For Elen May T. Ugal, becoming a pharmacist means learning not only how to understand medicines and healthcare, but also how to understand the people and communities she hopes to serve. The third-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student of Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) took that learning beyond the classroom through her participation in the 4th UNISBA Global Student Motion (UGEO) 2026 at Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA), Indonesia.

Joining students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds, Ugal experienced an international learning environment through academic sessions, campus immersion, collaborative activities, and cultural exchanges. The experience allowed her to exchange ideas with fellow participants, encounter different perspectives, and gain a broader understanding of how education and professional preparation are shaped by culture and community. For Ugal, the experience added an important dimension to her preparation as a future healthcare professional.

Working and interacting with people from different backgrounds strengthened her communication, collaboration, adaptability, and intercultural competence—qualities increasingly important in healthcare, where professionals serve diverse populations and work within interconnected systems. Beyond the academic sessions, her time in Indonesia became an opportunity for personal growth. Stepping into an unfamiliar cultural and educational environment challenged her to become more confident, open-minded, and responsive to different ways of thinking.

These experiences reinforced the value of learning through direct engagement rather than relying solely on what can be learned inside the classroom. Ugal’s participation also reflects HCCCI’s approach to internationalization as part of holistic student development. By providing students with opportunities to participate in international mobility programs, the institution connects academic preparation with real-world experiences that develop broader perspectives and global competencies.

The experience supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through experiential and international learning; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, through intercultural engagement and inclusive participation; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through international academic and people-to-people connections. Through programs such as UGEO 2026, HCCCI continues to give students opportunities to step beyond familiar environments, learn from others, and bring global perspectives back to their fields and communities—preparing future professionals like Ugal to serve with competence, cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of the people at the heart of healthcare.