Flight 2026 is Now Boarding: Studying Beyond the PH Shores

Do you feel like your future is set in stone, bound to paths marked with maroon, blue, green, or yellow? Or, do you have your heart set someplace else—somewhere beyond the borders of this archipelago—but feel doubtful of how such a future could ever be possible?

For decades, the top university choices of students in the Philippines have been dominated by the country’s four highest-ranking ones collectively known as the “Big Four,” namely the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas. While some locals aspire to study internationally, many students under the K-12 curriculum do not attempt to expand their horizons beyond the Big Four. This is partly because, unlike those under the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, the K-12 curriculum by itself often doesn’t satisfy the requirements of many universities abroad. However, despite the program differences, our K-12 graduates are in no way less capable of pursuing education abroad. In fact, the opportunity is just within reach as many of MGC New Life Christian Academy’s (MGCNLCA) alumni have already proven it.

Preparing for Takeoff: Amanda Dana Chiong (Batch 21)

From the school’s most recently graduated batch, Chiong is getting ready for her term as a student of Business Management of the Warwick International Foundation Programme at the University of Warwick in England. Studying abroad has always been something she was drawn to and believes will push her to expand her horizons, as it provides opportunities unique from those of the Big Four. “It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking!” she expressed. While she’ll miss her family, friends, and the familiar comfort of the Philippines, the Batch 21 alumna is looking forward to facing new challenges in the United Kingdom and making friends with people from across the globe.

In Flight: Rickson Caleb Tan (Batch 19) and Austin Bradley Cu (Batch 18)

Quality of education, future job and research opportunities, and university location were the main factors that Batch 19 graduate Tan considered when selecting his university of choice. Majoring in Data Science and Technology at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), he explained that HKUST’s environment is more diverse compared to that of MGCNLCA, and this has allowed him to gain new perspectives and a better understanding of different cultures.

Other alumni, on the other hand, chose to study abroad as their first step towards their long-term plans of living in another country. This was the case for Cu, who is currently taking up commerce, specializing in accounting at Canada’s University of British Columbia. The Batch 18 graduate stated that adapting to his new life was initially a difficult process, with him working tirelessly to become financially independent. However, despite the challenges he experienced, the alumnus never regretted his decision. In his words, “it’s a difficult but incredibly rewarding experience, and I believe no one has truly experienced life without going through these hardships.”

Landed and Soaring New Heights: Jaye Brianna Yap (Batch 16)

“Strive for character. Strive for excellence.” MGCNLCA’s powerful school mantra is what Batch 16 alumna Yap believes is the most valuable lesson that she carried with her throughout her college journey in Singapore. Now working in Singapore after completing her Bachelor of Science in Information Systems with a specialization in Business Analytics & Digitalization and Cloud Solutions at Singapore Management University, she’s witnessed how the familiar phrase helps her stay calm and grounded in God’s Word, especially when work gets intense. She went to Singapore with high goals and expectations, believing that local life would be similar to the one back home. According to her, however, it took her years of exploring and interacting with locals before she “lived lived” in the country.

MGCNLCA is not an international or fully IB school. Yet, its graduates have flown to universities all over the world, bringing Christ-like character and excellence to countries like the USA and Canada, as well as to others closer to home, like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Now, with the highly anticipated university application season underway, it’s easy for high school seniors to feel anxious and uncertain about which university to go to. After all, choosing among the Big Four may already pose a challenge, but deciding whether to stay or leave the country and all the familiar comforts of home behind is an entirely different struggle. Nevertheless, New Lifers can rest assured that they are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to.

As Yap puts it, “There is no universally correct answer, but there would be a better answer for your specific goals and ambitions. Try to pinpoint what these are, do your research and the work, and commit everything to God.”