Nearly 50,000 Filipino students are studying abroad — international education consultant
As restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have begun easing in various countries in the world, career-driven students have slowly started reviving their goals of studying abroad.
According to data gathered by International Education Specialists (IDP) Philippines, a global education consultant for those wanting to study in foreign countries, there are approximately 49,000 Filipino students taking their studies overseas.
Australia and Canada were revealed to be the top destinations for schooling, with 15,916 and 15,545 cases respectively. Other countries include the US with 5,284, the UK with 2,640, Japan with 2,221, and New Zealand with 1,334.
The findings of their bi-annual global surveys revealed that 38% ranked Canada as their first-choice destination, while 25% chose Australia.
IDP Philippines highlighted that the factors that determine why Filipino students choose to study in these countries is because of quality education and better job opportunities, among others.
"High quality of education topped the list, especially for those who chose the UK, US, and Australia. International student support and good employment opportunities are important aspects among those who selected Canada, while it was safety for those who chose New Zealand as first choice," they stated.
Health and medicine make up the largest portion of the courses being researched by students, followed by business and management and engineering.
IDP Philippines shared their findings following the opening of their new office in Makati witnessed by PhilSTAR L!fe through Zoom.
Located on on the 21st floor of The Enterprise Center in Makati, the branch is now the fourth physical office of IDP Philippines. They also have operations in Pasig, Cebu, and Baguio, as well as computer-delivered International English Language Testing System (IELTS) laboratories in Pampanga, Davao, and Bacolod
In case you're not familiar, IDP specializes in helping students get accepted into their ideal course, take an English language test, or learn English in their schools through their digital platform.
The organization helps Filipinos study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. They also provide free expert counseling services for those applying to study abroad.
"We’ve seen a good growth of Filipinos working abroad, and also migrating abroad, hence the need for us to expand our IELTS testing centers," IDP Philippines Country Director Jojo Habana said.
The organization plans to open five more offices in key cities and provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Makati, Davao, and Quezon City, by the end of 2023.