LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM

DALTA-LAS PIÑAS

An Undergraduate Thesis
Presented to
The Faculty of the College of Education
University of Perpetual Help
Las Piñas Campus

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
MAJOR IN ENGLISH

BOLOCON, LALAINE ANN G.

CALAPATIA, GLEZENE D.
MANAOG, VAN JOSEF J.

October 2018
 APPROVAL SHEET ii

This undergraduate thesis entitled, “LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP
SYSTEM DALTA-LAS PIÑAS”, prepared and submitted by LALAINE ANN G.
BOLOCON, GLEZENE D. CALAPATIA, and VAN JOSEF J. MANAOG in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Secondary Education
Major in English, has been examined and recommended for acceptance and
approval for Final Defense.

DANE B. JACINTO, LPT, Ph.D

Adviser

ORAL EXAMINATION COMMITTEE

Approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of

Secondary Education Major in English by the examination of the oral committee
with the grade of _________.

LOPITA U. JUNG, LPT, Ph.D. ANTONIO J. HABANA JR., LPT, Ph.D.

Member Member

JOSEPHINE P. DASIG, LPT.,Ph.D.

Chairman

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English.

EMERLYN ENGALLA- MANAGUAS, LPT, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii

The researchers would like to express their deepest gratitude to those

people who have contributed the most to make this research writing possible.

Appreciation to DR. EMERLYN E. MANAGUAS, Dean of the College of

Education for usual support and allowing the researchers to conduct the said study;

A deepest gratitude to DR. LOPITA U. JUNG, DR. JOSEPHINE P. DASIG,

and DR. ANTONIO J. HABANA JR. for being part of the Oral Examination

committee of the researchers, also for guiding and helping them to improve the

research paper;

To MS. RAMINA P. ADVIENTO, secretary of the College of Education, for

the never-ending support and for accommodating the researchers in gathering data;

The researchers would like to take this opportunity to thank wholeheartedly

to DR. DANE B. JACINTO, who became the researchers’ adviser might as well for

being so patient, kind and approachable as the researchers go along with their

study;

The researchers are thankful for SIR BENJAMIN C. SIY for his dedication in

helping the researchers to finish this research. His hard work is much appreciated;

Special thanks to JERRIC LOUIS BRAGA, the researchers’ classmate who

lend his laptop to utilize for the study conducted;

 Most importantly, the researchers would like to express their deepest iv

gratitude to their FAMILY who really supported them throughout the process of

making the said research study;

And for those who had been part of this research study through good and

bad times, a deepest gratitude to all; and

Most of all, to GOD ALMIGHTY for the wisdom, knowledge, and continuous

blessing that HE showered upon the researchers to make this research study

possible.

L.A.G.B

G.D.C

V.J.J.M
 ABSTRACT v

The purpose of this study was to determine the Lived Experiences of Selected

International Students in the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Las

Piñas. This study utilized phenomenological approach to elucidate the specific

circumstances as experienced by the international students. The collection of data

and perspectives occurred through interviews to present the point of views of the

co-researchers and used narrative analyses to generate themes .There were three

(3) different nationalities such as Nigerian, Arabian and Indian who participated as

co-researchers of this research who were currently enrolled in the University of

Perpetual Help System DALTA- Las Piñas. The findings of the study revealed that

the problem encountered by the international students are the Primary Basic Needs

such as Difficulties in Finding a Place like Home where students are having a hard

time to find a shelter in their host-country. The second one is Money ! Money!

Money! wherein international students are having difficulties in their finances

because of great demand of activities that require financial capabilities and lastly,

the tropical weather where students did not like the hot weather of the Philippines.

Keywords: international students, situations, education

 TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

PAGE

TITLE PAGE i

APPROVAL SHEET ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii

ABSTRACT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS vi

CHAPTER

1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction 1

Background of the Study 3

Theoretical Lens 4

Statement of the Problem 4

Significance of the Study 5

 vii

Definition of Terms 6

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature 8

Related Studies 10

Synthesis 16

3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design 17

Co-Researchers of the Study 18

Data-Gathering Procedure 19

Data Analysis 19

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Primary Basic Needs for Survival 21

Co-Researcher #2
5 SUMMARY,INSIGHTS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS viii

Summary of the Study 32

Findings

Insights 33

Recommendations 34

REFERENCES 37

APPENDICES

A Interview Guide 38

B Letter to The Dean 39

C Letter to The Adviser 40

D Letter of Validation 41

E Participant Information Sheet and Consent 45

F Interview Transcriptions 48

CURRICULUM VITAE 71
ix
 1
Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

“Simple exchanges can break down walls between us, for when people

come together and speak to one another and share a common experience, then

their common humanity is revealed. We are reminded that we’re joined together by

our pursuit of a life that’s productive and purposeful, and when that happens

mistrust begins to fade and our smaller differences no longer overshadow the

things we share. And that’s where progress begins”

-Barack Obama

The previous president of the United States simply spoke about the need to

recreate efforts to build ties of peace and partnership of different countries in the

world. It is necessary to broaden the opportunity encountering the new global

economy and the importance of encouraging young people to be internationally

engaged. He stated that he believes one of the most effective tools for doing this is

international education.

Globalization is a process wherein there is a development occurring of an

increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of

capital and an improvement for government system that will supervise the people in
 2
the country. As the country progresses, one of the systems of globalization also

greatly affects the education. Education goes beyond its limits where the curriculum

alters as well as students can go outside their country through acculturation. An

increase of global mobility as international students contribute to the dynamics of

education.

Based on Reader’s Digest, a certain university in the United States of

America are greatly dominated by foreigners just to study. Most of these students

are Asian and African. In the Philippines, there are a lot of foreigners from the

different parts of the world.

In the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) (2013) stated that, in

2013 the number of foreign students studying in the country had ascended for

about 14% or greater than 47,000 foreigners compared to its number in 2012. In

relation to this, Dave (2012) cited the reason behind this statistics and he said that

“Our country is fast emerging as a new educational hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

More and more foreigners are coming here to study and it demonstrates recognition

of improved quality education of our educational system.”

In the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA- Las Pinas, there are

about 34 different nationalities who are pursuing their studies in the said university.
 3
Background of the Study

Currently, there is a rapid growth of foreign students who are

pursuing their education in the Philippines. According to Philippine

Daily Inquirer, the percentage of foreign students increased up to 14%

last 2013. Most of these students are from Asia such as South

Koreans, Chinese and Japanese who are studying English. There is

also a large number of Indians and Nigerians who are pursuing

medicine. David said that Philippines is fast emerging as a new

educational hub in Asia-Pacific Region wherein a lot of foreigners are

coming here to study and it shows recognition of the improved quality

of education system.

About 34 different nationalities are pursuing their studies in the

University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA Las Pinas. There has

been also an increase of international student enrollees in the said

university. This phenomenon caught the attention of the researchers

and inspired them to study how these foreign students survive in a

country which has different culture, tradition, and beliefs from where

they came from as well as how the students go through academic-

related difficulties, acquiring another language and adapting a new

learning ambiance differs from theirs.

 4
Theoretical Lens

This study is anchored on the Socio-cultural theory developed by Vygotsky

(as cited by Mcleod, 2018) stated that the way people interact with others and the

culture they live in shape their mental abilities. The skills of children learn first are

related to interactions with others and they then take that information and use it

within themselves. According to Mcleod (2018) that children born with basic

discipline on their minds and the community plays a central role in the process of

“making meaning”. Allow children to use their basic mental abilities in a way that is

adaptive to the culture in which they live.

Another theory that is anchored to this study is the Acculturation theory

proposed by Schumann (1978) it indicates that people transition from living a

lifestyle of theirown culture in moving into a lifestyle of another culture. According to

Brown (1994) it is process by which a new culture is being adapted.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the lived experiences of the foreign students.

Specifically, this study will answer to the following questions:

1. What are the problems encountered by the foreign students during their stay

in their host country?

 5
2. What are the positive attributes they encounter during their stay in the

Philippines?

3. Based on the findings, what insights can be drawn?

Significance of the Study

This study is timely relevant. The problem is an issue nowadays because it

can be seen that in the Philippines, specifically in UPHSD-LP there is really a large

number of foreign students. The BOI of the Philippines reported that, in 2013 there

is 14% increase of foreign students than in 2012’s. Knowing what are the problems

or adjustments that the foreign students have done in their stay here in the

Philippines will help the researches identify the socio-cultural difficulties of the

foreign students and how were they able to cope or to adjust with those problems.

The results of the research are beneficial and of great value to the following

individuals:

Foreign Students. They may be able to determine their capacity as a

student in the Philippines and may evaluate their strengths and weaknesses for

their own development.

Teachers and Professors. They may be guided on their teaching

methodologies and may foster a flexible response to difficulties that their

learners might encounter inside and outside the classroom.

 6
The Institution. They may be able to know the difficulties of the foreign

students and may build a program for the warm welcome of foreign students to

familiarize themselves in Filipino Cultures as well as the rules and regulations of

the school.

Dep-Ed and CHED Curriculum Developers. The findings may serve as the

basis for designing a program towards the foreign students. The changes in the

curriculum should not only focus to organizational level but also on the

development and intercultural perspectives in teaching.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study will serve as guidance and

basis for future research works that is related with this topic.

Definition of Terms

Acculturation. A process through which a person or group from one culture

comes to adapt practices and values of another culture while still retaining their own

distinct culture.

Adjustments. It is the ability to become familiar with a new situation.

Bureaucratic. It is related to the system of government which most of the

important decisions are taken by the state officials rather than by elected

representatives.

Culture. It is the social behavior and norms found in human societies.

 7
Cultural Differences. Belief and understanding towards communication.

Diversity. It encompasses complex differences and similarities in

perspectives, identities, and points of view among members of an institution as well

as among individuals who make up the wider community.

Global Mobility. It is a Human Resource function that refers to a

multinational corporation’s ability to move its people to offices in different countries.

Individualism. Living independently and not relying to others due to

negative thoughts.

Phenomenology. It is the study of structures of consciousness as

experiences from structures point of view.

Sojourn. Stay somewhere temporarily.

 8
Chapter 2

THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Acculturation

According to Berry (2006), he defined acculturation as a process of change

experienced by an individual when he or she comes into contact with two or more

cultures that are distinctly different from his or her own. Some acculturation issues

include problems transitioning to a different country, academic adjustment, lack of

social support, discrimination, financial issues, and homesickness.

Foreign Students

According to Ping-Wu's studies (2015),for most international students,

entering US universities and colleges can be an overwhelming life and cultural

transition. Many studiesexplored the challenges and hurdles experienced by

international students attending institutions of higher education in the US. These

difficulties include, but are not limited to, language difficulties, difficulties adjusting

to the academic culture, misunderstanding, and complications in communication

with faculty and peers; stress, anxiety, feeling of isolation, social experiences,

culture shock, financial hardships, lack of appropriate accommodation, isolation and

loneliness, and any adaption in their daily life. Next, international students’

challenges are also socio-cultural. Arriving from a different country, international

 9
students may face many difficulties in their daily life. Coming to a new country,

international students are faced with the reality of needing to find places to live and

finding banks to deposit and withdraw money and transportation by finding buses or

buying cars to move around and applying for credits cards. Surviving in a new

community is the first lesson they have to deal with, and they need to have a

support system when they newly arrive. After settling in a new place, international

students will also experience cultural shock.

A report by the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and UNESCO (2013) titled

International Mobility of Foreign Students in Asia and the Pacific, indicated that in

2010, 1,791 foreign students were enrolled in the Philippines. Similarly, no studies

were conducted in regards to their sojourning in the Philippines where several

challenges on ICC occur. With these influences and consequences of mixed

cultures, environment, and pedagogical challenges, a sojourner’s existence may be

twisted and consequences of these factors may be irreversible, leading to additional

problems.

According to Trice(2004), International students with good English

proficiency levels can also communicate more easily with Americans and have the

capacity togain insights into the American culture, and are more likely to establish

successful social relationships with other domestic students.

Based on Aklamanu’s findings, there’s an increase global mobility as

international students contribute to the dynamics of American classroom as well as

 10
population. The findings revealed that international undergraduate students from

Ghana faces a lot of difficulties ranging from financial, social, cultural, language as

well as the use of technology in the Midwestern university. It will be beneficial to

international students not those from Ghana alone but other students as well from

various countries to be provided with financial assistant in the form of scholarship to

lessen their financial burdens.

Related Studies

Phenomenology

Phenomenology seeks to define rather than to explain, therefore, it is free

from the rudiments of a typical descriptive or experimental research whereby a

hypothesis is proposed after the formulation of the specific problems, (Husserl 1970

as cited by Chan 2013)

According to Exposito (2015), the international students studying in the

school varied when it comes to their types of experiences as they come across their

academic and social life in the place they’re trying to adjust with the culture and

people they’re not familiar with. She varied the different types of experiences yet

there was a high consistency of theme such as learning and studying, perception of

faculty, language and communication issues as well as lack of social interaction

with native students. It will become necessary to increase cultural competencies

through diversity initiatives both within the curriculum and throughout institutions by
 11
better understanding students’ perceptions and including those from various

backgrounds, cultures, genders, and religions.

Smith and Khawaja (2011) stated that although all students go through

academic-related difficulties, the issues are magnified for international students as

they go through added stressors of having to acquire a second language and of

adapting to a different learning environment. Some other academic-related

difficulties reported by international students include difficulty in interacting with

professors and other students in class, the different types of assignments given

(i.e., written assignments and expectation to work in groups), unfamiliarity with the

American accent, the different grading system and general learning culture in the

United States Lack of English language proficiency is another issue for international

students in the United States. Various studies have shown that lack of English

proficiency remains a huge barrier for international students in the United States.

According to Saubert (2014), Students reported various motivations

which impacted their decision to come to the UK for part of their HE experience and

also had an effect on how they engaged in their international experiences.

Additionally, responses from students indicate that students tend to focus on the

non-academic aspects of their experiences (i.e. social interactions, friendships,

travel, clubs and societies, etc.) when reflecting on their international experiences

with other students as opposed to academic aspects (i.e. studying, coursework,

etc.). Finally, the findings suggest, when compared with academic engagement
 12
behaviours, international students’ perceptions of their experience were more

influenced by behaviours for nonacademic engagement; specifically, data indicates

that non-academic engagement behaviours can decrease students’ concerns whilst

abroad and also have a positive influence on students’ overall perceptions about

their international experience.

Sherry, Thomas, and Chui (2009) conducted a study in which participants,

who came from 30 different countries, reported issues with language, adapting to

new cultural norms, financial problems, and developing friendships. Several

participants reported a lack of friendship with domestic students, and international

students were divided by region of origin in their responses to feeling included in

the local community. Although some international students felt welcomed by the

university community, several participants in the study, primarily those from Asia

and the Middle East, reported feelings of isolation and a lack of connection with

university community members. The findings from Asian and Middle Eastern

students indicate that some cultural backgrounds can add more significant barriers

in adapting to a new campus environment.

The racial climate of a university includes several elements that affect

students and their experiences in a diverse environment. Chinese international

students have language barriers and cultural differences that they bring to their

environment, which affects their interactions with others. Although individual

perceptions strongly affect students’ experiences in higher education, the

 13
institutional environment has a role in the development and integration of students.

The external environment serves as a setting that either inhibits or promotes

student development and growth during the collegiate years (Astin, 1993 as cited

by Wai-Tze Yao).

Based on Hanassab's (2006) studies, the issues of discrimination based on

country of origin also emerged in a study found that international students from

different regions perceived varying degrees of discrimination on their college

campus.

According to Lee (2010), he found similar results with international students’

experiences based on country of origin through an examination of international

students’ experiences at a United States institution. In this quantitative study, Lee

(2010) questioned participants on their prior expectations, level of satisfaction with

their experience, and whether these students would recommend others from their

home country to study at the host institution.

Wang (2010) found that Chinese international graduate students hesitated to

report any incidents of perceived discrimination because it caused worry about the

international students’ legal status. Also, the reported incidents were subtle and

indirect

rather than overt occurrences which led to the Chinese participants to question if

they should “call it discrimination or not” .The findings from this study, as well as
 14
previously discussed studies, indicated that both overt and covert acts of

discrimination affect the overall academic and social experiences of Chinese

international students.

According to Sicat(2011), students experience a wide range of emotions

once they leave home to study abroad. It is important for parents to understand

what their child is going through, to be patient and supportive while their child

adjusts to the new culture.

Based on Maguddayao’s (2018) studies, it is important to understand the

social and physical environment that created the experience. This is crucial in

determining what brought about the transformation process. In phenomenological

terms, it is important to determine the key epiphany or turning points in the

individual participant’s lives. In order to find this, the hardships and the coping

mechanisms were revisited.

According to Maggudayao’s study, foreign students must deal with cultural

differences and make adjustments. Adjustment is an on-going process demanded

by one situation and then another. It does not happen overnight. At first, it was

characterized by fascination, elation, and optimism . After this stage, the foreign

student will be struggling with the tremendous challenges presented by an

unfamiliar environment, a foreign culture, and a different language. While some

might be delighted with the new culture, most students may experience language

difficulties. When problems mount up, they are likely to experience the second
 15
stage of adjustment. Frustration comes when dealing with bureaucratic matters and

the weariness of speaking and listening to an alien language every day. Students

react to this frustration by rejecting the new environment in which they feel

discomfort.

Synthesis

Foreign study was a multifaceted phenomenon - its impact was felt on

academic institutions in both the ‘host’ and ‘sending’ countries, on the economies of

nations, and of course on the individuals involved.

Sherry , Thomas , and Chui (2009) conducted a study in which participants

from different countries, reported issues with the language and their individualism

causes a barrier for their interaction to others and becoming a part of a local culture

must be the hardest part .

Exposito (2015) stated that the international stdudents studying in the school

varied when it comes to their type of experiences as they come across their

academic since going abroad provides many advantage a person can gain by

broadening world views and ways of thinking by experiencing different cultures and

offering opportunities for personal growth while Smith and Khwaja (2011) clearly

implied that international students are suffering from a certain predicament which is

academic- related difficulties magnified for the international students as they go

through adapting the new learning environment ,with more than one million
 16
students studying abroad, and the rapid increase of the foreign students here in the

Philippines foreign study had assumed considerable importance in higher education

planning .

Magudayao (2018) revealed that foreign students must deal with cultural

differences and make adjustments since there is a lot of aspects must be

considered toward the foreign students since they are not fond of living the way

Filipino lives since there’s a huge culture differences in terms of food, hygiene,

culture, religion and beliefs. This may affect their perspective in life and may have a

big adjustment on how they live, especially in the environment they will be

socializing with, since they will stay in a foreign country they are not used to.

Sicat (2011) stated that the students experience a wide range of

emotions once they leave home to study abroad these factors may affect the

student’s life especially towards his academics and communication to others

because of the big gap of culture differences. The importance of this is to increased

cultural competencies through diversity initiatives both within the curriculum and

throughout institutions by better understanding foreign students’ perceptions

including their various backgrounds, cultures, genders, and religions.

 17
Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the methods and processes utilized in the study. This

includes the research design, population, and sampling techniques,

respondents/subjects/ participants of the study, instrumentation, and data gathering

procedure.

Research Design

In doing researches, there are various ways in order to come up or to arrive

with the results. In this study, the researchers utilized the phenomenological

method to define the lived experiences of his co-researchers who are foreign

students at the UPHSD-LP.

Wilson (2014) defined phenomenological research as a method with strong

philosophical origins. However, developing an appreciation of these philosophical

origins can enhance and strengthen the research design. A fundamental challenge

is to understand the range of philosophical and empirical approaches to situate

one’s own research. As well as, phenomenological approaches are often

characterized and differentiated by the degree to which it is accepted that a

researcher can interpret lived experiences. The reason of phenomenology is to

elucidate the specific, to determine circumstances as experienced by the group of

individuals concerned. It is the collection of data and perspectives through

 18
unstructured interviews, discussions, representing them from the points of view of

the research participants. Based on epistemology, phenomenology is about an

individual’s knowledge and subjectivity. The emphasis is on personal perspectives

and interpretations.

Phenomenology carries to the fore of the experiences of the participants,

thus challenging the common assumptions. Adding an interpretation to the research

enables it to be used as a practical theory to inform support, or challenge the

conventional theories, standards, regulations or policies.

Co-researchers of the Study

The three (3) co- researchers were foreign students who were currently

enrolled at UPHSD-LP and have already stayed in the Philippines for about two

years or more. The co-researchers were; Indian, Nigerian, and Arabian nationals.

The lived experiences of these foreign students were determined or identified as

well as their strategies and ways in coping up with the society and culture of the

Philippines as a new home for them. The participants were selected on the basis of

their ability to engage in a meaningful conversation and to share their experiences

as they stay in the Philippines. The participants were gotten randomly. In line with

the confidentiality of research, the researchers would not present the participants’

names.
 19
Data Gathering Procedure

First, the researchers formulated an interview guide which was based on the

statement of the problem as bases for the interview.

Second, they submitted it to three professors for validation purposes.

Third, when the interview guide was already validated, the researchers

randomly asked foreign students within the university if they could be part in this

study as co-researchers. It was done through providing them with the co-

researcher’s information sheet and consent form.

Fourth, when the foreign students agreed with the statements indicated on

the consent form, the interview took place. The whole interview was recorded either

audio or video.

Lastly, when all the interviews were done, all the recorded conversations

were put into words for analyses.

Data Analysis

The researchers employed the stages of Qualitative Analysis in the conduct

of the study.

Initially, the researchers familiarized themselves with the materials, notes,

documents and videos gathered by them in the course of research.

 Secondly, handwritten field notes and audio recorded data were transcribed 20

into verbatim from (printed or written) for easy recording and to get a whole picture

what happened to minimize the chance of being biased.

Thirdly, gathered data were organized in some ways so as not be drowned

to mass information.

Fourthly, data were being classified according to the themes.

Lastly, common themes were meticulously extracted from interactions,

meanings were also squeezed in amongst voluminous details and seemingly

incoherent observations.

The researchers summarized the shared experiences and gathered records

which is guided by personal observations and as well as the reflected insights of

foreign students
 21
Chapter 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the findings of the study. It includes the descriptions,

interpretations, and analyses of the experiences of the researcher and his co-

researchers who are three (3) foreign students.

In detail, the areas described and analyzed were their personal views and

feelings about the problems they encountered when they came here in the

Philippines and what are the socio-cultural adjustment processes they did to

survive. This is to shed some light and reveal parts of the realities as a foreign

student.

Each conversation was written as told to the co-researchers, however to

protect their rights, permissions were asked.

Problem #1: What are the problems encountered by the international

students?

The researchers came up with a theme which is the Primary Basic Needs

for Survival and it is also comprised with two subthemes which are Difficulties in

Finding a Place like Home and Money! Money! Money!.

Primary Basic Needs for Survival 22

This theme pertains to the necessary things that the students need to survive

in their host country. This theme was comprised with two subthemes about their

lived experiences regarding their shelter as well as their finances. The following

were the different narrations of the co-researchers that were used by the

researchers to come up with the subtheme.

Difficulties in Finding a Place like Home

This subtheme pertains to the need of a student to live in particularly in their

host country. It tackles about how they encountered difficulties in looking for a place

like home.

Co-Researcher #1:We find it difficult in getting houses

here in the Philippines. We had a little opportunity when
it comes to getting a shelter we have to stay. We find it
very difficult

Co-Researcher #3: We really have the problems but…

because we are trying to get a house near at the
colleges since you’re a student.

Based on the answers of the co- researchers most of the international

students are struggling in finding a place to live in. Since this is one of the most

important thing in the basic need, that they need to look at it first before anything
 23
else in living abroad. Since they are foreigners some of the home owners are not

accepting them that’s why they need to look for other house that they’re allowed to

live at.

Probably, one of the reasons why the international students encountered

difficulties in their accommodations is the bad record of the previous groups of

international students who stayed in the place they are about to rent. There is a

large number of occupants staying near the university. Most of those occupants are

not just students but also employees who are staying in a boarding house or in a

dormitory that is nearby the university especially within the city.

According to Legodi (2019), there is a shortage for the accommodation of

students nowadays. It is also hard to find an affordable accommodation for the

student residence. Gardner (2018) also stated that there is a difficulty in student

housing within the cities especially near the universities because of great in

demand of accommodation as well as the large number of population that is

continually increasing. The need for a shelter is actually in demand that is why the

survey finds that is student housing increasingly a problem.

Money! Money! Money !

This subtheme pertains how international students are having a hard time

when it comes to their finances because there is a great demand of activities that

require financial capabilities.

 24

Co-Researcher #1: Because we literally we don’t get our

money here.We get our money back from home so we literally
get like Bank Transaction, transferring our money, down from
my country and here coming down here. It’s quite difficult. So
we fix earlier before then.

Co-Researcher #2:Well as a foreign student, we have certain

management when it comes to finances. Especially, aside from
the tuition fee, we’re paying the student form visa, which is
kinda stressful because we are spending a lot of money.

Co-Researcher #3: Yeah. We are foreigners but we are not rich

really. I don’t really classify it the way that’s it.

Based on the answers of the co- researchers, not all the foreign students

studying in the Philippines have a lot of money to spend. They also find it a hard

when it comes to the expenses in their daily lives especially the tuition fee in the

school since the foreigners are having a crucial transactions in their country before

getting the money that they need.

One of the probable reasons why international students experienced

difficulties because they are not just paying tuition fees but they are also paying

other things such as student visa, accommodation and other requirements that they

have to comply for them to be allowed to stay and study in the Philippines legally.
 According to the study of Bilas (2016), international students face many 25

challenges when it comes to enrolling in a higher education in the United States

and of the most important issue is experiencing financial crisis as a student residing

to his/her host-country. Alkandari (2014) found out that international students that

their tuition and living fees were four times higher than the domestic students. Yan

and Berliner (2013) stated that due to a fact many of the financial aid programs

available to domestic students are not available to the international students. It is

not uncommon for foreign students to have issues paying expensive university that

requires health insurance without many other options. (Sherry, Thomas and Chui,

2009).

“The Tropical Weather”

This theme pertains to the weather that the foreign students experience

while living here in the Philippines.

Co-Researcher #1: “It’s very hot in here. The weather, it’s very
very hot.”

Co-Researcher #3:"It’s too hot here’’

The replies of the co-researchers clearly imply that they have experienced

difficulties in living in the Philippines because of its weather which is somehow

different from the country where they came from. They are not used to the hot

weather of the said country.

 One of the probable reasons why the international students are complaining 26

about the hot weather in the Philippines because they live in a part of their home

country where the temperature is not too high.

Miele (2011) stated that one of the biggest complaints most often hears from

foreigners in the Philippines is regarding the hot weather they have to deal with.

There is a lot of visitors that are surprised at how it gets hot in the Philippines even

they came from a warm climate. He stated that foreigners usually wear comfortable

clothes whenever they are dealing with the temperature.

Problem #2: What are the positive attributes they encounter during their stay
in the Philippines?

The Positive Attributes of the host-country according to the Foreign Students

This theme pertains to the things that helped the co-researchers to survive in

the new environment they have been part to. This also shows the aspects in the

society that they easily adapted when they stayed in the country.

Learning Environment is being defined as the diverse physical setting,

contexts and cultures in which students learn. Students learn in a wide variety of

settings such as outside-of-school environments wherein the tern is often used as a

more accurate or preferred alternative to classroom. Learning environment also

affects the learning strategies of the students.

 27

Co-Researcher #1:‘‘’I don’t have any problems with my

studies. I need to come to study. We try to cope. It’s
okay when it comes to studies.’’

Co-Researcher #2:‘’ Well, first of all. I would like to give

time, to give thanks to Perpetual for letting me in,
enrolling the school because I have been searching for
schools for maybe three years, I guess. I have seen my
family in struggling inside, in terms of my mentality it was
getting me because when I get in college it was already
my friends found school except for me. Yes it’s
challenging pero(but) I won’t let this challenge pull me
down this is why I keep on writing notes, studying
reviews, asking questions so I keep on track so I can be
okay to my academics.’’

Co-Researcher #3: ‘’Ahh… struggle? the professor is

very good. We don’t have any problem with the
professor.”

There is a lot of foreigners who are deciding to study here in the Philippines

since the medium of instruction being utilized is English wherein they are able to

understand and communicate well in the Philippines. The professors are also

considerate and kind towards the foreigners.

According to Way 2 Philippines Education, the world’s 3rd largest English-

speaking nation, the Philippines provide huge knowledge resources, up-to-date

instruction, and a multicultural learning atmosphere with its 93.9% literacy rate. It is
 28
home to a number of ISO-certified universities and 275 higher educational

institutions identified as Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development.

Several international schools in the Philippines follow American, British, German,

Chinese, French, and Japanese educational tracks.

Kwon Ka-young, a Korean university student who went to the Philippines

last year to volunteer and study English stated that studying in the Philippines

helped her not only to improve her English skills but also to become more of global

citizen.

It clearly implies that Philippines has become the education hub for

thousands of aspiring foreign medical students from 65 countries. USA, China,

Korea, Japan, Macau, Thailand and many countries are some among them.

The Filipino Cuisines consists of variety of spices and ingredients that can be

found only in the Philippines. There is a variety of styling of dishes and the food

associated with it that have evolved from many centuries that was made starting

from Pre-Hispanic Era to the influences of other countries such as Indian, Chinese,

Spanish and American. The Filipino foods is one of a kind when it comes to the

favorite dishes of foreigners.

Co-Researcher #1:‘’ The food is okay. I don’t have a

problem because I need a food. We have our own food
 also we eat like Chicken Adobo…Chicken Caldereta. 29
Well yeah, we eat so much like that so even there’s nice
empanada and so like that, we eat so many. I don’t have
any problem with the food.”

Co-Researcher #3:‘’Ahhhh about food……. Not that

much a problem. We can try the new one. New ones.
Some of it are very delicious. ‘’

Based on the answers of the co-researchers, it clearly implies that they do

not have problems in coping when it comes to the foods in their host-country. They

find the Filipino cuisines delicious. It was stated that eating Filipino delicacies is not

a problem at all as they live in the Philippines to pursue their studies.

Probably, one of the reasons why the foreigners love the Filipino cuisines

because of how it was cooked. Since, the Philippines was colonized by different

countries, the Filipinos have adapted their styling to the way they cook the dishes

that is why international students appreciate the Filipino cuisine.

Fenix (2017) stated that foreigners are in awe when it comes to the Filipino

cuisines because of its own styling on how the dish is being cooked. Sokolov, a

writer-researcher wrote about that he was not fazed what we he was told about

regarding the Filipino foods without pre-conceptions. He concluded that he had

never encountered a food world more complex and diverse yet more of it is a

harmonious panoply cobbled together from everywhere and transmuted, Filipinized

into a comestible alloy with its own special properties.

 The hospitality of a Filipino is the pride of the Philippines where in every 30

guest can feel the warm welcome of the Filipino whenever they are in the country. It

is part of the Filipino culture to welcome the visitors with a good quality service. It is

known to be the positive trait of every Filipino that is always being complimented by

the tourists. From greetings, talks and offering of food shows how the culture of the

Filipino people is being imparted to them.

Co-Researcher #1:‘’No, I don’t have any problems. I’m

not discriminated. Maybe with classmates. We talk
together. Very well. We discuss some time.
Assignments, paperwork like that. So, we are very
friendly to each other. Also, my course because it’s
Maritime. We have to be friendly. So, maybe in Maritime,
we’re not going work with our nationality, You work with
different nationality, so I have to be friendly and mingle
with other. We already learned the pattern before then.’’

Co-Researcher #2:‘‘’ To this stage, I have never

encounter and I don’t want to encounter,

Co-Researcher #3:‘’Yeah. They are so kind. I don’t get

…I didn’t get that type of people since they are so kind.”

Based on the answers of the co-researchers, it was being stated that they

did not encounter problems towards the Filipinos during their stay in the Philippines.

Most of complimented the traits of the Filipino and tackled that they also have

harmonious relationship when it comes to their Filipino friends. It clearly implies that

the international students do not have a hard time in coping to their relationship with

the Filipino people.

 31
Since the foreign students are living in a country they are not familiar with,

mingling with the people with a proper attitude is a must. They do not want to

encounter any problems when it comes to interacting with Filipinos. As well as,

Filipinos are known for their hospitality.

Wong (2012) from Philippine Inquirer stated that foreigners love to work with

Filipino because of their inherent personality which is hospitality. Foreigners who

usually pay a visit to the Philippines going out of their way to help them when lost or

the heartwarming generosity of a Filipino family hosting visitor in a poverty-stricken

home. Most of the foreigners who attended Filipino gatherings overseas testify the

warmth amd friendliness of Filipinos as they experience the feeling of

belongingness.

According to Ojales (2017), Filipinos are well-known to be nurturing and

hospitable that is why many employers love to hire Filipinos. The outstanding

humanity, emotional and versatile characteristics are just the distinctive assets of

Filipinos that are prestigious for the foreigners.

 32
Chapter 5

SUMMARY, INSIGHTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter discusses summary of findings, synthesis and

recommendations based on the results of the study. The insights weaved together

the results of the study. Based on the knowledge, this chapter also presents the

recommendations to every individual or group involved in the experiences of foreign

students.

Summary of the Study

This study aimed to describe and analyze the lived experiences of the three

(3) co-researchers who are foreign students in the University of Perpetual Help

System DALTA- Las Pinas.

From the reflection of the co-researchers’ narratives the following themes

emerged (a) Primary Basic Needs with three (3) subthemes such as Difficulties in

Finding a Place like Home, Money ! Money! Money! and The Tropical Weather. The

other theme is entitled The Positive Attributes of the Host-country according to the

Foreign Students.

The socio-cultural adjustments of the foreign students who already visited

various countries are lesser because they are already used to adapting new culture

and environment. On the other hand, the foreign students who went to the

Philippines for the first time take a lot of time before they adjust to the new culture
and they are aware that they need blend with the society and the culture like the 33

saying “When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do” just like if they are in the

Philippines, do what the Filipinos do.

Summary of Findings

1. The international students have a hard time to cope with their survival needs

especially regarding their shelter, finances and weather. Based on their

answers, it is hard to find a house nearby the university. Most of them are

having difficulties in looking for an affordable accommodation that is why

they chose to live in an apartment or a condominium, even it is expensive,

that is usually near to the institution they are studying in. The foreign

students are having difficulties in their finances not only because of the basic

primary needs that they spend living in the Philippines but also because

there are other expenses such as student visa form, health insurance and

etc. that they need to pay in order to pursue their studies while living in their

host-country. The co-researchers are surprised to the weather of the

Philippines especially to the increasing temperature of the said country. Most

of them are complaining about the hot weather.

2. The co-researchers have easily adapted in their host-country especially

when it comes to the learning environment of the Philippines The learning

environment in the Philippines is flexible. They do not encounter any

 34
difficulties when it comes to their academics. They were able to cope up how

the educational system in the Philippines goes on. As well as, they are

comfortable because of the medium of instruction being used in the said

country wherein it clearly implies there is no language barrier. When it comes

to food, the foreigners like the Filipino cuisine wherein they did not encounter

any problems and easily adapted it. Foreign students have harmonious

relationship with the Filipinos. They stated they never encounter any problem

and they feel there is sense of belongingness as they reside here in the

Philippines,

Insights

From the individual narratives to the study to the reflections, the following

insights were drawn from the study.

1. The school related factors such as the medium of instruction, pedagogical

techniques, instructional focus and classroom interaction greatly affect the

students’ academic and social performance.

2. The students who visited the Philippines for the first have a hard time

adapting in the society and in the environment due to culture differences and

practices unlike the international student who visited various countries can

adapt easily because he/she knows how to blend in.

3. Due to the bad records of the previous foreign students who are living

nearby the university, some of the Filipino homeowners of dormitories or

 apartments are not accepting foreigners which is one of their problems 35

because it takes time before they find a house to live in.

4. The co-researchers chose to study in the Philippines because of the medium

of instruction which is English wherein they said, it will be easier for them to

communicate and mingle with the local citizens. As well as, most of them

have done researches before coming to the country such as search for what

school to study.

5. Finance is one of their main problems. Even though they are foreign

students, they have admitted they are having a hard time in managing their

money because they live independently wherein they will be handling the

tuition fees, monthly allowance, basic needs and payment for their rent. The

transaction of money is quite difficult for them because it takes a lot of time

before they receive it.

Recommendations:

1. In terms of financial difficulties of the foreign students, they should also have

financial assistance in the form of scholarship to lessen their financial

burdens.

2. Cultural education must be thoroughly provided to the students while still in

their country of origin. Movies, documentaries, seminars and orientations

 must be provided to the prospective students before coming to their host 36

country.

3. A Center to educate and acculturate foreign studentswith regard Philippine

culture and education must be created to help students understand the

existing conditions or environment of their host institutions.

4. The International Affairs in the University shall take charge of all the activities

and strategies that will assist and guide the foreign students about the social,

cultural, educational, political and spiritual environments in the local setting

and entire country.

5. Foreign students must also be encouraged to take part in the activities of the

institution so they will feel the sense of belongingness as well as to attend

various events such as seminars, pageants and etc.

 37

References

Araujo, A. A. D. (2011). Adjustment issues of international students

enrolled in American colleges and universities: A review of the
literature. Higher EducationStudies

Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C., & Sorensen, C. (2010). Introduction to research

in education (8thed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

Barden, S. J., & Cashwell, C. S. (2014). International immersion in

counselor education:

A consensual qualitative research investigation. Journal of Multicultural

Counseling and Development

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/61819/number-of-foreign-students-up-
14-to-47000-bi

https://www.ideaedu.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/IDEA
%20Papers/IDEA%20Papers/PaperIDEA_63.pdf

https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=3154

https://etd.ohiolink.edu/!etd.send_file?
accession=kent1491436273098362&disposition=inline

https://www.rand.org

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263280137/download

http://www.englishfirst.com

http://studyinphil.com/know-philippines/foreign-students-in-philippines/
 38

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

1. What are the problems you encounter during your stay here in the

Philippines in terms of;

 shelter;

 food;

 finances;

 academics;

 socialization

 environment; and

 adjustment process

2. Why did you choose to study here in the Philippines

3. How do you cope with problems you encounter?

3.1 Do you use any specific strategy to cope with your problems ?

3.2 Do you seek help from other to help you cope with your problems?

4. What advice can you give to the foreign students who are planning to study here

in the Philippines ?
 39
APPENDIX B

LETTER TO THE DEAN

September 20 2018
Date

DR. EMERLYN E. MANAGUAS

Dean, College of Education
UPHSD, Las Pinas

Dear Dr. Managuas,

We are respectfully informing your office that we are currently conducting our research study as a
requirement for 8the course Language Research with Thesis writing this 1 st semester, AY 2018-
2019.

In view hereof, may we respectfully recommend Dr. Dane B. Jacinto, who based on his/her
academic profile, experiences, and qualifications, can assist me/us as my/our Thesis Adviser.

We would appreciate it very much we could be informed the soonest time possible of our approved
adviser.

Thank you for your usual support.

Respectfully yours,

BOLOCON LALAINE G.CALAPATIA, GLEZENE D. MANAOG , VAN JOSEF J.

Student Student Student

Research title:
A Phenomenological study in the Socio-Cultural of the Foreign Students in the
University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Las Pinas

============================================================================
== APPROVAL SLIP

Approved Adviser: ________________

Approved by:

Dr. EMERLYN E. MANAGUAS

Dean, College of Education
UPHSD, LP
 APPENDIX C 40

LETTER TO THE ADVISER

September 20 2018
Date

Dear Dr. Jacinto,

Please be informed that you are proudly recommended as Adviser of BOLOCON

LALAINE G.,CALAPATIA, GLEZENE D., MANAOG , VAN JOSEF J. in their
research study entitled Lived Experiences of Selected International Students in the
University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Las Pinas.For further details of the
aforementioned, please confer with the undersigned in the College off Education at
the soonest possible time.

Thank you very much,

Sincerely yours,

Dr. EMERLYN E. MANAGUAS

Dean, College of Education

CONFORME:

_________________________
Signature over printed name
 41
APPENDIX D

LETTER OF VALIDATION

11 OCTOBER 2016
DR. EMERYLYN E. MANAGUAS
Dean of the College of Education
University of Perpetual Help System- DALTA
Las Pinas Campus

Dear Dr. Managuas,

Greetings!

We, the 4th year English majors from the College of Education at the University of
Perpetual help System-DALTA Las Pinas Campus, are undertaking a research
entitled “LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN
THE UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA-LAS PINAS”.

With your expertise, may we ask your good self to be one of our validators to help
us with the improvement of our questionnaire as to its reliability and validity.

Attached is the self-made questionnaire.

We ate hoping for your positive response and usual support.

Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely yours,

LALAINE ANN G. BOLOCON

GLEZENE D. CALAPATIA
VAN JOSEF J. MANAOG

Endorsed by:

Dr. Dane B. Jacinto

Adviser
 42
Dr. Lopita U. Jung
Professor

Validated by:

DR. EMERLYN MANAGUAS

Dean, College of Education
 43
11 OCTOBER 2016

DR. ARTURO CALIZON

Faculty of the College of Education
University of Perpetual Help System- DALTA
Las Pinas Campus

Dear Dr. Calizon,

Greetings!

We, the 4th year English majors from the College of Education at the University of
Perpetual help System-DALTA Las Pinas Campus, are undertaking a research
entitled “LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN
THE UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA-LAS PINAS”.

With your expertise, may we ask your good self to be one of our validators to help
us with the improvement of our questionnaire as to its reliability and validity.

Attached is the self-made questionnaire.

We ate hoping for your positive response and usual support.

Thank you and God bless!

Sincerely yours,

LALAINE ANN G. BOLOCON

GLEZENE D. CALAPATIA
VAN JOSEF J. MANAOG

Endorsed by:

Dr. Dane B. Jacinto

Adviser

Dr. Lopita U. Jung

Professor 44

Validated by:

DR. ARTURO CALIZON

 45
APPENDIX E

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET AND CONSENT FORM

Study Title

“LIVED EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE

UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM DALTA-LAS PINAS”.

Name of Institution

University of Perpetual Help System DALTAM- Las Pinas City

Name of Researcher/s:
LALAINE ANN G. BOLOCON
GLEZENE D. CALAPATIA
VAN JOSEF J. MANAOG

Contact Numbers
09176465380 09957405178
09555566136

Dear ___________,

We are asking your voluntarily participation in our study. Please take time to read
the following information about our research.

If you agree to take part in this study, you will be asked to sign the Consent Form
attached to this document. You will be given a copy of both the Participant
Information and the consent form to keep .

Purpose of the Research,

To know the socio-cultural adjustments of foreign students in UPHSD-Las Pinas

We will go through the above information with you and the answer any questions
you may have. Feel free to ask questions regarding this study. Please make sure
you have read and understood the purpose of this study.
 46
If you agree or do not agree to take part in this study, please check the appropriate
box below.

I agree to take part in this study

I do not agree to take part in this study

October 13 2018

To: BOLOCON, LALAINE G., CALAPATIA, GLEZENE D., MANAOG, VAN JOSEF
J.

Name of School/ Department: University of Perpetual Help System Dalta-Las Pinas

City

I confirm that I have read and understood the information about the study on Lived
Experiences of Foreign Students in University of Perpetual help System DALTA-
Las Pinas City.

I confirm that I have had the opportunity to ask questions to the researchers, and in
return, the researcher/s has/have answered all question about the study to my
satisfaction.

I understand that my participation is voluntary and that Im free to withdraw from the
study at any time without having to give a reason, and without any consequences.

I understand that any information recorded In the study will remain confidential and
that no information that identifies me will be made in publicly available.

I consent to use the data in research, Publications, and archiving as explained in

Participant Information Sheet.
 47
I consent to (pls. check tha boss or boxes according to your preference) interviews
being conducted as part of the research process.

Audio Record Video Record

I agree to take Part in the above study.

________________________ ____________
______________

Name of Co- researcher Date

signature

LALAINE ANN G. BOLOCON

GLEZENE D. CALAPATIA
VAN JOSEF J. MANAOG ____________
___________________

Name of Researchers Date

Signature
 APPENDIX F 48

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTION

Co-Researcher #1 (Nigerian)

Researcher: Since you’re a foreigner, I know you’re facing a lot of difficulties

especially living in a different country where there’s a huge difference in culture and

beliefs. I would like to ask about the problems you’re encountering especially if you

ever feel being discriminated.

Co-Researcher: Yeah… actually, the discrimination…It’s everywhere but here in

the Philippines, we students, we are being discriminated. Based on my experience,

there’s a student. It’s not a foreigner she’s a Filipina

Researcher: Yes...?

Co-Researcher: It’s very very very okay for the school but for the foreigner, we are

not so open for many opportunities like maybe representing the school with so

many activities, we are not taking part of extra-co curricular activities so the

foreigners are not allowed to take part on that. I don’t know….

Researcher: Why? Really?

Co- Researcher: Like when it come to the varsity part, the foreigners are not

allowed. I know that. Uhm when it comes to other part we have little opportunities

generally here in the Philippines, we have few opportunities. Let me give you, when

it comes to presenting the pageants, we are to represent a participant like 20% of

taking like…. participating here many activities here in the Philippines, now most
 49
many foreigners, they’re finding it very difficult for them to like… to participate we try

our best to move on even what could be the outcome because Nigerian are going

out to fix to the work which is not their country, they’re in another country to face

another culture which is like that one and they will need to adapt one’s culture.

Yeah and they’re pretty good in that area. Even though, Education standard is

different from the Philippines but we still try to cope even came to the way we

spend, the way we are spending either by fees, school fees and even outside. We

try to cope, we try to cope with the society.

Researcher: Did you encounter any problems when you are looking for your house

to stay here in the Philippines?

Co- Researcher: Oh well…We find it difficult in getting houses here in the

Philippines. We had a little opportunity when it comes to getting a shelter we have

to stay. We find it very very difficult. So many people, they don’t want you to rent

when they know you’re a foreigner, they are going to say they don’t want a

foreigner ….like that ….like that…. They try to bring up excuses, so sometimes we

tried to go to a normal place. Sometimes, we try to get a condo instead of going to a

subdivision.

Researcher: So… that’s the problem you have,. You’re receiving discrimination too

in renting a house.

Co-Researcher: Yes Yes.

Researcher: How about the food? Since we have a huge culture difference, do you

have problems with the taste?

 50
Co-Researcher: Oh…No No.. The food is okay. I don’t have a problem because I

need a food. We have our own food also we eat like Chicken Adobo…

Researcher : Wow!!!

Co-Researcher : Chicken Caldereta. Well yeah, we eat so much like that so even

there’s nice empanada and so like that, we eat so many. I don’t have any problem

with the food.

Researcher: How about the finances? Since you’re a student, you’re also

struggling in handling your money.

Co-Researcher: Based on transaction, because literally we don’t get our money

here. We get our money back from home so we literally get like Bank Transaction,

transferring our money, down from my country and here coming down here. It’s

quite difficult. So we fix earlier before then. So if we need money, we have to inform

earlier…Like even getting our money for our fees, we have to get some, before

getting in the bank, we have to get some money and before our midterm or exam

like that..so we have to inform earlier.

Researcher: Who’s Elly?

Co-Researcher: You don’t know what’s earlier? It’s EARLY EARLY.

Researcher: Oooh elly(?)

Co-Researcher: You know early, like I inform on time…on time like I have to tell

my, If I need it next week, Monday like I have to tell the bank like two-three weeks

before. You get that? Yeah. That’s it

Researcher: How about… do you have problems with your allowances. 51

Co-Researcher: No No No.. problem

Researcher: Like you can manage it, because there’s a lot of activities.

Co-Researcher: Yeah Yeah, they used to give us money for our allowances. So,

we buy what we need at the moment. We don’t get what we don’t need. Get what

you need at the moment and what you’re going to use that we’ll be needing for

some times. So when we get our money, we try to manage our allowances. So,

that’s what we do.

Researcher: So that’s how you manage things. Do you have problems with your

studies?

You have encountered any problems?

Co- Researcher: No… I don’t have any problems with my studies. I need to come

to study. We try to cope. It’s okay when it comes to studies.

Researcher: Is there any difference in the Education System here in the

Philippines?

Co-Researcher: Yeah. It’s very different. The educational system in my country is

very very different. Yeah, they make it very very easy actually very easy and

simple. To me, it’s very easy and simple but in my own part it’s very hard.

Researcher: So, it’s not really conducive for learning in your own country?

Co-Researcher: No, it’s very conducive actually but what I’m saying is the pattern

of learning is very high more than here. So, in my country, it’s just like a , like in
high school. In colleges , the thesis you do, that’s what I’m taking in high school. 52

The Thesis, Thesis 1 and 2. Maybe, like in high school like in Grade 10, 11 like that.

It was very advanced because we follow the U.K Curriculum.

Researcher: Since we’ve asked you about the academic-related, how about your

first years, when did you attended your first year?

Co-Researcher: It was 2016.

Researcher: So, It was in 2016. So, how are you trying to mingle with the Filipinos

about your socialization in the Philippines? Do you have any problems?

Co-Researcher: No, I don’t have any problems.

Researcher: I mean, have you ever felt discriminated by the Filipinos?

Co-Researcher: No, I’m not discriminated. Maybe with classmates. We talk

together. Very well. We discuss some time. Assignments, paperwork like that. So,

we are very friendly to each other. Also, my course because it’s Maritime. We have

to be friendly. So, maybe in Maritime, we’re not going work with our nationality, You

work with different nationality, so I have to be friendly and mingle with other. We

already learned the pattern before then.

Researcher: I would like to ask you about the ambiance of the Philippines. Do you

have any problems with the environment? Because it’s really different from your

country of course because like “My Gosh is the Philippines”

Co-Researcher: Yes! It’s very hot in here. The weather, it’s very very hot. When

you walk a little. You feel very hot and also, I don’t like the way of disposal….of…
 53
When you want to dispose drinking can, nylon, the tool… they just dispose it on the

floor. They really spit on the ground

Researcher: You really don’t like that?

Co-Researcher: No no no, people don’t like that, They doing it on the floor but

normally, you have to do it, bin then put it on a bin

Researcher: I really like your idea. I would like to know why did you choose to

study here in the Philippines?

Co-Researcher: Why I choose to study because Philippines is top of the Maritime

School like top Mariners in the world.

Researcher: You researched it?

Co-Researcher: Yeah sure. Part of Top Mariner in the World. I think they are

second, China is first then Russia and others like that.

Researcher: When you cope up with your problems since you’re also struggling

how do you seek help from others?

Co-Researcher: when?

Researcher: When you have problems? How do you talk with other people? Do

you talk with your classmates, with your friends?

Co-Researcher: Yeah sure. Yeah. I don’t really have a problem actually because

I’m always a happy person.

Researcher: For example, you have problem with your academic life, are you

seeking help from your friends.

 54
Co-Researcher: I don’t have problem in academics.

Researcher: You’re really pursuing. You can do it alone?

Co-Researcher: Yeah.

Researcher: Since you’re a foreigner, are you going to recommend the Philippines

as a place to study. What pieces of advice can you give to the foreign students in

the future?

Co-Researcher: Actually, for now I don’t know because we are being restricted in

some area to study like we can’t get the seaman book of the Philippines because

we are foreigners, we cannot take a seaman training here in the Philippines

because we are foreigners. Those are the problems we are facing presently now so

I don’t know what I’m going to do because I don’t know what they want us to do

since you can be able to study here in the school like in a country. We have to take

a training in that particular country, but here in the Philippines we are not allowed

which is very bad and in some….I have a student who studied here in the

Philippines, here in Perpetual actually. When he finished his third year, he

graduated. He went to his country to get a seaman book. They told him, you cannot

the seaman book because you didn’t study here , in this country. So, they’re asking

him to come back to the Philippines and get the seaman book before they able to

know what to do for him and in here, Philippines, they told him he cannot get the

seaman book, so why? What he’s gonna do? Is he going to start all over again or

what? So now, that’s a big problem. So, I don’t think I might recommend a foreigner

to study here because I have a problem we are facing at the moment.

The problem of training, yeah seaman book and getting a seaman book. 55

Researcher: What’s seaman book?

Co-Researcher: It’s like a passport to sea farers. Only to sea farers. So many

countries, it’s very free. Once you are able to study there, you can take your

seaman book.

Researcher: Not in the Philippines

Co-Researcher: Yeah. I don’t think I can recommend it.

 56
Co-Researcher #2: Arabian

Researcher: As a foreign student, you have encountered a lot of problems and

struggles like… especially in your shelter, so where are you residing now? Exactly?

Co-Researcher: Residing?

Researcher: Where do you live?

Co-Researcher: I live in Uniwide… nearby.

Researcher: Uniwide?

Co-Reseacher: Yeah.

Researcher: Have you encountered being discriminated by the homeowner?

Co-Researcher: No…To be honest, the homeowner is very approachable.

Whenever she checks us out, she asks from time to time, she tells how’s our

parents… something that. If ever we have any problems with the neighbors, you

know ask….

Research: Contact her?

Co-Reseacher: Yes. Contact her.

Research:So, you don’t have any problems with the shelter. How about in the…

ofcourse as a student, you have struggled so much in finances. So can you tell
about your struggles in…your… uhm…. Money, handling the money and ofcourse 57

the tuition fee.

Co-Researcher: Well as a foreign student, we have certain management when it

comes to finances. Especially, aside from the tuition fee, we’re paying the student

form visa, which is kinda stressful because we are spending a lot of money.

Researcher: In your allowances?

Co-Research: In the level of that, level of that. It’s hard for us to pay the tuition fee.

Sometimes, we are sacrificing to take the special exam. For my allowances, we are

only allowed to take monthly allowances which is kinda sort of problem so, we

sacrifice the money on school so I can give requirements, paperworks… so yeah.

Researcher: So you have struggled so much in handling the money?How about…

Do you encountered some discrimination with other Filipinos?

Co-Researcher: To this stage, I have never encounter and I don’t want to

encounter, because if I have encountered… I don’t like to be involved in some kind

of problem that I immediately complain to my instructor or Prefect of Discipline if I

had to which I don’t want to happen.

Researcher: I would like to ask about your perspective for the food of the

Philippines if you’re having in hard time buying or eating it?

Co-Researcher: Well, to this day. I never tried the Filipino food not all of it, just 58

some like balut, kwek-kwek, because….when

Researcher: because?

Co-Researcher: For me, when I try new food, it’s not easy for …

Researcher: Appetite?

Co-Researcher: orIt’s not easy for my stomach to try something new, so until I get

used to it, I try it a little but not completely like that…

Researcher: So you’re having hard time in that particular adjustment?

Co-Researcher: Yes !!

Researcher: Because you’re used to your country?

Co-Researcher: Yes.

Researcher: How about in your academic-related life? How are you going to share

your insights about it since you’re studying here in the Philippines especially here in

Perpetual?

Co-Researcher: Well, first of all. I would like to give time, to give thanks to

Perpetual for letting me in, enrolling the school because I have been searching for

schools for maybe three years, I guess. I have seen my family in struggling inside,

in terms of my mentality it was getting me because when I get in college it was

already my friends found school except for me. Yes it’s challenging pero I won’t let 59

this challenge pull me down this is why I keep on writing notes, studying reviews,

asking questions so I keep on track so I can be okay to my academics.

Researcher: So you’re on track now with your academic life.

Co-Researcher: Yes.

Researcher: You’re not having problems with the professor?

Co-Researcher: Yes.

Researcher: So you have a great adjustment in your study. How about, might as

well in the environment in the Philippines? How are you trying to cope up in the

environment since there’s a huge difference in our weather?

Co-Researcher: Well, for me to adapt the weather of Philippines, I’m trying to

blend with it, at first I have some kind of difficulties but as I have been staying here

for a long time so I’m used to it.

Researcher: So you don’t have a problem anymore with the environment.

Co-Researcher: Yes.

Researcher: So everything is fine? So again, why did you choose to study here in

the Philippines?
 60
Co-Researcher: I choose to study here in the Philippines because I want to

experience a new environment. I want to experience a certain different culture. I

want to see how the Southeast Asia especially the Philippines. That’s how.

Researcher: Is it your first time here in the Philippines or have you visited other

countries?

Co-Researcher: I have visited other countries like Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. I have

visited Dubai and last is Singapore.

Researcher: So, you know how to cope up by blending to other foreign countries.

Co-Researcher: Yes, becauseas a guidance they have given to each every

country and as a guidance they have given to me and I just have to comply with the

guidance to understand the certain policies and how to adapt in their country.

Researcher: Wow. Great. How about…What pieces of advice can you give to the

foreign students who are planning to study here in the Philippines.?

Co-Researcher: Well… the piece of advice, the only one piece of advice that I

want to give them is that.... they should be in full ears when the foreign affairs or

should I say the government of the Philippines, the ones who are in foreign affairs

department is that they should know what’s their rights and what’s the policies that’s

given to them by the foreign affair department and as well, they have to blend like I

said before, they have to blend with the environment or should I say the Filipino of
the local citizen so they can understand how the country goes and the how culture 61

goes so they can respect the traditions of this country.

 Co-Researcher #3: Indian 62

Researcher: I would like to know if you have problems in renting a house… so I

mean

Co-Researcher: Like?

Researcher: Do you have any problems when it you’re looking for a house to live?

Co-Researcher: Ahhhh… we really have the problems but… because we are trying

to get a house near at the colleges since you’re a student. So we are trying. We

worked very hard then when we are trying around a houses but a Filipino brought

this house to us, you know.

Researcher: So, someone accepted you?

Co- Researcher: Yeah…

Researcher: You had… You really had a hard time in finding a house.

Co-Researcher: Yeah… in finding house. We had in university but I don’t like this.

Researcher: So we can tell Perpetual, so next time it will be easier.

Co-Researcher: Yeah

Researcher: So, how about… Since there’s a huge gap in our culture and in our

tradition, do you have any problems with the food?

Co-Researcher: Ahhhh about food……. Not that much a problem. We can try the

new one. New ones. Some of it are very delicious.

Researcher: Thank you. Uhm, so you don’t have any problems with it. Do you

have encountered struggles in finances since there’s a lot of expenses in school?

 63
Co-Researcher: Yeah.

Researcher: Like what?

Co-Researcher: Like ?

Researcher: Like how… for example you have problems with paying in your house,

tuition fees… and the projects.

Co-Researcher: We had problems in tuition fee that’s it.

Researcher: You don’t have a problem in tuition fee.

Co-Researcher: We have the problem with the tuition fee. It’s so much expensive

that’s it.

Co-Researcher: It’s really expensive.

Research: Since you’re a foreigner?

Co-Researcher: Yeah. We are foreigners but we are not rich really. I don’t really

classify it the way that’s it. We are not getting…the…, as for our country. We have

less fees in the university but students who watched like in our room we only have

106 but students are 500 so we are not getting our seat in the university like in our

country. So we are coming like 3x special.

Researcher: So, it’s only limited.

Co-Researcher: Yeah. That’s the main problem. That’s so different in the

Philippines. But…

Researcher: Here in the Philippines?

Co-Researcher: Yeah.
Researcher: So how about… Since you’re a student, do you have any struggles in 64

studying here?

Co-Researcher: Ahh… struggle

Researcher: Like ah.. how you cope up with the teacher…like sometimes she’s

explaining in Tagalog.

Co-Researcher: Yeah… The professor is very good. We don’t have any problem

with the professor. But the main problem is too many students in the class enrolled,

500 in from each section in Theatre, Ampitheatre. We are not supposed to receive,

right? But explaining their best but if there 500 members we cannot receive the

main matter, right, if there are 500 people that’s the main problem. So many

students in one class. Each section there are 500, 500, 500.

Researcher: So, it’s distracting you in your class?

Co-Researcher: Yeah.

Researcher: So that’s one of the problems.

Co-Researcher: Yeah.

Researcher: How about in your …Do you encounter some experiences in

socializing other Filipinos…

Co-Researcher: No…

Researcher: You don’t feel discriminated after all?

Co-Researcher: No.

Researcher: Oh they are kind?

Co-Researcher: Yeah. They are so kind. I don’t get …I didn’t get that type of 65

people since they are so kind.

Researcher: Since there’s a huge gap in the environment, different from your

country. Do you have any problems with the weather?

Co-Researcher: It’s too hot here

Researcher: It’s too hot here….than in your country?

Co-Researcher: Yeah we have three seasons. Okay… so you have there, two…

Rainy season and summer season, they are like that

Researcher: You have three seasons?

Co-Researcher: Yeah… winter, summer, and rainy...

Researcher: Wow. It’s my first time knowing it. Really

Co-Researcher: Winter, Summer and Rainy.

Researcher: I thought it’s also tropical because our country is tropical.

Co-Researcher: You only have summer and rainy season. We’re having 3.
Researcher: Yeah rainy season then our snow is ice. There’s really an ice from the 66
6
rain. That’s our country. Throwing ice from the clouds. Have you encountered that?

Co-Researcher: Yeah Yeah.

Researcher: Yeah Yeah. Really.

Co-Researcher: Not here. We encounter in our …in our India.

Researcher: So…how do you cope up with your… I mean….do you seek help from

others whenever you have problems?

Co-Researcher: Like?

Researcher: Do you seek help like you’re reaching out for people whenever you

have problems to ask.

Co-Researcher: No… I don’t have any kind of problems.

Researcher: For example, you have problems with your study. She will ask you to

help…You will ask her to help you.

 67
Co-Researcher: Uhmmmm… (She shakes her head)
6

Researcher: You can do it on your own?

Co-Researcher:Yeah…

Researcher: Ahh…

Co-Researcher: We don’t have class with locals… We have international classes,

right? We don’t have any…

Researcher: You don’t have any problems?

Co-Researcher: Not problems. We don’t really have class with locals.

Researcher: Then why?

Co-Researcher: We don’t know…We have separate classes. Local Class and

International Class

Researcher: There’s a huge gap …in the class.

 68
6
Co-Researcher: NOT CLASS. The word section has separate. The local class and

international class, that’s where you belong.

Researcher: You belong to International Class…

Co-Researcher: Yes…

Researcher: So, why did you choose to study here in Philippines?

Co-Researcher: Because it’s like the climate, there’s no language problem as well.

We can mingle with English, right? And the weather is really nice here. It’s like India

only but it’s really hot here.

Researcher: I agree… I agree with you…

Co-Researcher: The main reason why we chose to study is language… that’s it

Researcher: English Speaking country, right? In the Philippines, most of the people

are speaking in English, right.

Co-Researcher: If we study in Russia, we are should have the learn the Russian 69
6
language.

Researcher: You really have a great vocabulary.

Co-Researcher. Yeah but ah…. We don’t have national language, right? I should

have learn language but I don’t like. We must be fast learner then. But here, we

don’t have problems with the language.

Researcher: You can adjust easily.

Co-Researcher: Yeah…

Researcher: How are you going to give pieces of advice to the foreign students

who will study here in the Philippines?

Co-Researcher: What does it means?

Researcher: Like are you going to promote Perpetual? Just like that… Encourage

them to study here

Co-Researcher: NO…
Researcher: Then tell it. So we’re going to … 70
6

Co-Researcher: No… because there’s so many students… each section having

500 500… It’s like 2000 people, right

Researcher: So, it’s pre-occupied.

Researcher: It’s really tough. We’re actually done now.

 Curriculum Vitae 71

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME : Lalaine Ann G. Bolocon

ADDRESS : Blk 10 L9 Morse St. Meritville Townhomes, Pulanglupa

Uno, Las Pinas City

AGE : 20 years old

BIRTHDATE : September 12, 1997

BIRTHPLACE : Paranaque City

CIVIL STATUS : Single

RELIGION : Born-Again Christian

E-MAIL : lalaine1997@gmail.com

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

TERTIARY : College of Education

University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA

Las Pinas City

2015-present
 72
SECONDARY : St. Therese School of Southville, Binan, Laguna

2011-2014

Paranaque National High School

2014-2015

ELEMENTARY : Sto. Tomas Elementary School

2005-2007

Tomas A. Turalba Memorial Elementary School

2007-2011

Achievements:

 2nd Honorable Mention –Grade 6

 Campus Journalism: Certificate of Recognition for News Writer
 Salutatorian- High School
 1st Runner Up in Essay Writing Contest
 Champion in Slogan-Making Contest
 3rd Runner Up in Quiz Bee

Seminar:

 “Equipping the 21st Century Young Writers on the Latest Trends and Issues
in Campus Journalism”
 “Qualitative Research”
 “Enhancing the Skills of the Millennial in Campus Journalism”
 “Acting Workshop and Theatre Seminar”
 “Interactive and Innovative Teaching Strategy”
 “The Perpetualite Educator: Molding Ethical Professionals” 73
 74

Personal Background

Name : Van Josef J. Manaog

Birthdate : May 14, 1998

Age : 19 years old

Address : #100 Daily Mirror St.,Manila Times

Village, Pamplona 3, Las Pinas City

Father : Danilo C. Manaog

Occupation : Driver

Mother : Nelly J. Manaog

Occupation : Housewife

Sibling/s : Joshua Royce J. Manaog

Danica Marie J. Manaog

Educational Background

Elementary : San Isidro Central Elementary School ( 2005-2011)

Secondary : San Isidro National High School (2011-2015)

Tertiary : University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA,

 75
Las Pinas Campus (2015-present)

Program : Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English

Achievement/s : P.R.O. of the Education Student Council (2016-2017)

P.R.O. of the Elite English Club (2016-2017)

Vice-President of the Elite English Club (2017-2018)

 76

Personal Background

Name : Glezene D. Calapatia

Birthdate : January 08, 1999

Age : 19 years old

Address : Tribune street .,Manila Times

Village, Pamplona 3, Las Pinas City

Father : Gil T. Calapatia

Occupation : Bussisness man

Mother : Eleonor D. Calapatia

Occupation : Housewife

Sibling/s : Glenn D. Calapatia

Educational Background

Elementary : Bugaan West Laurel Batangas ( 2005-2011)

Secondary : Wenceslao Trinidad National High School (2011-2015)

Tertiary : University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA,

 Las Pinas Campus (2015-present) 77

Program : Bachelor of Secondary Education, Major in English

Achievement/s : Most Acttive

With honor – Elementary

With honor – HighSchool

 78

REFLECTION AS A PERPETUALITE

The university envisions its students to be globally competitive.

In this matter, understanding how diverse the students are in different

aspects within the institutions as well as understanding their situations

as they stay in their host-country which is the Philippines. As it was

stated in the institution’s mission, perpetualites are helpers of God.

Every student of University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Las

Pinas must inculcate these values in order to manifest that there is

unity in diversity.