From UCL to PH Zürich: A Tuition Fee Free Scheme Journey into Gamification

I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Gamification in Education course at Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich (Zurich University of Teacher Education), as one of the students selected from the IOE – UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society. 

PH Zürich is a leading institution in Switzerland for teacher education and educational research, known for its innovative and practical approach, strong international collaborations, and commitment to professional development. 

I am deeply grateful for the chance to explore the Swiss education system for the first time, exchange ideas with inspiring educators from around the world, and learn innovative ways to use gamification to create meaningful and collaborative learning experiences. This experience took me back to my very first year as a teacher, when a 7-year-old student once told me, “Thank you, teacher, for letting us play in class.” Since that day, games have always been part of my English lessons, and I have seen how motivation, collaboration, and joy in learning can truly thrive through play. This is why I was very excited to learn more about gamification through this course! 

What was the best on-site experience? 

One of the highlights of the course was working in groups to design interactive circuits for Physical Education classes, inspired by popular digital games such as Mario Kart, Angry Birds, and Temple Run. We incorporated key elements from these games—like obstacles, challenges, and levels—into our designs, creating activities that encouraged movement, teamwork, and friendly competition. After building our circuits, we had the chance to test the games created by other groups, which not only gave us new ideas but also added a playful and collaborative atmosphere to the class. It was an incredibly fun and engaging way to explore how game mechanics can be adapted to make lessons more dynamic and motivating while promoting physical activity. 

What was the best off-site experience? 

Outside the classroom, one of the most memorable experiences was travelling to Appenzell, a picturesque village in northeastern Switzerland, where we had a yodel workshop led by a local expert. There, we learned the traditional Swiss vocal technique that rapidly alternates between low and high tones. Originally used by Alpine shepherds to communicate across mountains, this unique practice offered us a fascinating glimpse into Swiss culture and traditions. 

Biggest lesson learnt? 

The biggest lesson I took away from this experience is that gamification can be applied to virtually any subject—whether it is an English lesson or a physics class—and, when thoughtfully designed, it can significantly enrich learning experiences. 

Best bit of prep you did before going abroad? How did you fund your experience? 

I was fortunate to be one of the two students selected through the 2025 UCL Tuition Fee Free Scheme, which partially covered my tuition fees, and I also received support from the UCL Global Experience Bursary, which helped cover part of my accommodation costs. Applying well in advance and ensuring all documents were ready made the process smooth, giving me enough time to thoughtfully work on my application answers. 

Any words of advice for future short-term mobility travellers? 

I encourage future students to regularly explore the many mobility schemes and bursaries that UCL offers—there are countless opportunities that can enrich both their academic and personal growth. This time in Switzerland was truly inspiring. It was amazing to meet such passionate educators and to share how we plan to apply what we have learned in our own countries. I am excited to put everything I learned into practice—may the red thread (as in one of our photos) always keep us teachers connected! 

I am also incredibly thankful to our mentors, Dr. Peter Holzwarth and Franziska Spring, for their guidance and warm welcome throughout the course, and to Eveline Jehle for the outstanding organisation and for making us feel at home in Zurich.