What are the qualities you should look for in an international college in the Philippines?
- Campus culture
- Academic program rankings
- Required level of English proficiency
- Career placement resources
In recent years, more and more students both from the country and from around the world have enrolled at an international college here in the Philippines. No matter where these students came from, they have made it their goal to flock here in the Philippines to pursue a higher education in this country.
Most people would probably agree that the education systems of international colleges in this country are spectacular; not to mention getting the opportunity to meet other people from all parts of the world. Choosing the right international college for you to spend four years of your life in, however, can be a challenging task.
Do your due research on the school of your choice and consider these four qualities you should look for in an international college in the Philippines. Find the perfect school where you can be a successful and happy student. Just to give you an idea of what you are getting into, here are four qualities you should look for when it comes to studying in an international college in the Philippines:
Campus Culture
Campus culture can mean a lot of things, but typically, it would be things like where students usually do most of their studying, or what students usually do during their days off. It can also include things like whether or not sports are a big thing at school and if a lot of the students follow it religiously.
Even though different international colleges might have the same level of academic opportunities, each one of them can feel completely unique to one another depending on the culture they have on campus.
There is a good chance that the culture at the school you choose to study in may affect whether or not you feel at home or happy while you study. This can even affect your performance in your classes.
Academic Program Rankings
While looking at the rankings of your international college of choice can be helpful, it often does not tell the whole story. Different rankings for schools can be based on different standards. Some international colleges might focus more on graduate studies but if the standards for ranking is specifically for undergraduate studies, the school might not receive a very high ranking.
Rankings can be a good way to narrow down your list of possible international college choices, but you should also consider looking into the specific programs that the school can provide. It can be extremely helpful to look into the specific department of the school you are interested in attending if you already have an idea of what kind of courses you would like to take.
Take your time and figure out what exactly it is that every international college has to offer and don’t count a school out just because it doesn’t have a very high ranking.
Required Level of English Proficiency
One of the first things you should know when enrolling at an international college is the language difference. Of course, if you are in a country where English is a widely spoken language or one of its primary languages such as Australia, Singapore, or the Philippines, then you might not have a lot to worry about.
Many students that enroll in an international college are going to have a hard time with the language at first. Once you arrive in your school, your language skills are going to be put to the test because you are going to need it when you buy food at the cafeteria, when you check a book out at the library, when you get to your classes, and so on.
Also, in order to be accepted at your international college of choice, you are going to have to display a certain level of proficiency with the English language. You should take these requirements seriously because lacking the skills in this department can significantly affect your ability to do well in your classes.
Lastly, if you feel that your level of proficiency in English is not up to par, you should consider taking a language class before you apply to the international college.
Career Placement Resources
Once they graduate, most students that apply to international colleges hope to find a job either locally or abroad. So if you are one of them, you should also consider the resources that are available to students that are seeking career opportunities after graduation.
Most international colleges usually have a record of what their students end up accomplishing after they graduate. And if your school has a good relationship with their alumni, you can use it to your advantage in your efforts in looking for a job.
Key Takeaway
Doing your research about international schools here in the Philippines can be difficult, but luckily, there are resources available (including this list) that can make this challenge easier for you.
With that said, your personality, talents, career goals, and interests should all play a big part in your choice of international college to study in. So, consider your choice carefully and find the school that best fits you!