FOUR students of the University of San Carlos recently joined the Sakura Science Exchange Program at the Okayama University in Japan.

Master of Science in Pharmacy students Beatrix Loyao and James Senido and BS in Pharmacy students Stan Matthew Taylaran and Zach Uriel Cabije were immersed in Okayama University’s community and hospital pharmacy practice, clinical and cutting-edge pharmaceutical sciences researches.

The USC said that the program offered a unique blend of professional enrichment and cultural immersion activities.

“These covered various areas such as natural anti-malarial compounds, anti-cancer compounds extracted from marine organisms, optogenetics, personalized medicine, epidemiology, and data science,” USC said.

“Apart from cross-cultural awareness, the program also played an important role in strengthening international ties, broadening professional networks, and in aiding the exchange of ideas and best practices in the pharmacy profession between nations,” it added.

The SSP expanded the career opportunities of the students as it added an invaluable international dimension to their education.

The Sakura Science Exchange Program between Japan and USC started in 2015.