The Philippines

	Quick Facts
	Language Filipino/Tagalog with English used in schools. Previous language study is not required.
	Host Family Placement In or near Manila, on the large northern island.
	School You will not attend school on this program.
	Trips Orientation and trips are included in the program tuition.
	Pastimes Sports, such as swimming, water sports, and basketball; excursions, movies.

"Where Asia wears a smile." You’ll wear a smile too as you explore and get to know this island country where both the weather and the people are warm and welcoming. In the Philippines, you’ll find yourself encircled by a friendly family and their friends.

As in many Asian and Latino cultures, Filipino families respect authority, paying special honor to elderly members of the family. They also are very loyal to their families and close friends. Family gatherings, a key part of social life on the islands, and a good party are opportunities to spend time with your Filipino host family. They love to celebrate because it gives them a chance to do all of their favorite things – dance, eat, and sing.

When you first arrive in the Philippines, you may think that they’ve adopted basketball as their national pastime. You would be right. Filipinos are crazy about basketball, and no matter where you travel, you’re likely to find that even the smallest village square is converted to a basketball court at some time during the day.

But the people have a more indigenous culture as well, which you may find most evident in dance. Derived from Malaysian, Spanish, and Muslim influence, Filipino dancing is a beautiful art form that includes the tinikling (bamboo or heron dance), the pandanggo sa ilaw (dance of lights), and the singkil (court dance).

Summer Program

Discover Philippines
Relax, it's South East Asia. You will live with a Filipino family for four weeks, sharing meals, hearing about their daily lives, and understanding this warm and friendly culture. Many trips to important historical and cultural sites are included in the program tuition. Some of the excursions may include trips to Baguio, summer capital of the Philippines; Tagaytay, a volcano crater; Corregidor, the last stand of the Americans and Filipinos during WWII; Villa Escudero, a cultural resort; and Hagonoy, a typical rural town. Museums, art gallery tours, and educational trips are also a part of this summer program.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Programs	Code	Departure	Return	Tuition
Summer Discover Philippines	0102	June	July	$6995

Online Resources

To learn more about the Philippines, we recommend:

E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Filipino/Tagalog language dictionaries, and many more country resources
Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites
Embassy of Philippines in Washington, DC web site

"My experience was wonderful. It has enriched my sense of the world."
- Stephanie Madia

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Thursday, September 06, 2007 12:42 AM