Education” module. “For each unit, we worked in small groups and had to find a solution to a problem together”, explained a participant from Bologna. She went on to state that the module presented a wide variety of game ideas – from manual and physical games to digital formats – and was very well organised. Her colleague from Sweden added that “I thought it was nice we also had some local students in the mix. They shared their experiences with us and gave us valuable insights into the local school system.”

Whether by focusing on inclusion, drama or gamification, this year’s Summer School offered many pointers on how to create a coherent, holistic experience. Or, as the PH Zurich coordinator put it at the end: ”Together, we broaden our horizons – bit by bit, every day.”

Information and registration for PH Zurich Summer School 2026