Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can apply to the program?

A: Anyone who is interested in studying Philippine Studies and/or Filipino, regardless of race or nationality. You should be at least eighteen years old. However, we recommend the Basic Philippine Studies Course for college students and senior high school students and the Specialized Research Course for graduate students. Students who have graduated from the university and are planning to enroll in graduate school are also encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need to be currently enrolled in order to apply.

Q: Will there be briefing sessions to help us prepare for the trip?

A: Yes, there will be three briefing sessions in the following cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago. These briefing sessions will be scheduled in June. Program participants are advised to go to these briefing sessions. If you cannot make it to these sessions, then you can speak or send an e-mail to your assigned faculty adviser in the United States.

Q: Who are these faculty advisers?

A: The Dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters and Philippine Forum have invited the most widely respected Filipino-American and Philippine Studies professors from various universities to answer your inquiries about the lectures, classes and workshops, provide advice on your research proposal, and help you prepare for your trip. You can contact them through e-mail or call them. Among our advisers are Dr. Epifanio San Juan, Dr. Delia Aguilar, Dr. Rick Bonus, Dr. Nenita Pambid, Dr. Joi Barrios, Dr. Damon Woods, Dr. Nenita Pambid, Dr. Nonilon Queano and Dr. Nerissa Balce.

Q: I can speak and write in Filipino. Do I have to take Filipino classes?

A: No. Students have the option not to attend the Filipino classes in the morning.

Q: Is it safe to go to the Philippines?

A: The UP College of Arts and Letters and Philippine Forum will take all the necessary security precautions. First, the students shall be staying inside the university, which is a relatively safe area. All classes will also be taken at the university. During field trips, the students shall be transported using UP vehicles driven by university drivers. We also recommend the "buddy" system, wherein students should travel in pairs or in groups, preferably with their "language partners" at the university.

Q: Who are these "language partners?"

A: Language partners are students at the University of the Philippines; most of them are Filipino or Philippine Studies majors. They have been asked by the Dean to help the Filipino-American students practice Filipino.

Q: My parents are worried about the Cordillera and Boracay trip. Can I choose not to go to these trips?

A: Yes. Student who do not wish to go to Boracay can get a $100 refund, while those who choose not to go to Cordillera can get a $50 refund. However, they should inform the US program director of their intention by July 15, 2005.

Q: Are meals included in the program cost?

A: No. However, one can eat meals at the university for about a dollar. Meals were not included to reduce program costs. Also, most students prefer to choose their own meal times and food.

Q: Can I visit my relatives?

A: Yes. Sundays are free days. However, we advise that your relatives pick you up from the hostel and take you back. If you wish to spend the night with your relatives, you should leave your contact information with the Student Welfare Director.

Q: What happens if I get sick?

A: You should contact the Student Welfare Director, Professor Trina Pineda or the U.P. Program Director, Professor Glecy Atienza immediately. They will bring you to the U.P. Infirmary, which is located on campus. The U.P. Infirmary has an emergency room, general practitioners, specialists, and hospital beds. Should you wish to see other specialists, the Student Welfare Director will accompany you to a larger hospital in Manila. Your hospital expenses should be paid by your travel health insurance.

For minor ailments such as colds, you can buy medicine at the two drugstores on campus.

Q: What kind of lodging shall be provided?

A: You will be staying at a hostel on campus. All rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms. Two students share a room.

Q: Why is there a charge to make payments online?

A: The addtional charges for each down payment made online is a processing fee that PAYPAL has placed upon us. We are merely extending this fee to you for the convenience of paying online. You can also choose to send payments by mail without having to be charged.