Studying in the USA as a Filipino: Navigating Differences and Embracing Opportunities

For many Filipinos, the journey to higher education in the United States is a continuation of a familiar academic path patterned after the American system. Growing up in the Philippines, where the educational system aligns closely with that of the United States, exposure to American culture and English language is pervasive. However, the transition from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar one can pose both challenges and opportunities for Filipino students.

I have been in the USA for a year now, currently attending high school, and have experienced firsthand the differences and similarities between the two systems. My academic journey led me through medicine in the Philippines, and I did not encounter any significant culture shock when I took the professional board exam in the USA. This is largely because the format and rigor were consistent between the two systems.

Adapting to American School Life

While the educational systems share many similarities, adapting to American school life has its unique challenges. One of the major differences I initially noticed is the start time and duration of the school day. In the United States, school typically begins around 8:30 AM, whereas in the Philippines, it often starts much earlier, around 7:10 AM, and can run until 4:30 or 5:30 PM, depending on the school.

The classroom setup and daily routines also differ. In the Philippines, students eat in their classrooms, whereas in the United States, lunch is typically taken in a central lunchroom. Filipinos might also be accustomed to larger class sizes, with some sections containing over 50 students, compared to the smaller class sizes in the US, which usually range from 20 to 50 students per class.

While this can be challenging, many Filipino students find ways to adapt. The fact that English is widely spoken in the Philippines due to the educational system and daily exposure through media and education has made the transition smoother. In my old school, we were taught basic English from a young age, and the use of English in the classroom and in my old texts has prepared me for the American academic environment.

Uniforms and Schedules

Another notable difference is the uniform requirement and the rigidity of the class schedule. In the Philippines, uniforms are a common practice in both public and private schools, similar to the United States. However, the rigid assignment of subjects to each section in the Philippines, where students cannot choose their subjects based on personal preference, can be daunting when compared to the more flexible American system, where students often have the option to select their courses.

In conclusion, while there are significant differences in the structure and culture of education between the USA and the Philippines, the shared root of the school systems and the linguistic proficiency of many Filipino students facilitates the transition. It is an exciting journey to navigate these differences, embrace new opportunities, and thrive in the American academic environment.

Overall, the fact that many Filipino students are already accustomed to the American system through early exposure to English and American educational practices has made the transition smoother. This foundation helps them adapt not only to the academic but also to the cultural aspects of life in the USA.