BRIDGING BORDERS: University of Baguio’s Nursing Program Transcultural & Global Competency Enhancement through GIZ collaboration

Written by Elton John Delos Santos and Aissa Pater


The University of Baguio Nursing program has implemented a strategic initiative to cultivate transcultural and global competency through a collaborative Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Germany’s GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) signed on January 15, 2025. This partnership provides transformative skills training and language instruction for 41 UB Nursing students, preparing them for international collaboration and patient-centered care.

The above-mentioned MoA established a comprehensive program designed to equip UB Nursing students with a global perspective and essential skill sets. A key component is a month-long intensive language and skills training course. Students receive intensive German language instruction, developing both conversational and professional communication proficiency while simultaneously gaining practical experience in global healthcare. This session lasted from July 2024 to January 2025. This first batch with 22 students had their training from July 30 to August 8, 2024, under the supervision of trainers Ms. Judith Heepee, Ms. Leizel Ann Bautista, and Ms. Fritz Mas. The second batch with 19 students was conducted on January 6-16, 2025 under the trainers, Ms. Annabelle Proetel, Ms. Viktoria Maylybekove, Ms. Judith Heepee, and Ms. Fritz Mas.

“This program is a testament to our commitment to preparing nurses for a globalized healthcare environment,” says Ms. Helen D. Alalag, Dean of UB- School of Nursing. “By exposing them to different cultural perspectives, language capabilities, and practical skills, we are equipping our graduates to work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and contribute to a world of better healthcare.”

Further, on January 15, 2025, a “Joint Lecturers-Workshop: Training of Trainers” was a collaborative effort between the University of Baguio School of Nursing and the Klinikum Frankfurt (Oder) under the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) as part of the culminating activity. The program aimed to share and enhance teaching methodologies and strategies through case introductions and practical examples. The key presenters were Ms. Judith Heepee from GIZ and Ms. Ivy May Marbella from the University of Baguio, and they focused on how to effectively use case studies in nursing education to broaden partnerships and improve quality education. 

Hence, the workshop provided vital insights and practical methods for nurse educators to enhance their teaching skills and better prepare students for the diverse demands of healthcare to step up towards fostering global and transcultural collaboration.

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