Philippines  Universities are  the  world’s  most affordable, according  to  a  recently

published   global   comparative  study  on  affordability  and  accessibility  in  higher

education.

Philippines have a 90% literacy rate. If proves that Education is of primary concern

in the  country  Philippines is the largest   English – Speaking  country in the Southeast

Asian region.  English is used as a medium  of instruction in higher education .   Also,

Filipinos are considered one of the most competent English speakers in the world.  It is

known for its highest standard of education, high – caliber education institutions.  The

country is the major exporters of English teachers, nurses, doctors and Skilled workers

abroad.

Apart from competence, cost is also a major consideration in studying .  The culture is

much easy to adopt with.  People are more hospitable and the environment is more open

and less hostile.

Why Philippines?

Philippines is the place to be for foreign students

“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 has one of the best education systems in Asia.

Its is one of the best place 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 follows 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 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.

WHY PHILIPPINES

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

See more: studymdinphilippines.com

Students share what they did to get through the difficult Ateneo college entrance test. By Bianca Consuji (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“I took a bunch of review courses so I knew most of the test except for the really complicated math parts.”
Jonathan Lansang, 25, BS Computer Science, 02-04

“The first time I took the ACET was in junior year as part of the qualifier for the AJSS, which I didn’t get accepted in because I didn’t know that the pressure is a killer! Then a person from Ateneo Math Society at Math Camp during senior year told me the most important bubble test tip I’ve got: use dots first while reading/answering and when you have time in easier sections, that’s when you shade. And when you guess, choose the same letter consistently – there’s a statistical basis for this. I passed to enter the Economics-Honors program with that advice, but of course, opted to go to the ‘school across the street,’ the University of the Philippines.”
Celeni Kristine Guinto, 23

“I just reviewed using review books. Luckily I got in, especially when all my course choices were honors courses.”
Camille Antonio, 24, BS ChemCE 02-06

“I didn’t follow directions, so I missed a whole problem set… Well, I still got in the top percent.”
Ian Villar, 25, BS Management Engineering, 02-07

“I did some SAT review. I had about two review sessions prior to the ACET and was actually reading Teen Vogue right before. When I got my results, I got into Business Management Honors! That was sheer luck, I think.”
Ange dela Cruz, 19, BS Comtech Management 08-09

“I took the ACET in 2000, but went to UP. Aside from a few week-ends of review school that summer, the only things I did to prepare for the ACET was to get a full night’s sleep, bring my lucky pen to the exam, and be all sen during the exam! Wu-sah!”
Charmian Lim, 23

“I took the ACET in 2002, got accepted into Management Economics. i did review courses.books (not intensive though) and lots of intelligent (or so I’d like to think) guesses during the exanm itself.”
Julienne Yee, 24

“I did self-review a few weeks before the test and good rest the night before! Started the day right by waking up early and eating good breakfast.”
Mickee Gimarino, 25

“I guessed every single question!”
Erica Paredes, 30, Interdisciplinary Studies, 98-02

“Basically, what I did for the UPCAT, I toned down for the ACET – self-study, reviewing my English vocabulary, and taking those tests in the reviewer books. I remember we didn’t have any more special classes as a batch like we did for the UPCAT because not everybody wanted to go to the Ateneo anyway. That, and this was nearing hell week time, so people didn’t really want to think about the ACET until it was too late to run away. I studied for the UPCAT more, but ended up with egg on my face since I found the ACET much, much harder. Where I found myself conveniently over-prepared for the UPCAT, I had to sweat out the graphs and the “speed 60 items in 16 minutes” English part for the ACET. I didn’t even finish the Math test by some 20 items! (Despite this, I still made it to BS Math in Ateneo!)”
Ralph Doval-Santos 25, BFA-Creative Writing 2002-2006

“Unlike others, I opted not to enroll in those review classes along Katipunan. Instead, I drafted my own reviewers based in my Ateneo high school notes. I just focused on math since I was weakest in that domain.  Before the actual test, I had a dose of sugar rush to stimulate my brain. Fortunately, I was able to pass the ACET to qualify for AB Psychology in 2002. However, I chose to go to UP to take up Sociology.”
Jeff Crisostomo, 24

Mostly self-review with high school notes, and various reviewers. Summer programs and review classes helped, but it all came down to focus, a regular sleeping schedule, and a healthy dose of Counterstrike in between to relieve stress.
Erwin Armovit AB-IS batch ’06 (took the ACET in 2002 and miraculously passed)

“First and foremost, I harassed God to make me pass an entrance exam to a school I wouldn’t even be enrolling in, as I went to UP. I passed and got accepted into my first choice, AB Comm. Aside from enrolling in a summer review program at LSC Katipunan, the mandatory intensive review classes in our high school, and mastering speed answering – it was marking B or C when I didn’t know the answer that got me through this harder-than-UPCAT entrance exam.”
Stephanie Santos, 25