Exchange Student Guide if You Will Study in the Philippines for College

The Philippines is certainly a beautiful country in South East Asia. But apart from its picturesque destinations, a lot of college students abroad would like to get their college degrees in the Philippines due to its affordability. Let’s not forget, most Filipinos speak good English and are highly hospitable. Simply put, adjusting to their local practices is pretty easy. And speaking of practices, let us give you a glimpse on what to expect if you will study college in the Philippines. That way, you can prepare and be able to maximize what the country has to offer.  

Pick a Government-Recognized School or University   

First of all, make sure that you will enrol in an institution recognized by the government. Otherwise, you might be spending time, money, and effort for nothing. Directly coordinate with the school’s admission office if possible. Before you go to the Philippines, obtain the necessary visas and documentation.   

Learn the Local Language   

While most Filipinos can understand and speak English, it wouldn’t hurt if you learn some of the basic greetings and words. Here are some of the common ones you can use as you go around the country.   

Magandang Umaga   

This translates to Good Morning. Since most Filipinos are hospitable, it would be great to greet them with a smile.   

Para Po Sa Tabi   

When you are riding public transportation, and you’ve reached your destination, you can say this. Try riding the jeepney and the tricycle for a unique experience.  

Salamat   

This means, Thank You. And of course, whenever you asked for a direction, or someone helped you with anything, showing this simple gratitude should be more than enough.   

Paalam   

Leaving already? Paalam means goodbye.   

Knowing these simple greetings and words could be your ticket to make new friends.   

Cost of Living is Extremely Affordable   

The reason why most college students from different countries fly to the Philippines is that the tuition fee is reasonable, and the cost of living is low. The tuition could be between USD 723 to USD 3,101 per semester.  

As for the accommodations, this depends on the city where the college or university is located at. On average, you can get a shared accommodation for as low as USD 100. If you want to live on your own in a good neighborhood, you can find one for USD 400.   

Join Groups for International Students   

If you are about to study in the Philippines, it is easy to find a group of international students. As we’ve said, a lot of people choose the country to study tertiary education. Looking for a circle should be a breeze.   

Also, Filipinos are naturally friendly. You can approach them and start a small talk, and it shouldn’t be scary at all. So apart from foreign students, you can also make friends with the locals.    

Work Remotely   

Technically, it isn’t allowed for tourists and students to work in the Philippines. You must obtain the necessary permit to do so legally. But if you need some extra cash to support your needs, then you can do so remotely. That means, you can have an employer outside of the country and get paid using your local currency.   

Don’t Forget to Try the Best in Philippine Cuisine   

When you are in a different country, it is always a must that you try their local dishes. In the Philippines, you should try out the Adobo, Lechon, Sisig, Crispy Pata, Chicken Inasal, and Bulalo. Filipinos are also heavy on rice, and we’re pretty sure you’d be eating more too.  

Diverse Culture and Fantastic Vacation Spots   

The Philippines has a diverse culture considering that different nations colonized them for hundreds of years. Thus, you will see magnificent structures that were built centuries ago. Aside from the architecture, the country boasts a lot of amazing destinations perfect for a weekend getaway. They have Palawan, Cebu, Baguio, and Boracay, to name a few.     

The Philippines, Christian Nation in Asia   

To date, 86% of the country’s population is Roman Catholic. Most Muslims are located in the Southern part of the country.    

Is It Safe for Tourists?   

Perhaps, you’ve seen a lot of news or read articles that the country is unsafe for tourists and students. Yes, there are certain locations that are considered unsafe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t freely go out and enjoy what the country has to offer. Just be vigilant and be observant of your surroundings.