CFO gets inputs from PH students in Japan

Grandiose Challenges of Filipino Students Abroad Unveiling Insights from Japan

As globalization continues to shape the landscape of international education, understanding the experiences and challenges faced by students studying abroad has become increasingly important. To inform our efforts in creating inclusive, long-term youth programs, we conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) in Japan with Filipino students.

Unlocking Insights The Challenges Faced by Filipino Students

Our team led the discussion, engaging with Filipino students in the Kansai region to assess their challenges and recommend solutions. Participants shared their experiences and provided valuable insights for optimizing support systems, from pre-departure planning to post-graduation reintegration into the Philippine workforce.

Travel Tax Exemption A Top Priority

Students emphasized the need for government intervention to exempt them from travel tax, reducing their financial burden. This request aligns with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas' (CFO) political connection mandate and the administration's goal of facilitating better governance.

Clear Information on Visas A Necessity

Participants also requested clearer, accessible information regarding Filipino student visas granted for Japan. To achieve this, we propose implementing mandatory Registration and Pre-Departure Seminar and Guidebooks, similar to those required for US J-1 visa holders, to clarify rights, responsibilities, and support systems before deployment.

Post-Graduation Programs A Scarcity

Students highlighted the scarcity of established post-graduation programs once they return home. To address this issue, we recommend establishing standardized policies to ensure seamless reintegration into the Philippine workforce.

Skills Utilization A Key Concern

Participants expressed concerns about skills utilization, particularly in regulated fields like medicine and education. We propose a government-backed initiative to clarify rights, responsibilities, and support systems for Filipino students returning home with new skills and qualifications.

A Unified Voice The Creation of a Larger Organization

Ang emphasized the need for a larger organization representing Filipino students in Japan that will promote unified advocacy and inclusivity beyond localized groups like KAPS. This initiative will facilitate coordination with embassies, consulates, and educational institutions, ensuring that student voices are heard and addressed.

Conclusion

Our focus group discussion in Japan has provided invaluable insights into the challenges faced by Filipino students abroad. By considering these proposals, we can create a more inclusive, supportive environment for our scholars. As we move forward with implementing these recommendations, we remain committed to realizing the Bagong Pilipinas vision – a brighter future for Filipinos everywhere.

Recommendations

1. Travel Tax Exemption Implement an exemption from travel tax for Filipino students studying abroad.
2. Clear Information on Visas Develop accessible information regarding student visas granted for Japan and implement mandatory Registration and Pre-Departure Seminar and Guidebooks.
3. Post-Graduation Programs Establish standardized post-graduation programs to facilitate reintegration into the Philippine workforce.
4. Skills Utilization Implement a government-backed initiative to clarify rights, responsibilities, and support systems for Filipino students returning home with new skills and qualifications.
5. Unified Organization Create a larger organization representing Filipino students in Japan that will promote unified advocacy and inclusivity beyond localized groups.

By adopting these recommendations, we can ensure that our scholars receive the support they need to thrive abroad and contribute positively to the global community upon their return.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.