Semester in Manila

  Philippines

• Luzon: 
Metro Manila

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: Spring: November - March Fall: June - October

Description: Study at the University of the Philippines, at Diliman in Manila, one of the leading universities in Southeast Asia. The University of the Philippines is a short distance from the city center of the nations capital, Manila. As the only national university in the country, the University of the Philippines System takes pride in being the pioneer in higher education through academic excellence, outstanding research, public service, and modernized facilities. A semester in the Philippines gives students seeking a non-traditional study abroad program the perfect opportunity to become immersed into a local, Asian culture while living in an international setting. Although classes are taught in English, the Philippines provide students the chance to experience the exotic food, dance, language, and people of the Filipino islands.

Highlights:
* One of Asia's leading universities
* Experience diverse cultures
* Take classes taught in English
* Earn up to 18 hours of U.S. credit
* Participate in a fiesta
* Live in the country's capital city
* Be welcomed by local Filipinos
* Study at one of Southeast Asia's leading universities, the University of the Philippines-Diliman and earn Jacksonville University credit
* Experience the diverse cultures that make up the Philippines
* Take courses all taught in English but be surrounded by more than 80 language dialects.
* Live in Manila, the Philippine's capital and largest city
* Warm-climate in the South Pacific
* Be centrally located between Australia and Asia

The 7000-odd islands that comprise the Philippines are the forgotten islands of southeast Asia. Most of the Philippines is laidback, stable and relatively safe. The locals are, by and large, exceptionally friendly and heart-warming. Also, transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and English is widely spoken.

The Philippines has developed a mixed culture from the blending of foreign influences with native elements. Today some of the isolated tribes are the only people whose culture remains unadulterated by earlier Muslim and later Spanish and American influences.

The geography and history of the Philippines have conspired to produce a multiplicity of languages, some 80 dialects in total. The concept of a national language developed after the Spanish-American War in 1898 and Tagalog was declared the national language in 1936. There were several other contenders for this role, including Cebuano, Hiligaynon and Ilocano. A compromise reached in 1973 confirmed Filipino as the national language. This is based on Tagalog, but has linguistic elements of other Philippine languages. Despite this, English remains the language of commerce and politics in the Philippines.

"The Philippines is a very open-armed, heart-warming country. I was welcomed from the moment I arrived and quickly became very intrigued by its diverse culture. The Philippines was one big classroom far from home." - Maria Garcia

Accommodation will be provided in an International House near campus. Rooms are fully furnished and air-conditioned. Each room has a refrigerator and some may have microwaves. Rooms may have anywhere from 2 to 6 occupants. The housing facility also has a 24-hour business center, restaurant/dining facility, and exercise room.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $6,900

Not Included: airfare, textbooks, meals, visa expenses, personal expenses.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Philippines Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

International Education Programs at Jacksonville University's Mission Statement: International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes global experiences by engaging students and faculty in study, internship and volunteer programs that will expose them to other countries, cultures, languages and people. International Education Programs (IEP) at Jacksonville University promotes cultural immersion through challenging study programs, relevant internship placements, and life-changing service learning opportunities in 19 different countries around the world. Our number one priority is to consistently offer the support services and resources that enable participants to immerse in the local culture, contribute to the local community, and learn more about themselves and the world through their travel experiences. IEP programs cater to individual needs based on desired length of stay, language competency, location, and academic discipline.

Year Founded: 2000