A guide to studying abroad

Her experiences abroad taught her that pursuing an international education is not simply about getting into a prestigious university. It is also about becoming adaptable, confident, and willing to step outside one’s comfort zone.

For Filipino students dreaming of studying overseas, Gia shared with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle how they can begin turning that dream into a concrete plan.

“I was very intentional about looking for opportunities outside the classroom because I knew that the skills I wanted to develop couldn’t come from textbooks alone,” she said.

Her experience at the National Model United Nations allowed her to develop public speaking, research, writing, negotiation, and lobbying skills in an international setting. Meanwhile, the Chinese summer program exposed her to a different cultural and academic environment.

For students, she recommends choosing opportunities not only because they look impressive on a résumé, but because they build skills that remain useful beyond college.

Studying Consular and Diplomatic Affairs and learning Mandarin also broadened her perspective on education and career possibilities. “It taught me early on not to limit myself to one environment, one culture, or one definition of what my career was supposed to look like,” she said.

Still, adjusting to international environments required her to become more assertive. At 4’11”, Gia recalled entering rooms where people seemed physically bigger and more confident than her. The experience made her realize that she could not control how she looked in a room, but she could control how prepared she was, how clearly she communicated, and whether she was willing to speak up.

“Confidence isn’t always feeling like you belong before entering the room,” she said. “Sometimes, confidence is participating even when part of you still feels intimidated.”

That confidence also applies to navigating everyday life abroad. Gia learned that students need to prepare not just for academics, but also for finances, accommodation, transportation, food, and unexpected challenges. Her advice? Have a detailed plan, but leave room for things to go wrong.

For students intimidated by applications, scholarships, visas, and leaving home, she suggests breaking the process into smaller steps.

“Do it kahit kabado (anxious),” she said. “Start by researching three universities, attend a university fair, identify possible scholarships, list the requirements, and work backward from the deadlines.”

StudyIn Global University Fair 2026

She also encourages students to look beyond rankings when choosing a university. Questions about affordability, safety, student work opportunities, university culture, career prospects, and alumni outcomes can help determine whether a school is truly the right fit.

This is where the StudyIn Global University Fair 2026 can help aspiring international students. Happening on Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Makati Diamond Residences, the free event will bring admissions teams from more than 25 universities and institutions across the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and Canada.

Gia encourages attendees to arrive with questions about scholarships, tuition, living expenses, internships, student support, application requirements, and timelines.

“Don’t attend a university fair just to collect brochures. Attend with questions and leave with deadlines,” she said.

For her, the goal is to transform “I want to study abroad someday” into “I’m applying to these three universities this year.”

The difference, she believes, is having enough information to turn the dream into a plan. — Jessica Pag-iwayan