Well, the school year in the Philippines is winding up this week for most kids here. It’s kind of a milestone year here in the Martin household, as two of my kids are going on to High School next year. The next school year startes in early June. It makes me both proud and happy to see my kids entering high school. Both of these kids (Aaron and Jean) are twelve years old.
What? Twelve years old? High School? Yes, I know, a bunch of you who are reading this are saying “Bob is off his rocker, high school doesn’t start at that age!” If we were almost anywhere else in the world you would be right. In the United States, kids are generally 14 when they start high school. Not so in the Philippines, though.
In the USA, you go for 6 years of Elementary School, 2 years of Junion High School (sometimes called “Middle School”) and 4 years of High School. So, you have a total of 12 years of primary school, and most kids graduate from high school at age 18. Although I am not certain, I believe that these ages, and the number of years of schooling are fairly common worldwide. It’s different in the Philippines, though.
Here in the Philippines, the standard primary education consists of 6 years of elemenary school and 4 years of high school. Total primary schooling is 10 years instead of 12. So, as I said, my two 12 year old kids are finishing up 6th grade this week, and will be starting high school in June.
I have mixed emotions about this. One thing is that the kids here have a much longer school day than the kids in the USA do. My kids leave the house at about 6:15 am for school, and they don’t get home until about 4:30. In the States, many kids won’t leave for school until 7:30 or 8:00, and may well be home before 3:00pm. So, the kids here have a longer school day. Also, while it is not common, there are even times when the kids have to go to school on weekends! Yes, it has happened a number of times that there would be classes on Saturdays, although it is not too common.
On the other hand, a side of me (most of me) thinks that the kids in the Philippines, including my own, would benefit greatly from an additional two years of schooling. I see parts of the education here that are lacking. Don’t take that statement wrong, because there are also parts of the US edcuation that are severely lacking too, but I am talking about the education here at this point. I also think that kids who graduate high school at age 16 are really not mature enough to enter the world of work and such. They still need to mature a bit more before they go out on their own. Of course, in the Philippines, you don’t really “go out on your own” after high school as kids in the US do, though.
One thing I do know is that my kids, at age 12, are pretty happy (albeit a bit nervous) to be about to embark on their high school days. Their cousins in the States are, no doubt, a bit jealous to be running a couple of years behind. All in all, I aqm proud to see my kids growing up, and I think that they are responsible kids, and pretty well prepared to enter high school soon.
I know that in the discussion in the comments, it is nearly certain to turn into a debate of whether the Philippine education system is doing a good job, or if it is lacking. Sure, there are parts of the education here that are lacking, but as I said earlier in this article, there are parts of the US education that are lacking too, so that’s just normal. I feel that if you send your kids to a good school here in the Philippines, they will get an excellent education and can compete anywhere in the world. For proof of that, just look at the number of Filipinos who are working all over the world, many even in quite high jobs with plenty of responsibility. If they were not well educated they would not be sought after in this way.
Good luck to Aaron and Jean as they embark on the final step of their primary education. Of course, college will follow for them, but going into high school is a big accomplishment!
Hi Bob,
I went to High School at 12 here in the uk,although its different today.
I did read a while back that the RP gov't is in discussion to extend schooling for a further 2yrs,to bring it in line with most of the world.
regards chas.
Hi Bob!
We have many students in our extended family. I hear every now and then that some have completed courses only to change majors and pursue other career goals. It is tough enough to decide what career path you will choose at eighteen; I would think that decision would be overwhelming when you are only sixteen. I often wondered if the system was similar to the Japanese education system. I may be wrong but I think that at some point the students there are given an aptitude test and segregated into vocational or professional fields. I read that this was considered a source of the high suicide rate among Japanese teens because of the family honor factor.
Bob
Good Luck to all your kids.
Did your oldest Son ever get into a Science school that you spoke about a year or so ago.
Hi Bob! It's great that you'll have teenagers soon. That's a new chapter for your househld.
I had the benefit of catholic education there from gradeschool to highschool. In highschool, boys & girls were confined in each campuses. Every October (rosary month), flag ceremonies had to start at 6:40 am for a month long rosary. It was a different time. Most saturdays, we stay school to practice drills, or any extra curricular activities. If you go to private school, you have more subjects than those who go to public schools. But better public schools are strong in math & sciences.
I go to school here too and I noticed american students as very grade obsessed. They all want A & they make this known. Over all, american students are more responsible than most Filipino students their age. I think it's ingrained in american school system. There has been a long time argument Re teachers here getting higher pay if they produce students w/ higher SATs. Of course, teachers who are assigned to low performing students do not like this.
My daughter attended Tarlac Christian School until she came to the USA at age 13. Here in Florida they tried to stick her in the 6th grade with ESOL (English as a Second Language). My daughter’s English was better than most of the teachers (many Hispanic teachers) and she was immediately a straight A student. Thye recognized her higher level and moved her to the 8th grade here in a middle school and she was a straight A student. She then enter high school in the 9th grade. Her grades collapsed, she got into cheer leading, etc. The high school is famous for poor teaching, drugs and other issues. My daughter is finishing the 9th grade and I am disgusted with this high school and its bad influences. My daughter will retrun to the Philippines to complete her high school there and then retrun to enroll in a junior college next year. If my daughter went to a high school in the midwest or a small town up in the North US, she would be better off. Around Orlando and the Kissimmee area, the schools are failing due to large Hispanic influence that do not push English, math, or science. Hopefully in the Philippines, she can get back on track.
Another interesting topic here.
I think there are weaknesses in almost every countries education systems for sure, but of course, able and willing pupils will always excel. I've never quite understood the US terminology on shool years, so the clarification was interesting. I note that you refer to it all as "primary" education.
Here in the UK, our schooling starts at either age 4 or 5, depending on your date of birth, and we have seven years of what we call primary education; i.e. primary 1 through primary 7. You will be aged 11 or 12 when you end your primary education and move on to "high" school, sometimes also known as secondary or grammar school. You must complete year 1 to 4, and reach the age of 16 before being allowed to leave school. That gives a minimum of 11 years education as a legal requirement. Those who do leave at age 16 generally go into full time work, albeit fairly basic jobs in shops or factories etc. Those who go on to further education will generally complete at least 5th year and often 6th year high school before going on to college or university. So moving up to high school at age 11 or 12 is usual for us here in the UK. My mother in law, currently here in the UK on a visit from the Philippines has been quite astounded by the level of education that our daughter, just turned 6 in January and in Primary 2 now, has achieved. She can read and write well, has basic arithmetic skills, undestands the basics of money and coinage, and is generally an excellent communicator. Not that she is special, except to us of course; actually she is on a level with her other classmates. My mother in law, and ex teacher in the Phils. seems to think that she is generally at the same level as an 8 year old would be in the Phils. What I would comment on, is that although the primary/high school and age ranges have remained unchanged for many years, certainly since my experience in the 1960's, the quality of the education has improved considerably. I think that Caroline, now halfway through her primary 2 year, is approximately where I was at the end of primary 3.
Certainly, I'd agree that in most cases 16 is actually too young to move into full-time work, and "hold your own" as it were, but many actually do quite well. In fact, a great many of the world's most successful business people got out of education as early as possible so they could get on with the business of working. And many also spend a couple of years working and gaining "life experience", in this way before moving back into full-time further education later on when they feel ready. That's the route I followed myself in fact.
I can certainly testify that with only a few exceptions, all the Filipina nurses I have met, and that's dozens now, have been very intelligent, and I think that is a tribute to the quality of the education that they were lucky enough to get, and perhaps also to the families that were able to give them that advantage.
Good luck to your kids Bob, I'm sure with the support they will obviously get from yourself and Feyma, they will do well.
Yea Bob its differant to see some filipina nurses already graduated at age 18.
My wife is in school and has mandatory classes like PE and filipino and english.
Here in the US, the curriculum is basic courses but i think PE is a thing of the past.
She does go 6 days a week from about 8 am and gets home sometimes not until 9 pm.
Send my congrats to Aaron and jean jean well done !
I also have a graduater that was even validictorian !
my daughter will be starting high school this year ( going to my old high school ) she is an honorroll student to bad her dad wasn't she is from mati. she wants to be lawyer and model. she is very smart my wife ask why americans go to 12th grade i said thats the way we do it here every country has there own way of doing there education. we all want the best for are kids no matter what poor ,rich ,middleclass we do what ever we can to make sure of it
Hi Bob
I disagree with you on the age thing. I think much of what is wrong with western culture is from keeping people from growing up when they should and they often become stunted in their emotional and independence growth.
Seriously I think the Philippines has the ages and school time about right. Sure I would like to see more in depth teaching more books for the students and some vocational technical trade schools for high school age but I think the age and length of schooling is about right.
In the US at least in my part of the country(MO) middle school is going by the wayside nowadays and grade school is K-8 then 4 years of high school. This was my own experience over 20 years ago and I think many other states are doing the same now.
Personally I don't think I learned anything in high school it was a big waste of my life. I have often told people I wish I had been able to take a college equivalency test out of grade school so I could have skipped wasted years.
Bob: Congrats to the kids! If they wanted to attend uni in the States, would they need to "make up" the two years to bring their ages in line with the US system, or would they just need to take their SATs and submit an application? Do US universities have a problem with a Filipino doploma, to your knbowledge, or do they consider it an equivalent?
Hi Bob,
I think you have it right in your article – grades 7 & 8 are considered Junior High or Middle School. At least that's how I remember it. According to wikipedia, Middle Schools in North America are usually grades 6, 7 & 8. So it has changed since I was in junior high! I immigrated here to the US after my 6th grade graduation. But rather than enrolling me in high school, my mom enrolled me in 8th grade to give me a year to acclimate to the American way of schooling. I remember being shocked and petrified at the way junior high kids acted. The first day of school, some boys (8th graders) dumped another boy (7th grader) in a trash can! To a newcomer, that was scary! This was the mid-70s, although I don't think much has changed over the years when it comes to pranks done by kids.
Good luck to your kids. I'm sure they'll do well.
Congrats on the kids Bob ..hope they all turn out to be scholars. 🙂 … Phil n Jess
Good on yor kids Bob, I'm sure their anxious to start. I firmly believe that pubwik skools are pretty good here in the states as i gragitated and did pretti well!!
Kidding aside I would have no problems sending my kids to RP schools, aside from my wife being an RN the rest of her family were/ are teachers( mother inlaw retired Priciple, Son in Law high level education director, sister in law teacher ect…) so i have a good grasp of how serious education is taken there. A side benefit which is a MAJOR concern for most familys in the States is the violence,drugs, sexual pressures present in USA schools which sharply contrast with the RP schools.
Hi Bob!
I was wondering if your children speak Bisaya with their school friends? A little off topic but was wondering if they picked it up more quickly due to their youth.
I know in at least one instance where the education is equivalent. I handled the paperwork of the holder of a Philippines Bachelors Degree who was considering application to a University here in the northeast USA. One of the requirements was to have the foriegn student submit their scholastic credentials to World Educational Services for evaluation. The holder of the Philippine Bachelors Degree was considered qualified as the same Bachelors Degree as if it had been issued here in the USA.
The comparison of cost of going to a University here in the USA and the Philippines is a sharp contrast. Just a fraction of the overall cost in the Philippines compared to here.
I toured a popular University when I was there and I was quite impressed with the facilities and had a chance to speak with the faculty, administration and students.
Hi Bbob –
There are actually cities that have a grade 7 in elementary. Manila schools are definitely set up that way. I remember because I kept teasing my Manila cousins about being in high school already.
I am 100% with you on kids graduating too early. So many graduate h.s. and are not really sure about what college courses they are interested in. It's not the only reason, but i think this is why so many take up Nursing or Physical Therapy. It is the popular way to go for a 16 year old high school graduate.
Do a little experiment & see if how many Filipinos' jobs match their college degrees. There are so many who wished they more sure of themselves after high school. This writer included.
My wife, Aissa, graduated high school at 15. She says there were a few more students younger than her in college & agrees with your sentiments.
Kamusta ka Bob,
I wish the best of luck to Aaron and Jean2x..I didn't realize there wasn't 12 years of schooling there. I did know about the longer days.
Rose leaves the house at 6:30am each morning to get Chesca there by 7:00am, then picks her up for lunch at around 11:45pm, and then takes her back around almost 1:00pm, and picks her up again at 4:30pm. Yes, you are right about the weekends too, each month they will do exams, mostly on a Friday and Saturday. The final exams for this year are Monday and Tuesday, not sure why they changed that. This is a private school..it is St. Josephs College in Maasin City.
And there is no way I will be "throwing stones in this glass house", I can only speak for myself and only about the Maryland School system and Florida schools…they both have a lot to overcome as far as I can see, but I don't really blame the teachers here in Florida, they seem to really care and do the best they can with what they have to work with…meaning the way they teach as dictated by the school districts here in Palm Beach County. As far as the Philippines goes, from what Rose has told me, Chesca is doing very well in school, and also, is learning alot more than I did when I was a first grader.
Of course, Chesca is "fluent" in bisaya, but she is still learning new words, and now she is also learning Tagalog, and now English. That is pretty tough for a 7 year old child, but, in the long run, I think it will be good for those kids to tackle those kinds of studies and that amount of work. So as far as I can see, the longer days, and more studies will be good for them in the future, as far as good discipline, and responsibilities.
So kudos to all of your children there Bob and Feyma, and I hope they enjoy there summer vacation, maybe all will be good down at the in-laws farm and they can spend time there this summer.
salamat kaayo,
Danny 🙂
Hi Bob,
Im just curious, how would that work if my daughter, who is 14, and ready to graduate the eighth grade here move into the philippine school system there?
Hi Mr Hudson,
The education system in Philippines is very good and very affordable…
We love to have foreign classsmates and she will definitely very especial to all classmates…Filipinos are very warm esp from newfound friend from other countries….she can easily adjust…just coordinate with the school principal and they are more than willing to accept your kid…in private schools.. its normal to speak english…and private school or montessories in Philippines are very affordable compare to other asian countries…but quality education in our country is high….I am a public school student I have free education and books during elementary school..I went medium private school during highschool and all the teachers are very professional and skilled in their teachings.amazing!
English Maths Science…Chemistry,PEHM…Geography and current events we are updated in world events …that was year 1990’s…now i do believe is even better education…and people respect each other….I am working in South east asia…i got 4 kids, i tried to migrate them here and fixed all visas…and I tried transfer them…the education in Philippines is really cannot compare….esp how the teacher treat the students with respect honor and dignity…and care…
Its very expensive…in public school in philippines is free and teachers are all very skiiled and professional…so i decided to put my kids in private school back in Philippines I pay a little bit the ratio is 1kid in private school in other country but 4kids expenses already in Philippines and they can get longer time of very good schooling and I still can hire private teachers for the assignments of my kids …and I made the right decision…environment wise is very good aswell….
Having grown up through the American system of education and having children here go through the Philippine system i do see significant differences . I think both systems have something to say for themselves regarding their specific cultures and what works well for one perhaps would not or the other .
I would like to see this country invest more in learning options unrelated specifically to attending a 4 year university . Trade schools seem to be sorely lacking here and fact of the matter is a quality electrician or plumer in a first world country can make as much as a college graduate in some cases .
I do believe the Philippines is also severly lacking in educational opportunities for the disadvantaged child . Our youngest son is autistic and receives home schooling 4 days a week due to the lack of options available here in CDO . On the other hand if i were state side i could never afford private schooling for him so it's a two – edged sword . 🙂
Goodluck to all your kids Bob… & God bless.
First off I want to say that you have been an inspiration to me Bob. I have been a long time reader yet this is my first post. I am in my early 30's, a tech graduate, and I am considering moving to Bacolod in maybe 5 to 10 years if my fiancee wants to move back after she has been here in the USA for a few years. She is still in Bacolod at the moment. Knowing that you and some others here made the move before your retirement age and are able to make a comfortable living gives me hope for my future plans.
Sorry for the off topic rant. I am curious about your future plans for your children as I assume they are all American Citizens. Are they going to be able to get decent jobs in the RP after they graduate college or do you plan to help them to open their own businesses? I know that there are some limitations for American Citizens as far as getting jobs there and the best thing for them to do is to somehow open their own business. Just curious of your thoughts about that even though any decisions you will have to make regarding that are many years away.
Thanks for this site. You are inspiring me to start a blog about my thoughts of making the move in a few years. Hopefully I can use you as a resource and possibly a mentor. Maybe in a few years I will be known as Bacolod LJ. 🙂
It would be nice if the RP did have a full 12 years of school, the biggest grip would be cost to the parents, When you think about it in the states you get out of high school your no longer a minor normally 18 years old, in the RP your still a minor, Most are not going to be moving out on there own like in the US they are simple to young.
One of the sad thing here if you want a decent job say like were I have a house in Angeles City you need a college degree just to work at a fast food restaurant or at the mall. Not much incentive to finish college to make less money a year than your school cost. Plus a lot of schools are just not up to date and could definitely use more funding.
Well Sir BoB, congratulations to your kids, it is an exciting period in their lives. I wish them and you all the best. I am sure your able to provide the options necessary for them to make a their own decisions in the future.
Students going to college at 16? What, can they tie their shoe laces yet? I guess it is the cost factor and the sheer numbers of students and the lack of facilities. We need more MacDonalds stores to employ the College grads here ( really weird to need a college degree to flip a burger ).
The Pines Govt should concentrate its resources on teaching the kids trade skills in high school, those skills are desperately needed here. Take a look around the houses in the Pines could do with a some serious renovations lol.
Hi Bob
When I was living in Mississippi we knew an exchange student from
Russia when she graduated in the states she still had to go to school
in Russia becuase there standards were far greater then ours.
hi bob,
congrats on your new high schoolers. I, too went to high school so young and so small, during the principal interview, he asked me if i was just going to buy something from the store and got sidetrack on my way. i finished high school at age 16. at that time, we had NCEE ( national college entrance examinations) you have to pass the exams to get accepted on a 4-year course. if not you have to go to tech school. am not sure if its still practice now. Main problem in Phils about another 2 years of schooling to be added is money. Its already hard for parents to put them children to school, another two years will surely dry them up. When scholls over, the parents are breathing a sigh of relief because now they can stop thinking about the "baon" everyday, atleast for 2 months.
My brother in law is finally graduating from high school… at 21. I paid the last 2 years to send him to Atenao but his grades were lackluster and he has a real "I dunno what I want to do with my life" attitude. So respectfully I declined to send him to college, I don't have the money to spend if he doesn't want to apply himself. I have offered to send him to trade school but he's dragging his feet about that as well. I dunno what to do anymore I've got more important things to worry about. Congraduations on your kids going to high school. I graduated High School in the states when I just turned 17 and I got my college degree at 20 so I'm pretty proud of that accomplishment.
Great article Bob!
You made some generalizations about schools in the U.S. I'd like to point out they vary somewhat from region to region and state to state. My children started school at age 5 in Pre-K. Grades one thru four were called elementary school. Grades 5 & 6 were middle school. Grades 7 and 8 were junior high school. The last four were considered high school. One could argue that junior high and high school are both essentially "high school".
Hi Bob,
Congratulations on your high schoolers. It's a milestone for you and for them. My education in the Philippines lasted only until the 4th grade so I can't really say whether two years less (if I'd stayed) would have been beneficial or not. All I know is that I loved having classmates of different nationalities here in the US.
Hi Bob
It has been a lot of years since I have had kids in school. I remember helping my kids with home work. My now 35 year old would bring in his math, and I would just scratch my head when he was a senior. But on to Phil's education. I just last week worked about an hour with my 6 year old to be with her valedictory speech. I have to tell you I am not sure I could memorize. Josey asked me to help because she said Allen would not study. Wow mind you, in English, and all they talk is bisya at home, she memorized it. And said it perfect at graduation last Friday. I do not know if education is as good as public schools there but I am so impressed. I still have to learn another language. And oh wow I sold my house yesterday so in about 4 months we will almost be neighbors.
Hi Bob, congratulations to Aaron and Jean. I'm taking notes on all this as KayceeAnn will be going to school in the Philippines. We're looking into different schools now.
My concern is that 12 years old may be too young to learn algebra as it is too abstract for this age level. Our top students here take Honors Algebra in grade 8 at 14 yrs old. Many students don't take it till gr 9, though. This puts them on a track to then take Geometry gr9, Algebra II gr 10, AlgebraIII/Trig or Pre calculus gr 11 and then AP Calculus or Statistics gr 12. What's the progression of math classes there?
My experiance is when starting a junior college here in the USA (the best start for most people) is the college will place them in courses like Math 101 or Pre-calc, etc. Also they may be advised to take English 101. I graduated from an Amrican high school in 1966, served 4 years in the military before entering college, along many other veterens. Most of us took this approach. The level of teaching of math, science, and English writing skills in most colleges is superior to most high schools and builds a good basis for a college education effort. Most Urban high schools in the USA today lack discipline and are now more focused on teaching diversity and multicutulism than math, science, or English skills. Problem students are being forced to remain in high schools causing crime, disruption, and drug use in many urban high schools. Many of those problems do not follow students to the college.
Jaycee and I are thinking it would be better to live near Davao, like on Samal, than in Digos because we want the kids to go to an American school. Or at least go to a school that has 12 years of education. I'm worried about them getting into a university that has science and engineering and the school requiring more years. But I could home school them for an additional year or two. This is confusing and difficult.
Hi Bob…
How are you and your family? Well im single mom with 4 kids and so pity i feel the way we have here about school. Our income not enough for 4 kids 2 in high school and 2 in elementary level.my oldest daugther suffer much.. how we survive this life we have… shes 4th year this comming enrolement,, and the woldly economy crisis now more hard. she walk only to go school for 2 kilometers and as a mother im so pity.. but she more want to finish to go college. Hope and im looking someone to help us even for there school only…shes welling to finish her school… …
Thank you and have good day..
Hi ann – good luck to you.
Hi I am Jazmine
great article! While reading it I really want to continue my education here rather than abroad I mean what's the difference if you were really well educated… right? It reminds of how my life would actually be if I started studying there. I just can't imagine it and leave special people here like my friends whose always been by my side.. you know? I need you advice… well to start…
… i am turning third year high school here in the Philippines and well i like it here… i have friends and i like to study here but my dad ( a current OFW in Houston, Texas)wants all of us to continue our study there i mean for me, to continue high school there. All of them agreed to the decision especially my mom. Well I don't really blame my dad because he just feels so alone by himself but what is the point of studying there when i am going home to finish college here? i am only two more years away until graduation. I wonder if I study there will my year level change? I mean if I am 3rd year HS here what would I be there? Will I repeat just because US is not satisfied in Philippine education? It's just so hard when I come to like it here and learn more about Philippine customs, lessons and such… then suddenly they will transfer me like that… I will learn new lessons they teach and I don't even know more of their customs how should I socialize? Most of all my friends who truly care about me I can't just leave them and I do really like Filipino company rather than an American company. I don't want to go there but I have no choice. Is it reasonable to fight for what I want or just go? I already made plans in going to college here. My best friend and I thought that it would be best to go to a review center in preparation for college and have an entrance exam to all schools like UST and such other schools:)) but how am i suppose to do that if I am left behind when I arrive here I min there are 12 years of education there as primary school right? and I don't suppose they won't let me repeat. I wish you could say advices and I would also try to figure it out for my happiness and a good decision for my future. thank you!
Wow can I just advise you? I am really touched by your situation…I think its your decision to not to move and your parents should respect that as a person…because you have developed your network of friends in Philippines…you might be studying in US but your mind is in your friends and classmates and teachers and friends.”It’s your decision and what you wanted in your life is what matters most…this is the key to your own happiness…But most of the parents will always know what is good in their kids….but for me I have a 12 yr old kid…and I helped him decide on what he likes…and I respect his decision…but we studied and compared at his age I taught him to be independent…but still I respect what can give him happiness and better future…
My son is an honor student in a private school in philippines he is intelligent and he knows what he wanted to do…and I respect that with my guidance as a father.
It is very hard to decide….Prayer is needed in your case.
Hi Jazmine – Thanks for stopping by and for leaving your comment. I can understand your desire to stay in the Philippines. But, things like friends come and go, you should not base your future on your friends of today. As a young person, I would advise you to follow the advice of your father. If you feel strongly that you can be better educated (or as well educated) in the Philippines, come up with a list of reasons, and speak with your father. Present your side of the case, and maybe he will change his mind. But, remember that your father is wiser than you are, simply due to his years and experience, neither of which you possess.
Moving abroad, learning new customs and different ways is in itself an educational experience, in addition to schooling. In fact, I would say that the cultural experience is more valuable than the education in school will offer you.
Good luck to you, I hope that everything works out for the best.
Hey Bob what are these "track backs" .??? ..Inquiring minds want to know …PHIL
Hi Phil – A track back is what happens when somebody links to a story on a blog. So, if somebody were to write a story about something related to my site, they would link, and then a "trackback" would show up here on my site.
HELLO!
i would just like to say that to me, I really don’t approve adding another 2 years hassle in a students life. before I say more I would like to point out that I am a student from the Philippines.
It is true that we students could compete in contests around the world is the school you are attending is very much active in this activities. I for one have join a little more than 5 activities, 2 involving Australia and 3 involving the whole world. The reason why I don’t approve adding another 2 years is because the school I am attending has an advanced curriculum. This year I am studying Pre-calculus , Advanced Statistics and Analytic Geometry. normal students study 2 of these subjects when the are in 2nd year college! I really couldnt think of the other 4 subjects the are going to add if they add another 2 years! i would really frustrate students like me since there is one school like mine in every region of the Philippines I think. I do have a loads of load on me because of these advance subjects. one thing I would also like to point oiut is I am just 14.
If the Philippines wants to be competitive on a world scale, it needs to better educate it’s kids.
Hi. Just a question. I’ve heard that high school students in the Philipines have to pay to take exams. That seems outlandish. Is there any truth to it? Thanks.
Yes, this is true in many schools.
Hi Bob! I’m in 4th year high school now in the phils. I would like to ask for your advice on my situation. I have an aunt in the US, Arizona in particular and she is offering to sponsor for my further education and I told her I wanted to finish school and move to the US. I’m studying at a State University in the phils and I plan to move to the US after graduation in hs here. I don’t know where to start off preparing stuff like should I inquire for like an exchange student thing in Arizona? I mean I already know that I need to take another 2 years of education. Help me out here, please Mr. Bob :l I need advice and I’m so confused.
Hi Zandra – As far as I know, an exchange student is for High School students, the program does not apply for college students. You can certainly go study in the States, though. You will need to start working toward getting accepted into a college there in the States, and also getting a Student Visa to study there.
Good luck to you, Zandra. I wish you the best.