Philippines

Service learning, cultural studies, environmental conservation

The Philippines is not the first country that comes to mind when you think of Asia – Catholic, relaxed, and cast away from its neighbours both geographically and culturally the archipelago, the country is very much the odd child of the region, with a unique and irrefutable appeal.

Nowhere in Asia can one find beaches more beautiful (apart from Myanmar perhaps), transport more chaotic, or people more engaging – The latter being what endears people most about the Philippines. Whilst Southeast Asian nations take pride in their level of hospitality, Filipinos elevate their hospitality to another level. The whatever-will-be-will-be attitude of the soft-spoken Filipino to laugh in the face of misfortune and to produce names for themselves like Tikboy, Jesus and Honey are as endearing as it is delightful.

The country has its problems – The Philippines has arguably never enjoyed good government (not in three hundred years anyway). Whilst its contemporaries across the eastern Sea have enjoyed significant economic growth and real-world improvements in their standard of living, the Philippines can’t quite seem to rise above the grinding poverty evident everywhere in Manila.

Ruled by Spain for more than 350 years, and then ‘sold’ to the the United States for $20 million in 1898, the Philippines maintains a close relationship with the United States. One however, only needs to travel a short distance from its urban areas to discover a culture all of its own – a rich mixture of Indigenous tribes and cultures few have heard of or ever get the opportunity to experience.

DESIGN YOUR OWN UNIQUE CURRICULUM

Every trip we run is customised to your school’s curriculum, budget, student needs and educational goals. Here are just some of the exciting ways your students can learn in Philippines:

Discover a marine environment like no other

For schools interested in Environmental Conservation, the county’s vast and accessible marine national parks offer students the opportunity to learn of the region’s rich biodiversity as well as a prime setting for environmental conservation efforts. These activities can include coral reef rehabilitation programs and wildlife conservation initiatives for example turtle and dolphin habitats as they work alongside local organizations to preserve the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

Authentically engaging with others for positive impact

Social-justice minded students can contribute significantly to healthcare initiatives aimed at improving access to medical services and promoting public health awareness. These initiatives are easier to facilitate in the Philippines because most Filipinos speak English, which makes it easy for the right student groups to volunteer in medical clinics, assist in health education campaigns, or participate in initiatives addressing issues such as malnutrition, sanitation, female hygiene issues (e.g. period empowerment programs) making a tangible impact on the well-being of underserved communities.

Music - The heart and soul of Filipino culture

Beyond service activities, this endearing nation is the perfect setting to immerse your students in the rich tapestry of Filipino culture through cultural exchange opportunities – Music for example! Singing, for example, isn’t just a hobby in the Philippines; it’s a way of life that starts from the cradle. The ability to carry a tune as naturally as we carry a conversation can be traced back to our upbringing and cultural DNA where karaoke is like the national sport of the Philippines. Stage presence is a quality most Filipinos develop as soon as they can carry a tune.

Authentic interaction with First Nation people

A trip to the Philippines presents students with transformative opportunities to immerse themselves in a vibrant culture quite unlike that of any other one is likely to experience in Asia. The Island nation is teaming with communities from seafaring communities to indigenous (First Nation) people. These communities are perfect places in which to engage students in hands-on service projects aimed at addressing local needs and empowering communities.

AMPLIFY STUDENT-LED LEARNING

By letting your students co-design their Philippines tour, you’ll give them ownership over their activities and agenda. You’ll also make sure your school trip meets their specific strengths, interests and knowledge gaps.

In Philippines, your students can choose from a range of fun local activities like:

Philippines

The Philippines is not the first country that comes to mind when you think of Asia – Catholic, relaxed, and cast away from its neighbours both geographically and culturally the archipelago, the country is very much the odd child of the region, with a unique and irrefutable appeal.

DESIGN YOUR OWN UNIQUE CURRICULUM

AMPLIFY STUDENT-LED LEARNING

Tarsiers, turtles & dugongs – wildlife like nowhere else

Sail and kayak around the Philippines’ island treasures

Volcano’s and trails – 4WD student adventures in the Philippines

Learn of Colonial Spanish Roots and American influences

Step into daily life – authentic experiences with communities

Musical Interludes and Karaoke –The Filipino Way

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