Higher education over technical courses

The task of choosing a degree and a school is not only limited by costs according to the latest study of the Institute for Development and Econometric Analysis (IDEA). Many parents and students also lack information regarding the nature of course work and employment opportunities.

This is why traditional courses such as engineering, medicine and law remain as default choices of students today. Employment opportunities are also critical deciding factors.

For instance, the increased demand for nurses abroad throughout the years has boosted figures for both nursing enrollees and nursing schools. The influx of multinational companies in the country has also maintained the choice for courses in business related courses afloat, since business courses can accommodate a generous range of jobs.

Although there is an increase in college enrollees and graduates, many high school graduates are becoming more enticed to enroll in short-term courses to speed up their employment opportunities.

Many schools today offer 1 to 2-year diplomas and certificates, ranging from business to IT and health-related courses. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) reports that to date, there are about 60 schools nationwide offering courses ranging from care giving to automotive repair and professional dance. Analysts say that this reflects the trend that higher costs hinder Filipinos to finish baccalaureate degree programs, even if they preferred one to short-term courses.

On the other hand, analysts say that this is a good trend because it rectifies the mismatch of skills in the labor market today. This trend allows workers to look for jobs that fit their educational attainment and reach of opportunities in cases that they do not finish more advanced degrees. An executive order passed recently under TESDA's administration allows the curriculum of vocational courses to lead to a college diploma for those who want to extend and advance their field of study.

The usage of English as medium of instruction in the country helps attract foreign students to Philippine colleges and universities. Based on CHED's records, there are more than 120 nationalities studying in the Philippines. For AY 2002-2003, a total of 4,759 foreigners enrolled in the country, 23 percent of which are Koreans.

Foreign enrollees declined however from 1997 to 2001. This decline may be due to various reasons such as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, the worsening of the quality and availability of degree programs offered in the country, the peace and order situation, and the implementation of an Executive Order, which prohibits the tourist-to-student conversion of visa. (to be concluded)

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Editor's Note: Mr. Ed F. Limtingco, is the VisMin Manager of CIBI Information, Inc., a business information and receivables management company. For credit & collection questions and inquiries, he can be reached at 0917-8309741 or email him at [email protected]