Text by Charmaine A. Lingdas
Photos by Jericho Paolo L. Mabansag
Reaffirming its commitment to intercultural learning, international academic exchange, and collaboration among future health professionals, the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila welcomed two international medical students through the Student Network Organization (SNO) Exchange Program.
Organized by the Student Network Organization (SNO) under the Towards Unity for Health (TUFH), the annual conference and exchange program brings together health students from different countries to deepen their understanding of public health, healthcare systems, and diverse cultures, while building lasting international partnerships.
This year’s exchange welcomed João Lucas Freitas, a medical student at Faculdade Pernambucana de Saúde (FPS) and direct-entry MD-PhD trainee at Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira (IMIP) in Brazil, and Rwan Jaffer Zain-alabdeen Alshiekh, a fourth-year medical student from Gezira University, Egypt.
Hosted by the UP Manila Office of International and Local Linkages (OILL), the week-long program runs from July 27 to Aug. 3, 2026, and forms part of the activities leading to the 2026 TUFH Conference from Aug. 4 to 7, 2026.
OILL Director Prof. Vivian Fe Fadrilan Camacho welcomed the scholars and congratulated them for being selected from a competitive pool of applicants from around the world, and emphasized that the exchange is designed to provide more than an academic experience. She explained that while the scholars would learn about UP Manila’s educational programs, research initiatives, and healthcare system, the exchange also offers an opportunity to experience Filipino culture firsthand and understand the context in which healthcare is delivered in the country.
UP Manila Chancellor Michael Tee emphasized that international exchanges help prepare future health leaders by promoting mutual understanding among countries.
“The way we can have unity is when we know each other, we know the culture of each other, and we know the systems that govern the way our health is managed by the people,” Chancellor Tee said. He encouraged the scholars to maximize their stay by immersing themselves in Filipino culture and engaging with students, faculty, and healthcare professionals.
Chancellor Tee also urged the UP Manila University Student Council and student organizations to actively involve the visiting scholars in campus activities, describing the exchange as a valuable learning opportunity for both the guests and the university community.
Frietas and Alshiekh expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received from UP Manila and shared their enthusiasm for experiencing Philippine culture. Frietas noted that the hospitality he experienced reminded him of his home country.
“This experience with another culture, with people so warm, is very, very good and different from my perspective,” he said. “I’m very excited for this experience and so glad for this opportunity.”
The discussions also opened opportunities for future institutional collaboration. During the orientation, Camacho shared that UP Manila currently has numerous international partners across Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania but has yet to establish institutional partnerships in South America.
Recognizing this opportunity, João Lucas introduced his institution in Brazil as a referral center serving northeastern Brazil and expressed interest in connecting it with UP Manila for student exchanges, faculty mobility, and collaborative research.
Student leaders from the University Student Council facilitated cultural exchange sessions that introduced the Filipino language, traditions, student life, and campus organizations while encouraging the visiting scholars to share stories about their own countries and health systems. The conversations highlighted common challenges faced by different nations in healthcare, medical education, and workforce development, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global health concerns.
The scholars are expected to share their reflections and experiences in the Philippines during the closing program on Aug. 3, 2026, at the Museum of a History of Ideas.
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