A visit to the University of Santo Tomas with staff of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO).

From September 1 to 7, we, two nursing students belonging to the student organization, visited the University of Santo Tomas (UST), located in Manila, the Philippines, together with staff of the WPRO.

At the WPRO, we participated in the meeting for building a WHO collaborating center (WHO-CC) specialized in interprofessional education (IPE) and promoted the appeal of IPE from our viewpoints as students. We also received valuable information that the WPRO receives interns and allocates them to work in countries in supported regions. This provides an opportunity to catch a glimpse of international health administration while working to support the WPRO staff. We hope to send interns from Gunma University or other universities belonging to the Japan Interprofessional Working and Education Network (JIPWEN).

At the UST, we were allowed to observe the College of Nursing and College of Rehabilitation Sciences. The UST, a university with a history of 400 years, has nurtured many talented graduates working in Western countries as well as Japan. Through the well-organized offices of the deans of the colleges, we were introduced to their curriculum and allowed to observe their classes. The UST students were all friendly and greeted us with smiles.

We will report about the visit in detail at the SIPEC study meeting held after the start of the second semester. Please come to the meeting, because we hope to share our exciting experiences with you.