Indonesians prefer to study in PHL

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippines’ reputation as good education destination has caught the attention of more Indonesian students to consider the country where they can pursue good education.

If given the right attention from stakeholders, positioning the Philippines as premier education tourism even among ASEAN countries, could pave the way in boosting its bid to become the top education tourism destination, said Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Philippines Kristiarto S. Legowo.

Among the top favorite schools of Indonesia students in the Philippines, include; the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), and good schools that offer Business Administration, Medical courses, and Theology.

According to Legowo the Philippines should capitalize on this advantage, while more Indonesians are now planning to take their college education or post graduate studies in other countries, and Philippines is taking the lead in terms of choices.

Aviatour Flight School on Mactan Island for instance, recorded Indonesian students as its highest enrollees over the years.

Erick Mulia, 18-year-old, from Bogor, Indonesia, who just graduated from Aviatour Flight School said that it is much cheaper to take flight studies in the Philippines, compared to Indonesia, although, there are about five to six top flight schools in his country.

The Ambassador further said that the large percentage of studying population in Indonesia, from its total population of 230 million could be a good source for the Philippines to boost its education tourism sector.

Meanwhile, Cebu is positioned to lure at least 30 thousand to 40 thousand education-tourists a month, if facilities for ESL (English as Second Language) will be properly established in the province.

In an earlier interview with Cebu Business Club (CBC) president Gordon Alan “Dondi” P. Joseph, he expressed optimism that this goal will be met if the Cebu Hub for English Excellence (CHELE) will be able to take off as an advocacy group and develop good standardization of ESL in Cebu, thereby attracting investors to put up good ESL establishments in Cebu.

Joseph said Cebu has huge potential to hit at least 30 thousand education-tourists a month, if Cebu players will be able to work together in developing the “education tourism” edge.

Record showed that at present, Cebu registered 10 thousand (or less) tourists, who take up ESL in Cebu a year. Most of them are Koreans. However, Joseph said if big facilities will be built and standard will be properly set up, attracting thousands of ESL students a month can be easily achieved. — (FREEMAN)