The Philippines

While receiving only a fraction of the visitors that neighboring countries like Thailand and Japan attract, the Philippines is the ideal destination for compassionate and adventurous students from schools in search of unique travel experiences.

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 country has its problems – The Philippines has arguably never enjoyed good government (Not in last 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. Whilst American influence is all too obvious in the cuisine, fashion and certainly the accent of the Filipino people, to call the country ‘Americanised’ would be an oversimplification. Indeed, the country will not seem Americanised at all if you happen to be trekking amid Indigenous tribes deep in the mountains of Mindanao or North Luzon – just some of the more than 165 languages spoken here.

Authentic interaction with First Nation people

A journey to The Philippines offers students’ opportunities to engage in highly engaging activities found only in this far-flung corner of Asia. Boasting a greater diversity of ethnic groups than any other Asian country (excluding Papua New Guinea), The Philippines is an ideal locations to immerse students in hands-on service projects designed to address local needs and uplift communities.

Many of the country’s indigenous groups adhere to traditional lifestyles and take pride in preserving their cultural identities, eagerly sharing them with visitors. From trekking and jungle survival skills to revealing the intricacies of their local crafts and music, these tribes delight in showcasing their homes and traditions to all those who make the effort to visit them.

Environmental activities

MARINE ENVIRONMENT: For schools interested in environmental, conservation or interaction with animals, 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.

MANGROVES RESEARCH ACTIVITY: Realising the significance of mangrove forests as crucial carbon sinks and protective barriers against storms, small Filipino communities across the archipelago are at the forefront of initiatives to conserve and restore these important plant species. Student Educational Experiences works with these communities in Palawan and the Batangas region of Luzon (located just south of Manila),  where students can work alongside local communities in community service programs to assist and gain a first-hand understanding of this vital environmental endeavour.

Service-learning & Social justice

Social justice-minded students can contribute significantly to healthcare initiatives aimed at improving access to medical services and promoting public health awareness. This initiative is much 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.

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.

A trip to this far-flung nation promises students an opportunity to engage with people who are always eager to share their culture and traditions, fostering connections and friendships that can last a lifetime. Student Educational Experiences can provide not only an escape from the ordinary but also a transformative journey of discovery, learning, and adventure that will surely leave a lasting impression on young minds and hearts.