Philippines

Volunteer in a place where the weather is as warm as the people!
Whatsapp or call us on +63 917 654 7282 between 6am and 10am to speak with the team.

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The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. In the 1900s, Americans brought their culture and the English language to the islands. Today, it is a dynamic newly-industrialized country, with a population of over a hundred million. Travellers labeled the country as the “Golden Treasure of the South-East Asia” because this is where they discover breathtaking landscapes and meet wonderful people.

It is a tropical country and an archipelago with 3 major islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao composed of more than 7,400 islands. Temperature rarely dips below 20C. Filipinos celebrate traditional festivities known as barrio fiestas (district festivals) to commemorate the feast days of patron saints. Locals greet each other with a smile, which means “hello”.

Youth in the Philippines attend dance schools, participate in sports like basketball, tennis, badminton, volleyball and biking and belong to youth groups at churches and community organizations. Joining in and being part of the group is expected.

The team at AFS Philippines are looking forward to discussing the programmes with you and can be called or Whatsapp’d on +63 917 654 7282 between 6am and 10am.

Alternatively enquire now and we’ll call you back.

Accommodation

You will probably be accommodated by a Filipino family or your project organisation. The Philippine houses are made from a mix of woods and rocks especially in provincial areas. Provincial houses are very cozy, cool and relaxing especially when there are beaches and mountains nearby. The living conditions in the Philippines are very simple yet very warm with kind-hearted locals around you and with the tropical weather. Most of the families are living with their relatives (i.e. cousins, grandparents, etc.), which demonstrates how extended families are very common in Filipino households. Furthermore, a strong family bond is highly valued.

Project organisation homestays/lodging are similar to living with a Filipino family as they treat everyone as part of the family and have strong ties with each other.

For more information about Filipino families, you may review these articles:

http://www.becomingfilipino.com/five-things-i-learned-living-with-filipino-families http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_culture/common_family_traits.html

coastal clean-up 💪 #ontopofthejeepney #pilipinas

A photo posted by @soulfulmystery on

Food

Filipino cuisine is one of the richest cuisines in the world influenced throughout its long and colorful history by the Malays, Spanish, Mexican, Arab, Chinese, American, Indian and Japanese. Many Filipinos use a spoon and fork to eat the main meals of the day. The spoon is held in the right hand and used to scoop rice. The fork is held in the left hand and is used to push food onto the spoon. There are occasions where Filipinos may use just their right hand to eat. Different regions and islands of the country also have their own unique flavors and produce. The staple food is rice, and it is usually eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also snacks in between the meals called merienda. Many families, and most host families eat a combination of vegetables, meat, and seafood. Very few Philippine families are vegetarian or vegan. The most commonly eaten meat is pork and chicken, while the most common seafood is fish or shrimp. Filipino taste buds tend to favor robust flavors and is mostly sweets, but the cuisine is not as spicy as those of its neighbors.

Language

English and Filipino are the official languages of the Philippines. However, depending on the region, 120 to 175 dialects are used. Although Filipino and English are used in schools and everyday life, most people outside cities do not speak much English. Having a basic knowledge of English will be helpful. You will participate in language lessons provided by AFS, and local volunteers may help arrange independent language studies for you during your first months in the Philippines.

☀️🇵🇭 #elnido #philippines

A photo posted by AFS (@afsphilippines) on

The Projects

There are an estimated 60,000 registered non-profit organisations in the Philippines — partnering with a number of these, we are offering several volunteering projects in different social sectors.

These projects include:

  • organic farming,
  • environmental conservation,
  • teaching the children in a surfing community and
  • volunteering in marginalized communities.

Projects are usually flexible on arrival dates and with a minimum of 4 weeks up to 12 months duration. Volunteers will have the opportunity to enhance their personal, interpersonal and cultural skills while helping the community projects they are working on. Typical working hours are between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday-Friday or are dependent on the working days of our partner.

Traveling around the country is possible during holidays or long weekend breaks.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
The Global Competence Certificate

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program.

Explore the Programs Available in Philippines