Inner Growth Through Human Connection: A EUniWell Learning Experience in Florence, Italy

Written by Ace Pagkaliwangan, MSc in Advanced Physiotherapy, Semmelweis University.

My name is Ace Pagkaliwangan, and I’m a first-year master’s student in Advanced Physiotherapy at Semmelweis University. I was given the opportunity to participate in one of EUniWell’s short-term blended intensive program (BIP) called CREARE: Growth and Well-being through Inner Development Goals (IDGs), hosted by the University of Florence in Italy.

When I applied, I was familiar with the SDGs, the Sustainable Development Goals, but the IDGs? All I knew was that I was curious, and that I wanted to step outside the four walls of lecture rooms and into a new adventure.

Why did I apply and what did I gain from this opportunity?

EUniWell, the European University of Well-being, is an alliance of 12 universities across Europe with a mission to improve individual, social and environmental well-being through research, education, innovation, and social responsibility. What excites me most about EUniWell opportunities is, first and foremost, the human connection. Through educational programs like CREARE, students can not only learn new skills, but make new friends and experience cultural exchanges. I think experiences like this will also push you out of your comfort zone, and that discomfort will always bring a positive change. Second, you can gain knowledge and skills beyond the lecture halls. They come from conversations with experts and with fellow curious people, from sharing meals and stories, from laughing and even being vulnerable together.

The biggest benefit of being part of a university alliance such as EUniWell is the mobility opportunities and seeing how a European university alliance creates value for participating students. You get to experience new things and feel the true European spirit and that there are really no borders when it comes to connecting with people and transferring knowledge.

For me, the preparation for this BIP was smooth and well-organized. We had weekly online meetings and workshops that ran for two hours each. By the time I arrived in Florence, I felt I already knew some of the people I would be spending the week with. During the training sessions, I realized how much I still have to learn, to give, to share, and to receive from others. There were 20 of us, each bringing unique gifts. I felt like a vessel, needing to be filled with knowledge, care, and continuous improvement. By working with the IDGs during the program, I learned to connect with others more intentionally. I also learned to work with my inner self, which will benefit my practice as a physiotherapist. It has made me more intentional with my studies and with my goals.

Connections that run deep

What made this BIP truly special is the people I met. The participants were the most humane and hopeful people trying to make a positive difference for themselves and for others. The connections I made were pure, deep and made me feel like I belonged. During the program, we learned about the Seventh Generation Principle, which is about how the decisions we make today, must consider the impact on the next seven generations. Despite our cultural differences, we came together as a community and used the principle to guide the way we supported each other. In my group, for instance, we chose to express ourselves through music. We sang a song and wove poetry into it. Other groups painted, acted, or wrote poetry. Each act of creation was an act of hope.

There was one moment that made this BIP unforgettable. A fellow participant shared with me that he had been stressed and suffering from poor posture due to weeks of thesis writing. Throughout the program, he complained of tingling arm pain radiating from his shoulder down to his hand and even to the side of his body. I offered to help him. I did some assessments, then provided stretching exercises and practical tips to relieve the pain. Seeing the relief on his face, and the trust he placed in me, it reminded me why I chose to become a physiotherapist. It made me feel competent and useful. I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Experiencing the local culture

The accommodation was in Impruneta, at a place called Casa Per La Pace. I stayed in a 15th-century Renaissance villa with full board. I stayed in a single room, with a traditional Florentine interior and a modern, newly built bathroom. Waking up each morning to the sound of birds and the sight of olive groves set the perfect ambiance for inner work. The organizers’ decision to host a residential BIP in one of the most peaceful towns was the right one. It made the program’s goals so much more effective.

The food was also exquisite. They provided us with real, authentic Florentine meals, and it never disappointed. The organizers also gave us time for breaks to discover the local culture. We visited local spots, restaurants, and hangouts that only locals knew, which made my experience much more authentic. I absorbed so much of the city that at some point I felt completely comfortable walking on the streets and interacting with people. There was always a smile on my face whenever I went out.

Would I recommend going on a BIP?

Absolutely. My recommendation to future participants is to befriend a local in the city where you will stay. Create genuine memories. Have the curiosity to learn new things. And be kind to yourself, always. As for me, I will carry these lessons forward into my studies, my work with patients, and every human connection I am lucky enough to make.

Grazie, ragazzi. Until next time!