#5 Studying in the Philippines Part 1

Hello, it's Mei here. I’ve just realized it's been a year since I returned to Japan after spending 10 months on exchange in Manila, the Philippines. Time has flown by, yet memories of my experiences there remain vivid. Today, I want to share my journey of studying in the Philippines.

What Motivated Me to Study Abroad

Before delving into life my life as an exchange student, let me recont the path that led me there. It all began in my childhood with 3 significant encounters that shaped my desire to explore the world.

Firstly, during my early years, I befriended a family from the U.S. who lived near my grandparents’ house. Despite the language barrier, I enjoyed joining their Christian-related events and home parties - a memorable introduction to interacting with people from abroad.

In 4th grade, I became friends with a Malaysian classmate. Despite initial communication challenges, we bonded, and before he returned home country, my friend and I gifted him gloves embroidered with his name. His grateful smile with the gloves in the photo he sent after a couple months later filled me with a deep sense of fulfillment.

Lastly, during high school, I met an exchange student from the U.S. who is deeply influenced my decision to study abroad. Her bravely and eagerness to enbraece new experiences despite being far from home resonated with me. Inspired by her individuality, I resolved to follow a similar path of self-assurance.

These encounters profoundly impacted my life and guided me towards choosing the university that supports international studies.

Why I Chose the Philippines

①To Study Developmental Studies in a Developing Country
Although securing admission to my desired university, I was uncertain about what country to pursue my studies and why. Moreover, the global pandemic disrupted my plans for short-term and long-term exchange program in 2020 and 2021, leaving me disheartened and questioning my university goals. However, amidst these challenges, I discovered a passion for South-east Asia society through an engaging class on the Philippines taught by a knowledgeable professor. This sparked my interest in developmental studies, leading me to delve deeper into the Philippines-related studies.

②To improve My English Skills in an English-Speaking Country
Another crucial reason was to enhance my English proficiency. Despite studying English for 10 years from elementary school through university, I struggled to achieve fluency, especially in conversational context. The Philippines, known for its widespread use of English as a 2nd language, provided an ideal environment for honing my language skills and gaining confidence in using English fluently.

③To Experience a Country Where Rice is a Staple Food
On the lighter note, food played a significant role in my decision making process. As someone who prefers rice over bread, I considered it essential to live in a country where rice is a staple food. The Philippines, with its rich culinary culture centered around rice, felt like a comfortable and familiar environment for my year-long stay.

These reasons guided my decisions to study in the Philippines. Stay tuned for Part 2 and 3 where I’ll share more about my experiences. Have a wonderful day!:)