Filipinos take pride in giving their children proper education. It is even included in their Constitution that each individual has the right to education which sadly is not the current case, since not all gets to enjoy this privilege.
However, it does not mean that the country is lacking in top-quality learning institutions that can compete globally. In fact, some of the top universities in the Philippines have consistently been in the international list for top schools. These include University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University among others.
Because of the quality education Philippine schools offer, the number of foreign students who opt to start or continue their educational quest here has increased. Aside from the competitive features of the learning institutions, foreign students (especially from nearby countries) list Philippines among their choices for studying abroad for various other reasons.
One of which is accessibility. With countries like South Korea wherein a plane ride is merely 4 hours, proximity is an advantage too good to pass up. The other factor will be the value that comes with the quality schooling Filipino citizens get. Foreigners find the cost reasonable and practical.
These reasons factor in the steady rise of foreign pupils, especially Koreans, who wish to study in the Philippines. Add the Filipinos’ stable grasp on the English language and the swell of English learning centers all over the country then you get a steady rise in their numbers.
The top requirement, apart from their Philippine visas and school requisites, that allows the Koreans or any other foreign nationals to study here in the Philippines, is the special study permit or SSP. This is for the learners who want to study non-degree subjects or courses. Student visas are issued to those who wish to obtain their degrees here in the Philippines, be it undergraduate or graduate studies.
So for a foreign student who is intent on studying abroad, Philippine learning institutions could merit a spot on the list of choices. It is also wise to know the factors to be considered and requirements to be prepared. Learning is never-ending as they say and studying in a foreign land like the Philippines is just a step towards that path.
