From welcoming international students to fostering transnational education, the Philippines is determined to be a key player in the global education landscape. But what specific strategies does it employ?
From welcoming international students to fostering transnational education, the Philippines is determined to be a key player in the global education landscape. But what specific strategies does it employ?
The Philippines is embarking on a series of initiatives in inbound, outbound, and transnational education (TNE). This multifaceted approach proves that the country is determined to become a key player in global education.
Inbound mobility: Attracting global talent
The country’s commitment to inbound mobility is evident in its concerted efforts to attract international students, scholars, and professionals. Recognized for its cultural diversity and warm hospitality, the country has rapidly emerged as a favored destination for those seeking quality education coupled with unique experiences.
In 2022, the Philippines experienced a significant increase in inbound student mobility, attracting 22,247 international students, marking a remarkable growth of 52.7 percent compared to 2021. According to data from the 2022 Project Atlas released by IIE, a notable 74 percent of these international students were pursuing STEM subjects. The largest portion of these students, totaling 16,013, originated from India, while an additional 4,462 came from China.
Acknowledging the economic and cultural advantages that international students bring, the Philippine government has streamlined visa procedures, introduced scholarships, and enhanced the overall student support system.
The allure of the Philippines as a destination for international students is seen in the sheer number of Centers of Excellence thriving in its educational institutions.
In addition, the wide-scale use of English as a medium of instruction not only simplifies life for international students who may be grappling with language barriers – it also allows for easier processing of credentials across geographies.
Outbound mobility: Nurturing global competence
The Philippines is also proactively cultivating a culture of outbound mobility, enabling its citizens to gain global exposure. The government, for example, has long supported international programs, such as the Fulbright and Chevening scholarships and the professional fellows program of the East-West Center.
Many of these initiatives are collaborations with well-known institutions, providing scholarships, internships, and exchange opportunities.
Some destinations have proven popular among Filipino international students. The 2022 Emerging Futures survey by IDP reveals that 38 percent of Filipino prospective students prefer Canada as their top destination, with Australia closely behind at 31%.
Based on figures from the Canadian Bureau for International Education, in 2022, Filipino students in Canada numbered 32,455, constituting 4 percent of the total international student population, ranking behind only China and India.
This approach is in sync with the nation’s vision of producing graduates who are globally competitive and capable of contributing effectively to diverse industries.
Transnational education (TNE): Extending influence beyond borders
The nexus of inbound and outbound mobility lies within transnational education, an integral facet of the Philippines’ mobility commitment. TNE programs empower educational institutions to extend their influence beyond national borders, offering quality education to international students while fostering cultural exchange and knowledge dissemination.
Notably, the Philippines has emerged as a dominant provider of TNE programs in the Asia-Pacific region. The initiative has connected 10 Philippine universities with nine universities in the United Kingdom.
Collaborations between local and foreign institutions also enable students to access world-class education without leaving their home country, promoting cross-border collaboration and knowledge transfer – all thanks to the legislative support enshrined in the Philippines’ Transnational Higher Education Act 2018.
This strategic approach not only benefits international students but also strengthens the Philippines’ higher education sector and reinforces its global reputation.
Lotus Postrado, director of the British Council in the Philippines, expressed satisfaction with the TNE bill’s passage, highlighting the organization’s prior efforts to enhance TNE opportunities in the country.
“In 2016, prior to this law, we partnered with [the Commission on Higher Education] to pilot a TNE project that eventually yielded more than 15 postgraduate degrees with the UK,” Postrado said. “This policy was a signal of the country’s deep commitment to further internationalize its higher education sector.”
The British Council will also aid the professional growth of Filipino university staff via a £1.8 million (approx. US$2.24 million) project, which includes a scholarship grant for current UK-Philippine TNE programs, Postrado added.
Amid fervor for global mobility in education, the Philippines also recognizes the importance of sustainability. Initiatives are underway to ensure that mobility efforts align with environmental and social responsibility. This involves advocating for eco-friendly practices, endorsing renewable energy solutions, and promoting responsible tourism to ensure that the benefits of mobility are harnessed without compromising the nation’s natural resources.
Shaping a global future
The Philippines’ commitment to mobility is a multifaceted endeavor that covers inbound, outbound, and TNE initiatives. By welcoming international students and professionals, empowering its citizens to explore global opportunities, and fostering cross-border educational collaborations, the nation is actively shaping a future where cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing are central.
This commitment not only enhances the Philippines’ global standing but also enriches the experiences and perspectives of individuals from around the world.
In a rapidly changing global landscape, the Philippines’ dedication to mobility positions it as a progressive and influential player, fostering connections and opportunities that will undoubtedly shape the future of education and international cooperation in the region and beyond.
