Why Study in Philippines?

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."–Confucius

This quote from the famous Chinese philosopher must be true for every student who wishes to study abroad and attain a winning career. Students should be careful in choosing which country they will spend their time and money for studying because if they made a wrong step or move, the journey to success would be difficult for them to take. 

The benefits of choosing Philippines

While lots of foreign students are found anywhere in the world—like in US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, or Japan—No one can ignore studying in the Philippines.

Philippines have one of the best education systems in Asia. It is one of the best places for students to study completely in English, at affordable prices and high quality. 

The education system is just so fantastic that Philippines has send hundreds of doctors and engineers to work in USA, UK , Middle east etc along with other professionals.

Philippines follow the American education system.

For example, Kwon Ka-young, a Korean university student who went to the Philippines last year to volunteer and study English said: “Studying in the Philippines helped me not only to improve my English skills but also to become more of a global citizen.” Aside from Koreans, an increasing number of Americans, Koreans, Taiwanese, Chinese, and other foreigners also pursue their education in the country.

Why do some 5, 000 foreign students study here in the Philippines? Few countries in Asia can match the country when it comes to providing quality education and fun at the same time.

As the world’s 3rd largest English-speaking nation, the Philippines provide huge knowledge resources, up-to-date instruction, and a multicultural learning atmosphere with its 93.9% literacy rate. It is home to a number of ISO-certified universities and 275 higher educational institutions identified as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development. There are also several international schools in the Philippines which are on American, British, German, Chinese, French, and Japanese educational tracks. 

The business and accounting schools in the country adhere to the US’ Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) while the engineering and marine schools are included in the APEC Engineer Registry and International Maritime Organization (IMO) white list. Students are also guaranteed of getting training from more than 115, 000 teachers with master’s and doctorate degrees in the Philippines.

Foreign students do not only get the chance of earning excellent education, but they also find ways of enjoying their stay in the Philippines. After having serious lessons in their classrooms, they can relax by swimming, surfing, diving, and snorkeling in numerous pristine beaches anywhere, or unwind in some of the island’s heritage sites like the man-made rice terraces, marine parks, mountains, underground rivers, and other tourist hideaways that depict Asian and European architecture. If these are not the places for them, they can still enjoy hanging out in countless five-star hotels and restaurants, entertainment shows, shopping malls, and cafes.

The Philippines is known for its people’s hospitality and joyfulness. Visitors everywhere marvel at the way they are treated in each place they visit. They also enjoy the number of festivals that are held for every locality which reflects the country’s rich and diverse culture and traditions. The Korean student Ka-young added: “One of my greatest curiosities in the Philippines is why Filipino festivals last for a week because usually, Korean festivals take place for only two or three days. I enjoyed the fiestas mainly the Ati-atihan, where Koreans and Filipinos all became one by dancing, singing, and even drinking together.” 

Studies also show that it is more affordable to study in the Philippines compared with other countries offering high quality education. It is because a person can live a modest lifestyle by only spending US$350 to US$500 a month.

Programs for mobile students

To attract foreigners to pursue their education in the Philippines, the government prepared some programs to suit the students’ needs.

One of these is the ‘Philippine ESL (English as a Second Language) Tour Program,’ in which the study of English forms part of a structured tour package. Studying English becomes more exciting and fun through dynamic and creative ways of learning where participants get to interact, practice, and use English more often in real-life settings thru games, outdoor activities, excursions, and immersions. Aside from learning the English language, participants get to see the beautiful sceneries of the Philippine countryside and immerse with the local culture.

The duration of English courses vary depending on the needs and objectives of the student. Modules may range from one week to one month depending on the student’s level of proficiency. Participants can choose among the 21 bi-authorized English language learning centers spread all over the country.

The government also issued the Executive Order 285 which authorizes the conversion of tourist visa category to student visa, or gives out a Special Study Permit for those who wish to enrol in a non-degree course for less than one (1) year.

Aside from these, the Philippines also made the ‘Visa-Upon-Arrival Program’ where tour groups and individual travelers from the East Asia, particularly from China, can now apply for a 14-day visa upon their arrival at any Philippine international airport.

WHY STUDY IN THE PHILIPPINES?

Many parents believe that Philippines is the right place for their children to study because it offers many good reasons for quality education.

MEDIUM FOR LEARNING ENGLISH

• The world's third largest English-speaking country
• Highest English literacy rate in Asia
• Mode of instruction in all levels of education
• Widely-used language for business, education, communication and trade

CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

• US System of Education
• Quality medical education as recognized by World Health Organization (WHO), IMED of ECFMG- USA and silimar other bodies.
• Top Universities renowned worldwide
• Integrated problem-based learning approach
• Modern teaching methods with first-rate facilities 

AFFORDABILITY

• Affordable overseas degrees and tuition fees
• Economical accommodation and living expenses
• Excellent and comfortable boarding facilities
• Affordable medical and dental expenses
• Inexpensive travel cost
• Student-assisted visa application 

CONDUCIVE AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT

• Warmth, graciousness and hospitality of the Filipinos
• Open and stimulating classroom environment
• Solidarity between students and professors
• Dedicated and friendly school staff and faculty members
• Cultural diversity in the society
• Close proximity to other Asian countries
• Improved shipping facilities and services
• Expanded business centers
• Advanced information technology

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GLOBAL GROWTH

• Better opportunities to secure employment and permanent residency in other developed countries
• Good opportunity to travel around the world
• Opportunities to make significant contributions to your society and to your country after graduation
• Education gateway to other countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and many others 

Cost of Living:

The cost and living in Philippines varies from person to person and their selected courses which the students have decided to pursue further, though Philippines is an average and affordable country in terms of expenditure and cost of living. Privately run higher education institutions course fees vary somewhere between P4500-P8000 (US $ 1=43.36 pesos) depending upon the selected course of study.

The country is also a popular destination for pursuing medical branches of study. The fee also varies from institution to institution. The average course fees for study start from USD 3,000. Apart from that the cost of living for international students is between USD 1200 to USD 1500 per year. The low fee combined with the lower costs of living is one factor that appeals to international students. The other expenses are as follows

• Accommodation- The cost of accommodation in terms of sharing an apartment or a dormitory starts anywhere between P2000
• Food and meals- The average expenses for food can be estimated at P2000
• Miscellaneous Expenses- These expenses include transportation, laundry, health expenses, supply and any other personal expenses can estimated at P1000

These cost that are stated are just estimates and the actual cost of living depends on factors like standard of living and the place of stay.