Created in partnership with Edukasyon.ph
One of the things that several people would dream of is to experience studying abroad. Other than getting into prestigious universities or taking up in-demand programs, experiencing another country’s culture is definitely something worth looking forward to. Just imagine how much you can learn from other people, histories, and ways of living!
For some parents, studying abroad may already be a faraway dream — but not for their children, especially if educational planning is done correctly. So, let’s take off some of the hassles in your mind and walk you through the different things you should consider in your educational planning for your child’s studies abroad!
What to consider when studying in Australia or New Zealand?
Called “The Land Down Under,” Australia is up at the top of the list of most Filipino students who are planning to study abroad — and for good reason! For one, Australia has a ton of universities and educational institutions that champion cultural diversity and inclusivity (such as Bond University), making Filipino students feel right at home! Its neighbor country, New Zealand, also offers the same! NZ provides opportunities for Filipino students who are seeking to enhance their skills through technical education or even post-graduate studies!
Regarding cost, Australia and New Zealand offer scholarships and grants if ever you’d need help for your child’s education abroad. Your child may need help living independently, too, but after some adjustment, they will surely be able to acclimate to the community there. Australia and New Zealand are both home to vibrant Filipino communities to help them stave away homesickness.
What to consider when studying in the United Kingdom?
The UK is also a good option for studying abroad. Known for its well-established institutions, getting an education in the UK is really synonymous with getting quality education. Like in Australia and New Zealand, the UK offers a lot of opportunities for Filipino students, especially if you’re after scholarships and grants.
If you choose to send your child to study in the UK, plan for non-tuition costs. For the student visa application alone, the amount of money needed to show that your child can support themselves is close to a million pesos.
What to consider when planning to study in America?
Going even farther west, the “Land of the Free” is mostly everyone’s dream destination for studying. As a melting pot of almost every culture in the world, studying in America can give your child a holistic experience like no other. America has a lot of well-known and industry-leading universities (such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology) that you can choose from. Entering one of these universities almost always guarantees a fulfilling career after graduation.
Like in the UK, studying in America comes at a cost. Although, as always, there are scholarships and grants available, it’s still going to cost you a significant amount of money. Better start planning your finances as early as possible!
What to consider when planning to study in Taiwan?
If you wish your child to study abroad but somewhere closer to home, Taiwan is one of your best options! It’s literally just above the Philippines! Taiwan is one of the leading educational destinations in the world, especially when it comes to research and innovation. Its universities (like the Taipei Medical University) are known for churning out top graduates who have discovered breakthroughs in different fields.
One of the attractive things about studying in Taiwan is that it’s relatively cheap, compared to other countries mentioned previously. There are a lot of scholarships available, and when it comes to living expenses, the cost of basic necessities isn’t too far from what we have here in the Philippines.
Studying abroad may sound daunting, but it opens up many opportunities that your child may not have if they stayed here in our country. Sure, we have a lot of leading universities here, but having to experience other people’s cultures and seeing how your child can live among other people from different walks of life is a learning opportunity exclusive to studying abroad. To send your child abroad, careful and effective planning is crucial to achieve this. Begin by saving up for future tuition fees and daily living expenses. Don’t worry, there are various options to support you like opting for a Variable Universal Life (VUL) plan that provides guaranteed life protection benefits and potential investment returns. For a tailored solution focused on securing your child’s education, consider AXA Philippines’ MyLifeChoice for Education (MLC) plan that has an insurance with an investment component that ensures financial security for your child’s future. So, start your child’s educational planning early so they can live the life they (and you) will choose!
