The 2025-2026 Student Nurses International Learning Program (SNILP) recently marked a transformative milestone through the flourishing partnership between the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan College of Nursing and St Mary’s College (SMC) of Nursing in Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. This internationalization initiative provided a unique gateway for Xavier University nursing students to immerse themselves in the forefront of geriatric care innovation. Beyond the academic exchange, Xavier University expressed a profound admiration for St Mary’s College and its unwavering dedication to promoting human dignity. The SMC mission is one that is carried out through the profound lenses of mercy, care, and Catholic love which perfectly aligns with the Jesuit & Catholic values of Xavier University.

Through comprehensive lectures, participants delved into the complexities of Japan’s Greying Population, the nation’s deeply rooted Culture of Gerontologic Care, and the Japanese Long-term Care Insurance System.

The learning experience shifted from the theoretical to the visceral within the sophisticated training facilities of St Mary’s College. Xavier University Students, Faculty, and Administrators participated in simulations that allowed them to physically inhabit the challenges of aging, including limited movement, reduced auditory abilities, and degenerating eyesight. By navigating the world through these physical constraints, the participants moved beyond the technical medical care emphasized in the standard Philippine Nursing curriculum to develop a profound sense of empathy for the elderly. This immersive approach allowed learners to supplement the Xavier University desired outcomes of competence, conscience, and a commitment to excellence with heart. These values were further put into practice during clinical rotations at the Maison Maria Dementia Care Unit and the Maison Maria Elderly Care facilities, where students provided direct, heart-centered care to elderly Japanese through simple mobility activities. The experience proved that despite the language barrier, the language of a heart that cares rises above all.

Broadening the scope of the mission, the engagement successfully addressed the three-pronged agenda of Xavier University academics: instruction, research, and social engagement. Dean Mary Grace M Paayas took the opportunity to meet with St Mary’s renowned experts in Nursology, fostering high-level academic discourse that promises to enrich the college's curriculum. Furthermore, Dean Paayas is now pursuing future collaborative engagements with Dr Tsukayo Hidaka, the Director of the Roy Adaptation Association - Japan Chapter, signaling a strengthened commitment to international research and nursing theory. These high-level meetings ensure that the partnership transcends a simple student exchange, evolving into a robust professional alliance.

The significance of this journey was underscored by the presence of Fr Mars P Tan SJ, President of Xavier University, who witnessed the program’s impact firsthand and participated in many of the learning activities. During his visit, Fr Tan gave a plenary address on the Xavier University Jesuit Mission of Education to SMC’s leadership, including Chairman of the Board Dr Yuichiro Ide, Chancellor Dr Nobu Ide, President Dr Mitsuo Katano, College Dean Dr Kiyome Chikasue, and the members of the faculty and staff of St Mary’s College.

Reflecting on the mission, Fr Tan expressed his appreciation to Dean Paayas and Mr Don Antonio Velez, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Higher Education who authored, collaboratively developed and jointly nurtured the Xavier University SNILP to the program it is today. Fr Tan SJ spoke of the visit as one that has "undoubtedly profited our students and faculty in many ways," noting his appreciation for the efforts to launch a large delegation "aimed at fostering innovation and development within the college."

The first leg of the 2025 SNILP concluded with a poignant Completion Ceremony where certificates of completion were awarded by the Presidents and Deans from both Xavier University and St Mary’s College President’s and Deans. A celebratory Mass at the Our Lady of Snows Church, symbolizing the shared faith of both institutions followed.

Looking toward the future of this collaboration, Fr Tan shared his optimism, "I am hoping we will be able to push forward with meeting certain doable opportunities for the university and the college." Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan extends its deepest gratitude to the leadership at St Mary’s College of Nursing for their warm and heartfelt hospitality, with special mention to the dedicated efforts of Professor Eric Fortin, Assistant Professor Tamaki Hatano, and the members of the St Mary’s College International Committee for making this life-changing cultural and clinical exchange a reality.