You want to study abroad in Asia but can’t decide on a destination. So you pull up lists of programs on GoAbroad.com and browse through each listing, looking for that one factor that makes you say, “that’s it!” While many students settle on common Asian destinations such as China and Japan, there are a few who choose to study abroad in the Philippines. Take a closer look at the reasons why this archipelago of 7,107 islands lures travelers like moths to a flame.

Amazing cultural experiences are found on every island in the Philippines. Photo by Ian Delgado

Most Locals Speak English. It’s far easier to find your way around a country where everyone knows how to communicate in your native tongue, compared to places where the locals have problems translating every word you say. With English as the language of commerce, education, and travel in the Philippines, it’s an easy country to navigate. In fact, many parents in other Asian countries send their children to the Philippines to study English.

English is one of two official languages of the Philippines; the other is Tagalog/ Filipino. Besides these, hundreds of dialects are spoken throughout the country. It’s always helpful to learn some words and phrases in the local language, as knowledge of English gets more spotty in the rural locations. Which language is spoken depends on exactly where you’re studying in the Philippines. But it’s a safe bet that when you get to the Philippines for study abroad, you can stow that English-Filipino dictionary, and converse naturally.

Legendary Filipino Hospitality. A lot has been said of the Philippine people’s hospitality. The comfort of visitors or guests is top priority, so much so that they are often given the best room in a house (if they are staying over) or the best seat at the dining table. Filipinos usually go out of their way to make sure their guests are comfortable even when out of their homes.

Visitors are often invited to partake of meals even if there is very little food on the table, and they get the best portions or are asked to help themselves before everybody else. When you visit a house during meal time, you are automatically asked to take a seat and eat with the family. Even when Filipino families have very little to spare, they make sure their guests receive the best food and the best amenities.

Remember to allow some space in your baggage as Filipinos are fond of giving gifts to departing guests. These gifts, called pasalubong, range from simple trinkets like native bracelets and necklaces, to local delicacies (often sweets).

Filipinos are probably the jolliest people you will ever meet. One explanation for the Filipinos' penchant for always finding something to smile about is their close family ties, a great support system in times of trouble.

If you ask your host the question, “Why do you always look happy?" you will most probably receive this answer: “Filipinos have so many problems that should make us sad. But there is no sense in frowning all day. So we smile in the face of our problems, and in doing so put a smile on the faces of other people.”

More Fun In The Philippines. With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has hundreds of attractions scattered around the country. Want to check out tarsiers, one of the smallest primates in the world? Go to Bohol, an island province south of Manila. Want to bask on the baby-powder sand at one of the most stunning tropical beaches in the world? Head over to Boracay Island in central Philippines. Want the opportunity to see a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano? Drive over to Taal, about an hour from the capital city, and take photos of Taal Volcano.

More Bang For Your Buck. The extremely favorable exchange rate to U.S. dollars means a student’s daily allowance simply lasts longer while studying abroad in the Philippines. Expenses like restaurants, manicures, and massages, which are luxuries for students in the States, cost just a few dollars in the Philippines.

There are probably a hundred other reasons why the Philippines is a great study-abroad destination. It’s the only country where you can, and probably will, echo the words of U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur when he visited the island nation in WWII: “I shall return.”

With more than 7,000 islands, and more than 92 million people speaking a variety of languages and adhering to a myriad of traditions, the Philippines has endless opportunity for cultural immersion. Many colleges and universities throughout the country offer courses for all kinds of subject areas. Study abroad in the Philippines, the “Pearl of the Orient,” and dive right into the Filipino way of life.

Flashy, fun Jeepneys symbolize the Filipino way of life. Photo by Noah Peden

Geography and Climate. Located in the western Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is a prominent part of Southeast Asia. The archipelago is surrounded by the Luzon Strait, the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, the Celebes Sea, and the Philippine Sea. It is a short flight from many countries such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. The country itself is divided into three regions: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the Philippines can experience earthquakes and typhoons, though its tropical climate makes for some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Covered in rainforests, the islands are a mountainous landscape that is lush and green year-round. Many active and inactive volcanoes remain in and around the islands, which make for abundant mineral deposits. In fact, the Philippines has one of the largest copper deposits in the world, and the second-largest gold deposit on the planet. Trekking, mountain biking, climbing, and scuba diving are some of the more popular outdoor activities here. The Philippine islands are renowned for having some of the best scuba spots on earth.

Culture And People. Filipinos are known for their generosity, friendliness, and talent. Yes, talent. Filipinos are often very gifted singers, perhaps in part for their love of karaoke; you also will be hard-pressed to find a Filipino who can’t dance well. Talent aside, Filipinos are truly some of the most gracious people you will ever meet. It is not uncommon for families to welcome you into their home and prepare a meal in your honor. Many study-abroad programs in the Philippines allow students to live in homestays, where they are regarded as an honored guest.

Filipino culture is diverse throughout the islands. It is described as a combination of Eastern and Western cultures, and displays Spanish, Asian, and American influences. Many traditions and holidays are also influenced by the nation’s religion. More than 90 percent of the population is Christian, with the majority identifying with the Catholic Church.

Getting Around The Philippines. Wherever you study abroad in the Philippines, you’ll want to take the time to explore your surroundings. Traveling between islands is best accomplished by air, at surprisingly affordable rates, but can also be done by boat or ferry. Within cities, there are a few common types of transportation. With the exception of some of the larger metropolitan cities such as Manila, cars are less prominent than pedicabs, tricycles, and Jeepneys. Pedicabs usually travel short distances, as they are human-powered bicycles with sidecars, whereas tricycles will travel a bit farther since they are motorized bikes with sidecars. Jeepneys are best for longer distances, and are the Philippine equivalent of a public bus system. Jeepneys are open-air buses that were originally made from a surplus of U.S. military jeeps after WWII. They are famous for their flamboyant and unique decor and have become a symbol of Philippine culture.

Whether you study in a big city or in a remote region of the Philippines, you are sure to get a cultural experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the Filipino way of life.