Written by Elton John Delos Santos & Aissa Pater
Through a strategic partnership with Germany’s GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the University of Baguio’s School of Nursing (UB-SON) has launched a program aimed at developing transcultural and global competencies among its students. Formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement on January 15, 2025, the initiative provides specialized skills training and language instruction to prepare future nurses for the demands of international healthcare.
The partnership offers a training program for 41 UB nursing students, featuring transformative skills workshops and intensive German language instruction. Designed to foster cultural adaptability and patient-centered care, the program includes a month-long course combining linguistic proficiency with practical global healthcare exposure.



The initiative began in July 2024, with the first batch of 22 students undergoing training from July 30 to August 8, under the guidance of trainers Ms. Judith Heepee, Ms. Leizel Ann Bautista, and Ms. Fritz Mas. The second batch of 19 students completed their program from January 6 to 16, 2025, mentored by 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,” highlighted Ms. Helen D. Alalag, Dean of UB-SON. “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,” she added.

A highlight of this collaboration was the “Joint Lecturers-Workshop: Training of Trainers,” conducted last January 15, 2024, as part of the culminating activities. A joint effort between UB’s School of Nursing and Klinikum Frankfurt (Oder), the workshop focused on enhancing teaching methodologies through case-based learning and practical strategies. Key speakers included Ms. Judith Heepee from GIZ and Ms. Ivy May Marbella from UB.
The workshop provided invaluable insights into integrating case studies into nursing education, promoting both quality instruction and stronger international partnerships. It marked a vital step in fostering global and transcultural collaboration, ultimately shaping future healthcare professionals capable of addressing the complexities of diverse healthcare systems.

Through this partnership, UB reaffirms its commitment to educational innovation, equipping its nursing graduates to emerge as global healthcare leaders who embody compassion, cultural competence, and professional excellence in addressing the needs of diverse patient populations, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.