Sending your child to college in the Philippines  

This time of the year is a season for graduations. All over the US you can see students in all levels walk onto that stage with a sense of achievement while their parents beam with pride watching their child enter another phase of life. For college graduates, this moment serves as a gateway to uncharted territory as they navigate around the realities of actual life experience revolving around career, family, and finding balance between competing priorities.

For our high school graduates, this milestone is also an important step in determining how they want to shape their future by choosing what college degree they want to pursue, where they want to study and, for some, if they want to continue studying. Here in the US, it isn’t uncommon for students to take a break for one semester or a year after graduation from high school and not go to college immediately. They take this time to work, travel, or pursue other interests. For those who have decided to go to college, now is the time to enjoy the summer break while being fully aware of the rigors of the incoming freshman year.

At this time, the determination as to which university to go to has already been made while the student was still in senior high. Financial applications, entrance exams, campus visits have already been done prior to graduation. I would say that students here are far more prepared and well-guided in going to college than what I see in the Philippines.

Where to go to college is a big decision. What course to take and financial implications weigh heavily in the minds of parents and students. Questions as to affordability, debt, and how to pay for those student loans are valid points to ponder.

I have been asked by immigrants these same questions. Is it wise to send their child back to the Philippines for college? Are our college universities competitive with their US counterparts? How long should their child stay in the Philippines without having any immigration consequences? What courses can their child take in the Philippines to land a job in the US?

These are very valid questions. The answers to these queries must be sought out through a more thoughtful and deliberate process with the child and the family. As far as the immigration question goes, my answer depends on the immigration status of the child here in the US. If he is a permanent resident and may stay in the Philippines for the better part of the year, he should have a reentry permit allowing him to stay outside the US for two years while preserving his permanent residency. For all other questions, it depends on what course the child wants. I have friends whose children went to study Nursing or other healthcare-related courses in the Philippines and came back here, took and passed the state boards and now work here. I have other friends who sent their children back home because they did not want them saddled in debt. I also know some people who came to regret such decision because their child went astray with drugs, alcohol, unwanted pregnancy, and other problems.

There are pros and cons in sending your children to study in the Philippines. All things must be considered and carefully planned before making a decision.