Picture yourself waking up to sunshine in a tropical paradise, learning about medicine in contemporary classrooms with A/C, grabbing lunch at a beachside café where dinner doesn’t even cost as much as a movie back home, and relaxing after a sunset study session by looking out over the beautiful, clear water that surrounds the island. The life of a medical student from abroad in the Philippines is not something created in your imagination; it is very real. The combination of serious medical education and enjoying life on the island attracts thousands of international medical students each year.
The Philippines is one of the most popular locations for Indian and other international students who are interested in studying medical sciences abroad. The Philippines provides an education that is taught in English & has a low cost of living compared to other countries (and cities), a culturally rich environment, and experiences. By learning about your daily life in the Philippines as a student—both with respect to your day-to-day living as well as through culturally related experiences—you can prepare yourself more fully for your journey of transformation while also developing mentally, emotionally, and logistically.
Weather and Climate Adjustment
Warmth is present throughout the year (25-35°C), the humidity can reach (approximately) 70 – 90%, and there are distinct wet and dry seasons in a tropical climate. It can take time to become used to these conditions—sweating all the time, needing to shower frequently, and having clothes that take a long time to dry during the rainy season, in combination with constant air conditioning; there can be extreme temperature differences when transitioning from outdoors to indoors or vice versa.
- Typhoon Season
The time frame for typhoons in the Philippines is June to November, with many typhoons occurring during that period, resulting in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding.
Traffic Congestion
There is very well-documented and talked-about congestion and legendary traffic in Manila, such that a 30-minute trip can take 2–3 hours to complete due to the volume of vehicles on the road during the peak hours.
Cultural Adjustment
Even though the Philippines shares many cultural aspects with India, there will be significant differences in terms of customs, communication styles, social norms, and bureaucratic processes.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Ironically, you are studying medicine; however, as a student in the Philippines, you will find that the availability of health care may be difficult at times. Large cities typically have high-quality healthcare facilities; access to these facilities can be very limited in smaller townships. Your student health insurance usually provides coverage, but accessing this coverage may take some adjustment, as it may take some time to learn how the system works, how to find someone who speaks your language (most of the time, there is no problem with this), and how to adjust to how things are done in a new health care system.
Safety Considerations
Generally speaking, the Philippines is considered a safe place to study for international students. The people of the Philippines are very friendly and hospitable; however, regardless of where you are, you will want to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Certain areas of the Philippines have a higher crime rate and have undergone and continue to experience political unrest.
Growing Beyond Medicine
Student life for MBBS abroad students in the Philippines creates opportunities for development in areas other than that of just gaining medical knowledge.
- Cultural Competence
Experiencing a different culture helps create cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and a global perspective; these attributes are extremely important when trying to provide quality care as a physician in today’s multicultural society. You will gain the skill to effectively navigate and communicate through cultural differences and language barriers while developing an appreciation for a variety of Cultural Perspectives-competencies, which will only make you more prepared to work as a physician with patient populations from multiple cultures.
- Independence and Resilience
Handling everyday life in another country includes such tasks as managing finances, solving problems on your own, learning how to get around an unknown area, and dealing with homesickness; this process will develop your independence and resilience, two characteristics that will remain with you for the rest of your life, and not only while you’re in medical school.
- Lifelong Friendships
The international friendships that you will develop during your time as a medical student (from working together through the intense academic challenges of being a medical student, adjusting to a new culture, and creating memories) will frequently result in lasting relationships. These relationships will form the basis of a professional network, a cultural bridge, and a friendship that extends beyond geographical boundaries.
- Broadened Perspectives
Experiencing different methods of education, delivering healthcare, using social structures, and viewing the world has expanded your understanding from a narrow to a broad perspective. The broadening of your perspective will enhance your ability to reason clinically, make ethical decisions, and understand that health is influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors, beyond simply biological ones.
Conclusion
Studying for an MBBS degree as an international student at a Philippine university will provide you with a fantastic blend of academic rigor and tropical island living, exposure to a variety of cultures through local customs, and the opportunity to transform yourself personally. While this experience has its challenges (new climate, limited infrastructure, distance from home), they are negligible compared to the wonderful experiences, quality education, personal growth, and lasting memories you will create while in medical school in the Philippines.
Approach this journey with an open mind and heart. Celebrate diversity by accepting differences in culture. Engage with community members and discover stunning scenery. Build strong friendships that cross many national boundaries. Be completely committed to your medical education. All of these factors come together to produce the transformation that happens not only in terms of your medical career but also in how you grow as a person. When you choose to study medicine in the Philippines, you will discover a resilience you never knew existed. You will forge lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. You will fall in love with the beautiful sunsets. You will develop cross-cultural competency that will benefit you and all of your patients. You will have many stories to tell for years to come.
Your journey of studying medicine in the Philippines is beginning now. Get your bags packed and your dreams ready, and prepare for a life-changing adventure!
Education Orbit Counselling and Link
Education Orbit Counselling and Link provides guidance on deciding which is your best choice of medical university in the Philippines, visa procedures, adjusting to another culture, and the best way to ensure that you have the best experience of international educational opportunities available to you.
Contact EOCL India to get started on your path to a medical school in the beautiful Philippines, where you will receive a world-class education and live in an island paradise.
