The Colegio visited Philippine Middle East Schools for the 2nd time last October 15- November 4 2009. Asst. Prof. Golda Aira V. Crisostomo, Research Director, joined UST Admissions Director Dr. Mecheline Zonia Intia Manalastas during the 20-day trip to 9 countries in the Middle East.

The Central province of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh has the most number of Philippine schools with nine Basic Education institutions, second are the three Emirates of UAE- Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi with eight schools while the other countries have one or two schools, managed by either the Filipino community or a Filipino with local partner.
 

The Ambassadors of Oman, Kuwait and Vice-Consul of Jeddah shared their insights about the advantage of Philippine education in the Arab countries.
 

Amb. Ricardo Endaya, a Thomasian, narrated that the locals of Kuwait prefer Filipinos in white and blue-collar jobs for we are known for resiliency and hard work as compared to other nationalities.
 

Vice-Consul Asuan of Jeddah shared his observations on how Filipino parents take part on their children’s education while in an Arab country. Parents put premium on education for in an Arab country like Jeddah, parents take time to monitor and assist their children in the events of everyday school life.
 

From parents and teachers’ insights, Philippine education remains important for three reasons: education in the Philippines is cheaper than the international universities abroad, it serves as a venue for the parents to pass on the tradition & culture of Filipinos to their children, and lastly, because studying in the Philippines  explains the enigma that there’s no place like home.