“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.

According to the Global Education Digest 2006, a report made by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), the number of foreign students worldwide surged by 41 percent from 1.75 to 2.5 million between 1999 to 2004. The report presents the latest education statistics in more than 200 countries and also tracks the flows of foreign students.

China sends the greatest number of students abroad—14% of the global total—or 350, 000 Chinese. The rest are from Africa, Arabia, United States, and Europe.

In the Philippines, half of the foreign students come from East Asia, particularly from China, Korea, and Taiwan, according to the UNESCO.

Also, the World Tourism Organization (WTO) said that the number of China’s outbound travelers has grown at a yearly average of 20 percent. Last year, some 36,203 Chinese tourists visited the Philippines in January to November compared to 29,093 for the same period in 2003, posting a 24.4 percent increase.

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—some cannot ignore studying in the Philippines.

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 provides 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 enroll 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.

The education fair

On 14-15 October 2006, the Philippines will participate in the 6th China Education Expo (CEE), the largest and most prestigious education trade event in the said country, officially sponsored by the Ministry of Education and organized by the China Education Association for International Exchange.

The Philippine participation seeks to draw Chinese and other foreigners to study in the country and promote the country’s capability on education services such as ESL, bachelor’s degree, non-degree courses, and other review programs.

Four educational institutions will be part of this year’s Philippine delegation, namely Enderun Colleges Inc., New England College, Royal Institute of Higher Education Inc. (RIHED), and Technological University of the Philippines (TUP).

Enderun Colleges Inc. is an international school which offers bachelor's degree and non-degree courses in the fields of hotel and restaurant management and culinary arts while New England College is a private school that provides courses in nursing, education, and information technology and review programs in English proficiency. RIHED is an education solutions provider which is registered with the Ministry of Education of Singapore and offers all of the courses of their Strategic Education Partners (SEP). TUP, on the other hand, is a state university offering courses in engineering, engineering technology, industrial education, science, and architecture.

The Philippine participation in the CEE is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry.



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