Philippines: Summer Field Study

An archipelago of over 7,600 islands, the Philippines is a nation whose culture is heavily influenced by Spanish colonization and American military oversight while maintaining Asian roots. After emerging from the authoritarian Marcos regime, the Philippines has prioritized economic development to reduce the wealth gap among its citizens while working to reverse previous environmental damage and conserve the natural beauty of the country. Students will learn how the Philippines are at the forefront of global citizenship and actively working on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Students will engage with locals throughout Manila and hear what global issues Filipinos are addressing and the innovations they have developed and how they are globally connected. We will start in cosmopolitan Manila, the “texting capital of the world”, taking in the historical influence of Spanish rule and then visit the University of the Philippines and engage with local students. Then we’ll move onto Cebu and experience the natural beauty of the Philippines and take a river cruise on the Loboc River. In Bohol, we’ll get close to the Tarsier monkey, one of the smallest primates in the world. We’ll also spend a day with a local organization engaged in community service. The program concludes in Boracay, and students will hear from locals about their struggle for Indigenous Land rights.

Application Deadline: February 17, 2025