Short story: How feasible would it be for a U.S. citizen to move to the Philippines temporarily for a few years to take the necessary classes and pass the boards, and then move back to the U.S.?
Long story: I have lived in the urbanized and very beautiful city of Portland, Oregon for all of my life. I am interested in a nursing career, but it is very hard to get accepted into the nursing programs in this entire Northwest region. The very close and excellent public university (OHSU) has an acceptance ratio below 20%. The community colleges in the area all use lottery systems with year-long waitlists. The private universities are quite expensive as usual.
Therefore, I have to start preparing backup plans if the public university doesn't work out, and that is very possible. One plan was staying where I am now and shelling out huge cash for private university. The other was moving to a less urban, less interesting part of the U.S. where their nursing schools aren't so fricken full. Then the idea occured to me that maybe I could move to somewhere beyond the U.S.
I work as a CNA at a nursing home here. I have come to enjoy the company of the filipino nurses and aides (and my heart fell for a certain filipina, but she is now gone). One nurse whom I refer to as 'Ate' wants to take me to the Philippines so she can use her influence to find me a wife, since I am almost 20, male, and quite single. But in all seriousness, I think I could like the place and the people.
How expensive would it be to live there and attend school for however long it would be? I am talking all expenses, travel rent tuition food recreation etc. Would it be more expensive than just private university here? Think $20,000 easy. I am certainly ready to make a big change in my life, as I have no strong connections with people here aside from my mostly loving family :)
This is just an idea that I would like to entertain a bit. On the outside it sounds pretty bizarre, but I would really like to know if it could be possible, and logical. Any responses are appreciated!
I was in the Philippines for 30 days when I was in service and its a sad country. The young girls had to work the streets to have food on the table and I am talking about kids as young as 10 years old and up. From what I seen most of the people live in huts with no water, power etc. There was a river that ran down the middle of town in Scuba Bay and all the waste ran in it and the kids were playing in the water. Downtown was nothing but bars, and woman selling them self to make a life there. At all times you had to watch your back, but it was best to have a buddy to go alone with you at night, after I was there a few days I came close to being kidnapped by there military and could have being taken into the jungle which is unreal, no one would have found you for years.
As for the meals they eat anything and everything monkey, dogs, etc. They would not have any food left on there plate like we do here in the USA, cause it might have being there last meal in days. I seen a lot of the woman that works hard and want to try and do better, by ways of going to school, and doing what ever they can to get out of that country.It sames to me that most of the men there just did not care much about there life as long as they had the woman working the bars and trying to rip off the GI.
I hate to have seen the USA move the Military out because it did give some of these people hope for a better life and a chance to have a good education. Don't get me wrong, not all the people were bad, But If I was you I would fine another country to go or better yet the way things are now, you might be better off here in the USA, the meals are much better here.
djv
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i can't say that what you're saying is untrue bec. there really are places in the phils where poverty is so sickening people struggle to eat and sell themselves for money. however, to generalize that the phils. is ALL that sorry and nothing else is much too inaccurate. too bad you hadn't the chance to see the other better things the country has to offer. sure, there are places there where women are college-educated and have decent professions, where people live in well-built houses (yup, with utilities), where children are sent to good schools...where conveniences are within reach (home appliances, phones, computers, what have you)...where you can enjoy modern to ultra-modern recreational facilities (gyms? malls? spas...we have them!) or just marvel at the country's rich natural beauty....so long as you don't wander off where the wolves are, you should be fine.
do we eat dogs and monkeys? well, i personally don't and none of the people i know do. we keep dogs as pets around the house and i don't think i'll ever want to eat them. but guess what...i did get to eat frog's legs, chicken feet, pig's blood in the phils. and they're all actually tasty....i hope i didn't make you cringe more bec. i think what i eat doesn't make me less of a person than i am. i also happen to be schooled in the phils. from elementary through college and now that i'm in the us, i don't see any significant difference in how school is conducted. my mom also often reminded me to be thankful of every meal and avoid leftovers. in my book, being thankful and leaving food on the plate just don't go together. i hope that's not so strange.
as i've read djv's post about philippines... it really broke my heart...
i am a true pinay! its unfair to generalize filipinos/philippines that way! you may have seen the negative sides of philippines unfortunately you haven't seen the beautiful side of philippines as well as filipinos... too bad you wasn't able to see philippines in a different perspective. well, its your opinion... i can't blame you for that... but i guess you should have sent that message personally to bluee so as not to give a bad impression to those who really don't know philippines/filipinos.
nationalities have different flaws. there's no perfect country in this world. all of us are fighting to survive in this world.
i can't deny the fact that child labor, prostitution, kidnapping is actually happening in the philippines. i believe that its every nations problem! our government is also fighting to eradicate that problem! it's not true that filipinos are not doing something to a better living... as christians we are not tolerating these immoralities! i don't want to compare other nationalities to filipinos...
i just wanted to ask something...
how do you call a single female (hot chic) who had sex with a guy she just met on a club ------> a liberated?!?
if she's a filipina you would call her -------> a prostitute?!?
whats the difference huh?! that is soo unfair!
what's the difference between a kleptomaniac to a theft/burglar?!?
however you wanted to call them, they still do immoral acts!
stealing a dollar or a million dollar, its still taking possession that isn't yours!
yes its true that a lot of filipinos are taking nursing education to be able to work abroad. why?!? because we value our family soo much and that we wanted to provide a better a living for our families. but not all filipinos wanted to leave philippines for good. a lot of nurses just wanted to earn to have a stable living. after earning that stable living here in the philippines... i believe that they all wanted to come back! our determination to provide a better living for our families is our key to be able to provide genuine nursing care to clients!
nursing education here would probably easy for anyone who has a lot of determination and resources! if you have a heart in dealing with clients sick or well, i believe you'll be a great nurse! nursing is not a money making business!!! filipinos are known for hospitality for that we're just using our god-given talents to be productive!
well, if you wanted to pursue nursing education here just to save money... its certaily irrational! you may have the wisdom to pass the examinations but it takes a lot of perseverance, determination, patience and a genuine heart to render care to clients to be able to survive nursing profession!!!
try considering other state where your personality as an american would greatly fit in. you may survive here with ample amount of money for your nursing education but i don't think you could dedicate yourself rendering care to "poor filipinos" i am not discouraging you to pursue your studies here but its the reality! if you have a heart of a filipino nurse, you'll be successful here!
if its gods will for you to pursue your nursing education here...
i believe that whatever circumstances, hindrances that you will encounter will be easy for you... for its god that is working with your life.
as i've read dav's post about philippines... it really broke my heart...
i am a true pinay! its unfair to generalize filipinos/philippines that way! you may have seen the negative sides of philippines unfortunately you haven't seen the beautiful side of philippines as well as filipinos... too bad you wasn't able to see philippines in a different perspective. well, its your opinion... i can't blame you for that... but i guess you should have sent that message personally to bluee so as not to give a bad impression to those who really don't know philippines/filipinos.
nationalities have different flaws. there's no perfect country in this world. all of us are fighting to survive in this world.
i can't deny the fact that child labor, prostitution, kidnapping is actually happening in the philippines. i believe that its every nations problem! our government is also fighting to eradicate that problem! it's not true that filipinos are not doing something to a better living... as christians we are not tolerating these immoralities! i don't want to compare other nationalities to filipinos...
i just wanted to ask something...
how do you call a single female (hot chic) who had sex with a guy she just met on a club ------> a liberated?!?
if she's a filipina you would call her -------> a prostitute?!?
whats the difference huh?! that is soo unfair!
what's the difference between a kleptomaniac to a theft/burglar?!?
however you wanted to call them, they still do immoral acts!
stealing a dollar or a million dollar, its still taking possession that isn't yours!
yes its true that a lot of filipinos are taking nursing education to be able to work abroad. why?!? because we value our family soo much and that we wanted to provide a better a living for our families. but not all filipinos wanted to leave philippines for good. a lot of nurses just wanted to earn to have a stable living. after earning that stable living here in the philippines... i believe that they all wanted to come back! our determination to provide a better living for our families is our key to be able to provide genuine nursing care to clients!
nursing education here would probably easy for anyone who has a lot of determination and resources! if you have a heart in dealing with clients sick or well, i believe you'll be a great nurse! nursing is not a money making business!!! filipinos are known for hospitality for that we're just using our god-given talents to be productive!
well, if you wanted to pursue nursing education here just to save money... its certaily irrational! you may have the wisdom to pass the examinations but it takes a lot of perseverance, determination, patience and a genuine heart to render care to clients to be able to survive nursing profession!!!
try considering other state where your personality as an american would greatly fit in. you may survive here with ample amount of money for your nursing education but i don't think you could dedicate yourself rendering care to "poor filipinos" i am not discouraging you to pursue your studies here but its the reality! if you have a heart of a filipino nurse, you'll be successful here!
if its gods will for you to pursue your nursing education here...
i believe that whatever circumstances, hindrances that you will encounter will be easy for you... for its god that is working with your life.
godspeed!
from a true pinay! =)
it sames that i have hurt some of the folks here as to what i said about the philippines, let me say i am sorry. i made my comments just like i saw it while i was there, i am sure not all of the philippines country is not that way, and if it's not then that is great. i don't have nothing against the people there or the country as of matter of fact of the military man and woman gave jobs and money to these people to help with what they could.
i for one gave money's to help a lady to get into school, and bought the family food. so maybe i should have being a little better in my writing in this form and giving better information, once again i am sorry for any harm i have done.
It sames that I have hurt some of the folks here as to what I said about the Philippines, let me say I am sorry. I made my comments just like I saw it while I was there, I am sure not all of the Philippines country is not that way, and if it's not then that is great. I don't have nothing against the people there or the country as of matter of fact of the military man and woman gave jobs and money to these people to help with what they could.
I for one gave money's to help a lady to get into school, and bought the family food. So maybe I should have being a little better in my writing in this form and giving better information, once again I am sorry for any harm I have done.
djv
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hi, thanks...your post well taken. i felt compelled to respond because there may be people out there who don't have a clue about philippines and filipinos. for them to think the phils. is just one of those dangerous, dinghy places to with poor people isn't quite true...not that it's a matter of pride but really, i think my being a filipino and coming from the philippines made it easier me to adjust to life in the u.s. than probably if i hadn't the same exposure allowed by my country---whether east or west influences, grand or austere living, rustic or hi-tech, etc...if my country is really so backward, then it couldn't have produced so many qualified, competent professionals, many of whom, are working overseas...
also, my other concern is for the thread starter (or anyone else wanting to study in the phils.) to decide on studying (or not!) in the phils. based on the right reasons. it could be that the phils. can offer a decent nursing degree but considering other things, would there be better alternatives?
It sames that I have hurt some of the folks here as to what I said about the Philippines, let me say I am sorry. I made my comments just like I saw it while I was there, I am sure not all of the Philippines country is not that way, and if it's not then that is great. I don't have nothing against the people there or the country as of matter of fact of the military man and woman gave jobs and money to these people to help with what they could.
I for one gave money's to help a lady to get into school, and bought the family food. So maybe I should have being a little better in my writing in this form and giving better information, once again I am sorry for any harm I have done.
djv[/quote
Good public apology accepted. I would have reacted the same way as other Filipinos from what you had written.( anyway, i can picture that your guide brought you to some crowded cities, bars, slums, remote barrios, beerhouses---to the flaws) - only beerdrinkers eat those that you had mentioned ( they call them exotic food) and most of the time they want to know how foreigners will react if they knew that the menu is such an unusual cuisine( they know that you might think it's yuckky! )--(they might want to figure how strong your stomach is --machismo maybe- or a man's initiation knowing that you're not used to such servings/scenes---it's like the survivor ---they'd like to know if you can take it or vomit) but it never was a normal everyday food in the culture--- i am a filipino and i never never ate them!!!---Like all countries, there are rich and poor, privileged and underprivileged...not everyone is poor -----just tired of the govt...lol...
I wished some good tour guide had shown you/ or you had the chance to see how beautiful the country - its natural resources, beaches, resorts, resthouses, places of interest, arts and culture, see concerts and stageplays]---tall buildings and architecture, humongous malls and shopping centers in the big cities, Light rail transits, MRT's... The food you see /eat depends with whom you stayed with and who served it. Normally...Food here is delicious, a mix of Filipino-Chinese-Spanish recipes.- also Italian---choose your restaurant...
As for education...one of the BEST! As for family...close-knit! As for love of elderlies and parents...(we care for them in our homes ). That's why we are used to Nursing and has great compassion and empathy for Nur home residents... . They remind us or our parents and grandparents back home.
what a pity you never see the beautiful side of Philippines. Have you been to Sagada? Banawe? Have you tried eating pakbit, kare-kare, binagoongan, crispy pata? or you're contented with the ever tasteless steak that is bloody with mushed potato and corn that is served back home. Is that what you call a meal?
You know, if you're already a nurse or wanting to be a nurse, you have been so lucky to see the scenarios, one that makes your eye sore. Lucky because you had the chance to see the struggles people are trying to overcome everyday of their life. You just had your chance to make a difference to the world. That experience should have helped you appreciate life more. To teach you to savor every bit of food on your plate coz somewhere out there, someone is starving to death. To show you the reality of life, that there was something more out there outside the 4 corners of your room. And thank Filipinos for migrating to your country to help care for the elders that were put by their beloved children in carehomes coz they couldn't care for their parents coz their too busy working and making money!
We're actually glad that there's no more US military base here, that would be less GI babies with no idea who there father was.
I wonder what were you doing in those places? Don't you had enough of those back there? Next time you visit another country try creating a thread, maybe we can help you plan you're vacation better rather than wasting 30 days eyeing the difficulties of the world.
Hi there Bluee. I can share my personal experience with you. I'm really based in NJ. In my junior year in the BSN program in the Philippines I had to migrate to NJ. So I tried applying to different schools in the area.....unfortunately they had a long waiting list and was costlier. I didn't want to wait, spend more, and repeat subjects that were not credited so I decided to finish my degree in the Philippines. Now that I have graduated, I do not regret anything because that was a great decision for me. I had classmates who like you were U.S. Citizens too. Some are in CA working now as RN BSNs. So I would say that the education that we got was nothing inferior to that of U.S. standards. When I finished my degree recently I did not spend more than $10k. I already finished a four-year degree prior to taking up nursing so 98% of my subjects were credited, and I was done in two years. I got my BSN degree. And yes, the medium of instruction is also in English. People in the Philippines are friendly. And you can also meet a lot of new friends in the country. But in the end, it is still your decision. The best thing is to look up different nursing schools in the Philippines, then e-mail or call them up first before making a decision. Best of luck! Have a nice day!
Short story: How feasible would it be for a U.S. citizen to move to the Philippines temporarily for a few years to take the necessary classes and pass the boards, and then move back to the U.S.?
Long story: I have lived in the urbanized and very beautiful city of Portland, Oregon for all of my life. I am interested in a nursing career, but it is very hard to get accepted into the nursing programs in this entire Northwest region. The very close and excellent public university (OHSU) has an acceptance ratio below 20%. The community colleges in the area all use lottery systems with year-long waitlists. The private universities are quite expensive as usual.
Therefore, I have to start preparing backup plans if the public university doesn't work out, and that is very possible. One plan was staying where I am now and shelling out huge cash for private university. The other was moving to a less urban, less interesting part of the U.S. where their nursing schools aren't so fricken full. Then the idea occured to me that maybe I could move to somewhere beyond the U.S.
I work as a CNA at a nursing home here. I have come to enjoy the company of the filipino nurses and aides (and my heart fell for a certain filipina, but she is now gone). One nurse whom I refer to as 'Ate' wants to take me to the Philippines so she can use her influence to find me a wife, since I am almost 20, male, and quite single. But in all seriousness, I think I could like the place and the people.
How expensive would it be to live there and attend school for however long it would be? I am talking all expenses, travel rent tuition food recreation etc. Would it be more expensive than just private university here? Think $20,000 easy. I am certainly ready to make a big change in my life, as I have no strong connections with people here aside from my mostly loving family :)
This is just an idea that I would like to entertain a bit. On the outside it sounds pretty bizarre, but I would really like to know if it could be possible, and logical. Any responses are appreciated!
If the real issue is that you are desparately trying to get into a nursing school and can't deal with the waitlist, check out www.discovernursing.com. There is a list of schools that do not have waiting lists. There is even a school in the Virgin Islands, if you are going for that exotic, expatriate feeling. You would probably be a lot better off being educated in the US at one of these schools, especially if you want to be eligible for Federal student loans or grants. I highly doubt you could get money to go to school overseas from the government, and I cannot fathom how long it would take someone to save up enough cash to pay for living expenses and tution in a foreign country. And forget about relying on a scholarship from a school in the Philippines-- with all of their nurses coming over here and hitting the mother lode, I highly doubt there is a shortage of interested students to fill their classrooms. If the issue is that you want to be in the Philippines to be with a potential sweetheart, that is an entirely different matter.
If the real issue is that you are desparately trying to get into a nursing school and can't deal with the waitlist, check out www.discovernursing.com. There is a list of schools that do not have waiting lists. There is even a school in the Virgin Islands, if you are going for that exotic, expatriate feeling. You would probably be a lot better off being educated in the US at one of these schools, especially if you want to be eligible for Federal student loans or grants. I highly doubt you could get money to go to school overseas from the government, and I cannot fathom how long it would take someone to save up enough cash to pay for living expenses and tution in a foreign country. And forget about relying on a scholarship from a school in the Philippines-- with all of their nurses coming over here and hitting the mother lode, I highly doubt there is a shortage of interested students to fill their classrooms. If the issue is that you want to be in the Philippines to be with a potential sweetheart, that is an entirely different matter.
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to the question posed on this thread--- this is the "short" of it.
i'm a filipina nurse and I passed the NCLEX in Saipan. It was really hard to get to the United States nowadays due to recession and the embassy is not issuing visas for nurses. I am wondering what's in store for me in Saipan - if I practice there as a Nurse.. Are there nursing jobs available for me? What is the likelihood that I can get hired.. I remember calling Saipan BON a few months ago asking them as to what State in the U.S. I could probably endorse my license without them asking for an SS number. And then she told me.. why don't you just practice here.. and so i started to wonder.
I'd really appreciate your response.. thanks very much.
I would have reacted the same way as other Filipinos from what you had written.( anyway, i can picture that your guide brought you to some crowded cities, bars, slums, remote barrios, beerhouses---to the flaws)
- only beerdrinkers eat those that you had mentioned ( they call them exotic food) and most of the time they want to know how foreigners will react if they knew that the menu is such an unusual cuisine( they know that you might think it's yuckky! )--(they might want to figure how strong your stomach is --machismo maybe- or a man's initiation knowing that you're not used to such servings/scenes---it's like the survivor ---they'd like to know if you can take it or vomit)
but it never was a normal everyday food in the culture--- i am a filipino and i never never ate them!!!---Like all countries, there are rich and poor, privileged and underprivileged...not everyone is poor -----just tired of the govt...lol...
The food you see /eat depends with whom you stayed with and who served it.
Normally...Food here is delicious, a mix of Filipino-Chinese-Spanish recipes.- also Italian---choose your restaurant...
nrswnabee
279 Posts
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i can't say that what you're saying is untrue bec. there really are places in the phils where poverty is so sickening people struggle to eat and sell themselves for money. however, to generalize that the phils. is ALL that sorry and nothing else is much too inaccurate. too bad you hadn't the chance to see the other better things the country has to offer. sure, there are places there where women are college-educated and have decent professions, where people live in well-built houses (yup, with utilities), where children are sent to good schools...where conveniences are within reach (home appliances, phones, computers, what have you)...where you can enjoy modern to ultra-modern recreational facilities (gyms? malls? spas...we have them!) or just marvel at the country's rich natural beauty....so long as you don't wander off where the wolves are, you should be fine.
do we eat dogs and monkeys? well, i personally don't and none of the people i know do. we keep dogs as pets around the house and i don't think i'll ever want to eat them. but guess what...i did get to eat frog's legs, chicken feet, pig's blood in the phils. and they're all actually tasty....i hope i didn't make you cringe more bec. i think what i eat doesn't make me less of a person than i am. i also happen to be schooled in the phils. from elementary through college and now that i'm in the us, i don't see any significant difference in how school is conducted. my mom also often reminded me to be thankful of every meal and avoid leftovers. in my book, being thankful and leaving food on the plate just don't go together. i hope that's not so strange.