Education Philippines

International Students (studies) in the Philippines

2010-08-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

For the past few years, statistical data shows an upward trend in the number of foreign students coming to the Philippines to study specially for medical courses. And why not? The Philippines offer affordable education (if you base it on foreign currency) and a dependable education system provided by the top schools in the country. Comparing it for example with International students in the UK, The Philippines is the best alternative when you think about the economics of being a student.

What are the requirements need to apply as a foreign student or International Student in the Philippines? Here are the FAQs in applying as an International student in the Philippines from the Commission on Higher Education website ( http://www.ched.gov.ph ).

Who are considered foreign students?

Foreign students are those belonging or owing allegiance to a country other than the Philippines and studying in any educational institution recognized or owned by the government of the Philippines.

What is a bonafide foreign student?

A bonafide foreign student is one who is at least eighteen years of age at the time of enrollment, has sufficient means for his/her education and support and who seeks to enter the Philippines for temporary stay with the purpose of taking up a course of study higher than high school at a university, college or school authorized to accept foreign students.

What is the legal basis for the entry and stay of foreign students in the Philippines?

The entry and stay of foreign students in the country is covered by Executive Order (EO) 285 dated September 4, 2000, which amended the provisions of EO 423 of 1997 Re: Guidelines Governing the Entry and Stay of Foreign Students in the Philippines and the Establishment of an Inter-Agency Committee on Foreign Students for the Purpose. The implementing guidelines of this EO are specified in IACFS Memorandum No.1, s. 2000.

What is the pre-requisite for enrollment of a foreign student at the tertiary or college level?

A prospective foreign student-applicant for the tertiary or college level should be a high school/secondary school graduate or its equivalent.

What Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) are authorized to accept foreign students?

Only HEIs with programs accredited by agencies under the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) or with equivalent accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), either as Centers of Excellence (COEs), Centers of Development (CODs) or STCW-compliant Maritime schools and by the Bureau of Immigration (BI), are authorized to admit foreign students. (Here is the CHED’s Directory for accredited programs and schools)

What are the salient provisions of EO 285?

1. Only schools with programs accredited by agencies under the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP) or with equivalent accreditation by the Commission on Higher Education and by the Bureau of Immigration shall be authorized to admit foreign students.

2. Authorization for the conversion from tourist visa category to student visa or issuance of Special Study Permit.

3. Establishment of a Bureau of Immigration Foreign Student Desk.

What are the procedural guidelines to be observed and documentary requirements to be complied with in the issuance of Student Visa for applicant still abroad?

8.1 Student- applicant submits the following to any Philippine HEI authorized to accept foreign students:

· Five (5) copies of the Student's Personal History Statement (PHS) as required by the accepting school duly signed by him, both in English and in his national alphabet accompanied by his personal seal if any, containing among others, his left and right thumb-prints and a 2 x 2 inch photograph on plain white background taken not more than six months prior to submission;

· Transcript of Records/Scholastic Records duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post (PFSP) located in the student-applicant's country of origin or legal residence;

· A notarized Affidavit of Support including bank statements or notarized grant for institutional scholars, to cover expenses for the student's accommodation and subsistence, as well as school dues and other incidental expenses; and

· Photocopy of the student's passport showing date and place of birth and birth certificate or its equivalent duly authenticated by the PFSP.

8.2 Upon compliance of the required documents and subject to entrance requirements of the accepting school, HEI issues Notice of Acceptance (NOA).

8.3 For those desiring to enroll in Medicine and Dentistry, their documents shall be submitted to the Office of Student Services (OSS), CHED for evaluation and if found in order, a Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) is issued. HEI submits the documents, including the certified true copy of the CEA of those enrolling in Medicine and Dentistry to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

8.4 DFA endorses the documents to the PFSP in the student's country of origin or legal residence for the issuance of the corresponding visa.

8.5 PFSP notifies the student-applicant with instruction that he appear in person before the Consular Officer for interview and submission of required documents, as follows:

· Original copy of the school's Notice of Acceptance (NOA) containing a clear impression of the school's dry seal;

· Original copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) issued by CHED if enrolling in Medicine and Dentistry;

· Police clearance issued by the national police authorities in the student's country of origin or legal residence, duly authenticated by the PFSP having consular jurisdiction over the place; and;

· Medical Health Certificate issued by an authorized physician including but not limited to standard-size chest x-ray, HIV, Hepatitis-B clearance. The Consular Office shall not assume the task of determining the student's scholastic fitness for the program applied for and shall issue the student visa as soon as all the requirements are accomplished.

8.6 Foreign student reports to the Bureau of Immigration Student Desk for registration and to the accepting HEI and shall enroll in the school which issued his NOA upon arrival in the Philippines;

8.7 Accepting HEI shall assist foreign student to obtain Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) and Certificate of Residence for Temporary Student (CRTS) from the Bureau of Immigration (BI); and

8. 8 DFA sends notice to accepting HEI on the issuance of student visa to the applicant, copy furnished CHED, BI, NICA and NBI.

What is a Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to a Medical/Dental Course?

A Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to a Medical Course (CEM)/Dental Course (CED), is issued to a foreign student by the CHED Office of Student Services (OSS), upon compliance of the documentary requirements.

What are the documentary requirements for the issuance of CEM/CED?

1. Scholastic records signed by the College/University Registrar and stamped with the school seal; (the diploma/certificate of graduation maybe required if the scholastic records do not indicate graduation from the course).

2. Birth Certificate/passport;

3. Notice of Acceptance from the admitting school;

4. (For Medicine only) Diploma or Certificate of Graduation from an allied collegiate course; and

5. NMAT (for Medicine only).

Can foreign students already in the Philippines be allowed to apply for student visa?

Yes. EO 285 provides the authority for conversion of tourist visa category to student visa. The concerned foreign student shall be issued a Student Visa or Special Study Permit subject to compliance with BI requirements.

What are the documentary requirements to be complied with for the change/conversion of admission status of an alien to that of a student?

An alien admitted into the Philippines under any visa category may apply at the Bureau of immigration (BI) Student Desk for the change/conversion of his admission status to that of a student, subject to the following requirements:
Written indorsement from the school for the change/conversion of admission status of the alien to that of a student;
Original copy of the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) containing a clear impression of the school's official dry seal;
Certified true copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Admission (CEA) issued by the Commission on Higher Education in the case of students in Medicine and Dentistry;
Proof of adequate financial support to cover expenses for the student's accommodation and subsistence, as well as school dues and incidental expenses;
Scholastic records duly authenticated by the Philippine Foreign Service Post (PFSP) located in the student's country of origin or legal residence;
Police Clearance Certificate issued by the National Police Authorities in the student's country of origin or residence duly authenticated by the PFSP having consular jurisdiction over the place, for the student who resided in the Philippines for less than 59 days. However, those who resided in the Philippines for more than 59 days at the time he applies for the said change/conversion of admission status, shall also be required to submit a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Clearance.
Quarantine Medical Examination by the National Quarantine Office;
Copy of the student's Personal History Statement (PHS) signed by him/her with a 2 x 2 inch photograph recently taken; and
Xerox copy of the photo, data and stamp of the latest arrival pages of the student's passport. The passport itself shall be presented to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for verification.

How long is the student's authorized period of stay in the Philippines?

The student's authorized period of stay shall be consistent with the length of the course to which he has been accepted by a Philippine school. The initial period is one year and then renewed/extended by the BI Student Desk every semester.

14. What are the documentary requirements to be complied with for the extension of stay as a student?

Written endorsement from the school for the extension of the student visa of the alien;
Application form duly accomplished by the student;
Two (2) 2 x 2 photographs;
Xerox copy of the photo, data and stamp of the latest arrival, pages of the passport of the students or Certificate of Identity;
Transcript of Records signed by the Dean or Registrar with its seal for 1^st extension only. No need for the same on 2^nd or succeeding extensions;
Grades for the previous semester both for 1^st and succeeding extensions;
Xerox copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR), Certificate of Residence for Temporary Students (CRTS) and 9(f) visa stamp on the passport for 1^st extension only;
Explanation by the student and confirmed by the School Registrar or Dean in the case of one who took less than the required normal/regular full load per semester as follows:

a.Undergraduate at least 15 units

b.Graduate Student (MA) at least 12 units

However, graduating students and those enrolled in the College of Medicine may have less than the aforesaid number of units.
Explanation by the student in case of failures, incomplete grades, dropped or withdrawals of two (2) or more subjects equivalent to six (6) or more units as confirmed by the School Registrar or Dean of the School;
Notice of Acceptance/registration card for the incoming semester; and
Approval of the admitting school in cases of school transfer, course shifting or enrollment in a masters or doctorate studies related to the student's bachelor degree.

Who are the foreigners exempted from securing Student Visa 9(f) and Special Study Permit?

For enrolment in tertiary schools, student visa and BI special Study Permit, shall not be required of the spouses and unmarried dependent children below 21 years old of aliens under the following categories:

1. Permanent foreign residents;

2. Aliens with valid working permits under Section 9(d), 9(g) and 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, as amended;

3. Personnel of foreign diplomatic and consular missions residing in the Philippines and their dependents;

4. Personnel of duly accredited international organizations residing in the Philippines and their dependents;

5. Holders of Special Investor's Resident Visa (SIRV) and Special Retiree's Resident Visa (SRRV); and

6. Foreign students coming to the Philippines with 47(a)(2) visas issued pursuant to existing laws, e.g. PD 2021.

What happens to foreign students already enrolled in Philippine HEIs which have no FAAP Agency or CHED equivalent accreditation?

Current foreign students enrolled in these HEIs shall be allowed to finish the courses/programs they are enrolled in.

What steps should be undertaken by HEIs authorized to accept foreign students before the issuance of EO 285 but do not meet the accreditation requirements?

These HEIs will have to show that initial steps towards accreditation are being done, through a certification issued by CHED.

Who monitors the HEI's compliance with the requirements within the time prescribed by the FAAP agencies?

CHED shall monitor these HEIs to find out if indeed compliance is being undertaken.

What happens if the requirements are not complied with by the HEIs concerned?

The authority to accept foreign students by these HEIs shall be withdrawn.

Can foreign students who are holders of visas other than 9(f), study in Philippine HEIs which bear no accredited programs and are neither COEs nor CODs?

Yes, provided that said HEIs have prior authority to accept foreign students granted by BI, and provided further that said students comply with BI requirements.

Distance Education

2010-08-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Let me just begin by saying Distance Learning Education is a blessing. Taking courses from the confines of your home to some people is indeed a blessing.

My mother always reminds me how important education is. During the time when I was still in college, I use to take those words for granted. I was headstrong then, I still am, but I know better now. It is only recently that I fully appreciated those words. It’s good she never gave up on me when all I want to do is get out of school and be free. I realize now, how big a mistake that could have been.

Education is valuable. A good education could feed you for a thousand lifetimes, that’s what other people say. I guess I have to agree. Ten years ago, if you want to earn a decent income and would like to work sitting down in an office chair, then you have to have a college degree. If not, you have to settle for a work that requires you to knock on doors or carry things or sell or help on stores, etc. These are not bad jobs. In fact I admire people doing these jobs. It shows us that Filipinos, despite its difficulties most of the time and lack of opportunities, are not indolent. But a high school diploma ten years ago would not allow you to have an office table. Thanks to the call center industry, since most centers accept under graduates, that the employment opportunities for university undergraduates are a lot better now.

A lot of High school graduates and undergraduates are now working in call centers where the pay is competitive, where the benefits are good, the workplace is posh and allow them to have their own cubicle. In fact most of them are actually receiving better wages than a normal office day job. I remember Biboy, a former colleague who earns an awesome Php 30,000 every month from commissions alone. He said he could keep his basic pay intact and have it deposited on his bank account for the education of his children. He is earning really well. One time while we are on an early morning drinking session, I ask him, “if you have 100 pesos and you could use it to buy anything in the world, I mean anything at all, what would you buy?” he stared at the passing buses along EDSA deep in his thoughts, then he looked back at me and said “A college degree, one that comes with a real college diploma” everyone in the group stopped talking, I just smiled.

Good paying jobs are great, but a college diploma hanging on your walls brings a different kind of satisfaction. I asked Biboy what’s stopping him from going to school and he said, he no longer have the time. He works at night, tend to his kids in the morning and have to sleep in the afternoon. “Being a parent is full time job with no furloughs and no day-offs” he quipped during our lunch break once. Parents in the group just nodded in agreement.

The other day, I stumbled upon a story about Distance Learning Education. Distance education according to Wikipedia:

is a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both. In other words, distance learning is the process of creating an educational experience of equal qualitative value for the learner to best suit their needs outside the classroom. Rather than attending courses in person, teachers and students may communicate at times of their own choosing by exchanging printed or electronic media, or through technology that allows them to communicate in real time and through other online ways

This would really work for Biboy and the thousands of employees who doesn’t have the all the time in the world to earn a college degree or a certificate, and a diploma on the wall.

Types of Autism

2010-08-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

It is said that Autism Spectrum Disorder is 4 time more prevalent in males that females. The reason? Up to this point it ranges from pure speculation to unknown. Well it’s not that surprising considering the fact that we (humans with all our medicines) haven’t completely uncovered the mystery of the human brain.

Sad to say that Autism Spectrum Disorders are one some of the most common developmental Disabilities. Up to this point there is no definite medical test to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder. Most diagnosis is based on the behavior of the child that is observable.

HERE ARE THE TYPES OF AUTISM:

Early Onset Autism: This type of autism could be diagnosed early on the baby’s life. Right on the onset, babies with this type of autism shows no sign of connection, no eye contact that should be expected from the child during its first few months. They Don’t Babble like any normal 9 months old baby and carries the same traits that make it hard for them to develop their language skills on the first 2 years.

Regressive Autism: this is a case of autism wherein a child tends to develop normally during the first year. They are playful and interactive, but after the first year they change dramatically. They begin to drift back, tending to lose their social skills and eye contact and even listening. There have been cases when parents believe that this impairment is attributed to a hearing loss or even a vaccination injury since the symptoms begins to show after the child has been given series of vaccination.

Halted Progression Autism: There is a thin line that separates this type of Autism to Regressive Autism. Babies with this type of autism also develop normally during the first year. However unlike regressive autism, the children having a halted progression autism does not regress. They do not drift back, their development just end to slow down. This type of autism is often diagnosed much later than regressive autism, because it usually diagnosed only when parent or teachers noticed that the children is no longer behaving at par with their age.

Asperger’s Syndrome: It’s distinction with High-functioning autism is not so defined. Some psychologist believes that they are the same. Children suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome seems to develop in a normal manner and sometimes even show advance intellectual skills. They are usually diagnosed later that other types of autism. Usually diagnosed when the child begins to attend school where they are confronted with varied social behaviors. It is when they do not show any signs understanding these varied behaviors that the signs of autism begins to show.

TESDA Accredited Schools, Courses and 2010 Class Schedules

2010-08-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

My cousin Alvin just recently came home from Dubai. He is a degree holder and never had any problem finding a job in abroad. Now he is planning to go back overseas and this time he set his eyes to Europe, now he is back in school. He is currently taking a two month long course in TESDA (Technical education and Skills development Authority). He is currently enrolled on short course in welding.

I asked him why he bothers to take short courses on welding, he said, a job as a welder in Europe and Canada pays a lot more. He said he have a lady classmate, a nursing graduate who’s taking the short course in welding as well. The lady is about to move in the US with her fiancé and was advised to take a short course in welding because it is easier to land a job as a welder nowadays in the west and it pays better than other office job.

TESDA is indeed a practical choice nowadays. Technical courses in TESDA includes (but not limited to) Automotive Servicing, Building Wiring Installation, Consumer Electronics Servicing, RAC Servicing, Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), Computer Hardware Servicing, Industrial Electrician, Refrigeration & Air-conditioning, Computer Hardware Servicing, Industrial Electrician, Small Engine Repair & Maintenance, TV Servicing Leading to CES NC II, etc.

I have downloaded a list of TESDA Accredited schools, courses and schedules of classes from the TESDA website, I am sharing them with you now. (Click Here) then click on the Training Calendar link.

Autism: What is it?

2010-08-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

First, let me start by saying that Autism is not a disease. It is some sort of brain impairment or disorder and up to this point in time, there is no known cure for it. Some claims that autism is caused by nerve cell defects. This nerve cells called neurons have hundreds of thousands if not millions connection that carries messages and commands for the body to analyze and act upon accordingly. If there are indeed defects on these neurons, the possibility is that some messages are not received properly by the brain thus making the person respond in a different manner or not respond at all.

Handling children with special cases like autism requires patience, a truckload of patience, the whole shebang. It will not be easy getting through to them for a reason. Imagine the development of the child as a ladder with several steps and amongst these steps, three are impaired; Communication, Social Interaction and behavior.

Since communication is impaired, it will be hard to tell them what to do, they don’t receive feedback easily and they don’t always respond to the things you are telling them, making learning a very difficult process. Since they don’t communicate well, one can expect that that social interaction will be limited or none existent at all. Without this two components, communication and social interaction, you cannot really expect that kids with autism would behave normally most of the time.
Kids with autism doesn’t play well with other kids, it will be very hard for them to make friends because they don’t communicate well with other kids. This is not because they don’t want to, it is because they don’t know how and they don’t care.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health of the United States Here are some early signs of Autism:

• Does not play with others
• Does not babble, point, or make meaningful gestures by 1 year of age
• Does not speak one word by 16 months
• Does not combine two words by 2 years
• Does not respond to name
• Zero social skills
• Poor or no eye contact
• Doesn't seem to know how to play with toys
• Excessively lines up toys or other objects
• Is attached to one particular toy or object
• Doesn't smile
• At times seems to be hearing impaired

IELTS Philippines

2010-08-02T23:45:00.001-07:00

I received a call from my cousin hazel yesterday, she just passed her IELTS exams and she was ecstatic. I just smiled. I passed my own IELTS exams a couple of months ago so I knew the sound of the feeling of accomplishment when I hear one. Hazel is a Registered Nurse and was planning to take the NCLEX this year. Passing the IELTS could help boosting her confidence, that’s for sure. She plans to immigrate to Australia and work there as a nurse. I know she is on the right track.

IELTS or International English Language Testing System', was established in 1989. It is an international exam about English language proficiency and is managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examination, The British Council and the IDP Education pty LTD.

There are two versions of the IELTS: there are two types of IELTS exams Academic Version and the General Training Version. What to take depends on what type you need. The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in colleges and universities and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want either study or practice in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc. This is what hazel needs, and I guess this is what she took.

There are for types of test to be accomplished when taking IELTS, these are : Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

To apply you download an application form or you could visit any IELTS testing center. The British Council office in manila is located at the 10^th Floor of the Taipan Building in Ortigas Center. Pasig City. Their telephone numbers is 917-1011 to 14.