Abstract
This research article explores (studies) the reasons that make the Philippines one of the English-language study destinations in Asia. The author used 2 different books, 1 magazine and 3 websites to research English education in the Philippines. The author’s analysis shows that the Philippines is an attractive choice in Asia to study English because English is an official language, it is not expensive to stay and study there, and there are many good schools. For many English language students, the Philippines is a good choice to learn English.
Keywords: Philippines, English, language, education,
Introduction
The Philippines is a home of more than 100 million Filipinos, most of its population are bilingual. In fact, English is one of the official languages of the Philippines and it is the language of business, law, media and the medium of instruction in education. The United Kingdom and the United States of America may be two of the most popular destinations for English-language learners. However, the Philippines is very popular with students from Korea, Japan, and other countries. The aim of this research is to explore the reasons that make the Philippines as one of the English-language study destinations in Asia.
Literature Review
Many Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and India set English as an official language. However, the Philippines has been considered the most fluent in Asia. In the Philippines, English is important curricula in primary, secondary and university education. All subjects are taught in English. Filipinos have many chances to experience English in their everyday lives, for example, schools, TV and radio programs, billboards and, many more. Besides regular schools, there are also about 140 English language schools in different cities that offer wide-range (many kinds) of courses. These schools offer 1-on-1 and small group classes in reasonable prices. They also offer leisure activities that let foreign students speak with the local Filipinos. Foreign students can relax and enjoy learning English in affordable and natural ways.
In Japan, there will be a change in the university exams that focuses more on speaking abilities in the coming year 2021. Because of this, the number of Japanese people who want to study English in the Philippines is increasing. According to the article “Let’s discuss learning English in the Philippines”in Japan Times Newspaper, about 100 junior high schools and high schools has started implemented study programs since 2017. Also, cram schools and regular Japanese schools such as Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School has started sending students to Philippine schools during school vacations. In the Philippines, English is considered as an official language. The cost of living and study is low and it is closer to Japan so many Japanese people are choosing the Philippines to study English.
The Philippines has been a popular destination for South Korean students who want to study abroad for the last decade. As stated by Supplio and Arcilla’s (2013) study about Koreans studying in De La Salle University, one of the top universities in the Philippines, “English is spoken globally” is one of the most important factors why Koreans want to study in the Philippines. Also, many schools in the Philippines offer the same quality of English education at a lower cost. In addition, capable and encouraging teachers are also one of the reasons why many South Korean students choose the Philippines. The language’s official status, quality of education and its low cost are three important factors that South Koreans students consider in studying in the Philippines.
Conclusion
Recent research on learning English in the Philippines has provided an understanding why many foreign students choose to study in the Philippines. Current findings suggest that learning English is as effective as countries with English as the first language such as America and Canada. English is an official language in the Philippines is the number one reason why many foreign students choose Philippines. In addition, Supplio and Arcilla’s (2013) showed that Philippine universities does not fall behind in terms of quality of English education and teachers in the Philippines. Furthermore, not only Koreans but Japanese schools have been sending their students to the Philippines’ language schools because not only it is very cost effective but the distance is convenient as well. As English is a big part of daily lives of the Filipinos, this extreme exposure allows them to experience the language firsthand, in real situations, and provides reinforcement. Consequently, this together with god quality education make the Filipinos fluent speakers of English, which makes the Philippines a highly attractive destination to study English language.
References
Colinares, N. (2011). 21st Century Trends, Issues and Challenges in Philippine Education. National Bookstore.
David, R., & Samson, L. L. (2017). Understanding Philippine society, culture, and politics. Anvil Publishing, Inc.
Niel, J. (2015). Alterity and the Literature Classroom (Or, I Look for the Other When I Teach). Humanities, Diliman.
Author, N. (2018, March 19). Let’s discuss learning English in the Philippines. The Japan Times. Retrieved from: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2018/03/19/language/lets-discuss-learning-english-philippines/#.XvBaRmj7Q2w
Sausa, R. (2017, August 25). South Koreans wooed to study English in PH. The Manila Times. Retrieved from:https://www.manilatimes.net/2017/08/25/news/national/south-koreans-wooed-study-english-ph/346727/
Suplico-Jeong, L and Arcilla, R. (2013). South Koreans Studying in DLSU-Manila: Challenges and Opportunities in Trade in Education Services. Retrieved from https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/3suplico-arcilla-051413.pdf
