In 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, the Philippines had the highest number of exchange teachers sent to the United States (U.S. Department of State, 2022). News agency reports and online news articles have indicated that exchange teachers fill positions in science, math, and special education—the areas with the biggest shortages—even though official data regarding the specialization or subject area filled by exchange teachers is currently unavailable. Aside from the fact that Filipino teachers work in a field with high demand and turnover, not much research has been conducted on the Filipino teacher workforce in the U.S. by giving the Filipino subgroup of the U.S. teacher labor representation a voice, this study’s empirical significance closes a vacuum in the literature, even though it can contribute to our understanding of teacher motivation and benefits. More precisely, it provides information about the results of the exchange program as perceived by the Filipino exchange teachers involved. Because of a government initiative to address budget deficits and unemployment rates in the 1970s, the Philippines is now considered a major source of talent and labor for the global market. From 36,000 in 1975 to one million at the beginning of the twenty-first century and then to an estimated 10.2 million in 2013, the number of Filipinos working abroad rose steadily. The Philippines has developed an advanced labor export mechanism, making it one of Asia’s leading labor exporters following more than 50 years of international labor movement. Although the goal was to temporarily export labor until the nation’s economic issues were resolved, the general lack of opportunities has made the culture of migration so ingrained in Philippine society that working overseas is expected, even though the opportunity cost of leaving family behind to work overseas is acceptable.
Finding employment outside of their country is a common goal. Countries like Australia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Canada, England, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the Netherlands, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States have turned to foreign Filipino labor to meet their human capital needs and fill labor shortages in industries such as domestic help, manufacturing, engineering, caregiving, seafaring, construction, vocational trades, food services, sales, healthcare, and education. The Philippines’ status as a top labor supplier due to the continuous demand for human capital led to the creation of the term “Overseas Filipino Workers” (OFW) to describe the large pool of contracted or temporary Filipino migrant laborers worldwide. Through remittances provided by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide, the Philippines has profited economically from this export of human capital. According to records, OFWs typically make up 10% of the Philippine economy, and in 2019, remittances totaled USD 33.5 billion. Many developing countries are trying to emulate the Philippine labor export model in order to provide their citizens with access to similar international employment opportunities and to reap the same economic benefits associated with global labor mobility.
Financial gain and social mobility continue to entice Filipinos to work overseas, and professionals with specialized skills, such as those in healthcare, education, and computer technology, frequently travel to Western countries. The United States is the most desired Western nation in the eyes of Filipinos. Long-standing political, military, and educational ties between the Philippines and the U.S. and a decades-long history of colonization are the main reasons for their desire to come to the US. According to both national census and immigration statistics reports, the Philippines is one of the top 10 countries of origin for individuals with non-immigrant U.S. visas, especially temporary labor visas. According to the reports, 33% of temporary visas granted in 2018 went to Filipinos. Based from the studies, immigrants hold 17% of college-degree-required jobs in the U.S… Filipinos benefit from education since it is highly valued in their society, and earning a college degree is considered a way to access greater financial capital and work opportunities abroad. Filipinos are a great fit for highly skilled worker categories like management, information technology, math, healthcare, business and finance, and education because they are more likely to be educated and have strong English skills in the United States. Regarding the countries of origin of all immigrants with college degrees, the Philippines comes in third place, followed by China and India. The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) also keeps information on the Philippine side. This approved Philippine government agency assists Filipinos who have departed the nation or have applied for temporary work overseas (Commission on Filipinos Overseas, 2016).
Based on their cumulative statistics from 2014 to 2020, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (2023) indicates that around 3,000 Filipino educators have participated in the Teacher Exchange Program run by the U.S. Department of State. Although no official data provides more precise information about the specialization or topic area Filipino exchange teachers occupy, as reported in news agencies and online articles from 2017 to 2023, Filipino teachers are becoming more and more common in various American school systems. In actuality, the Philippine educational system is constantly improving compared to other reputable educational systems across the globe. As a third-class nation, the Philippines must figure out how to compensate its teachers fairly. For financial reasons, Filipino instructors are considering working abroad as a result. Foreign schools now accept teachers of all experience levels. The fact that instructors abroad had everyday emotional challenges, such as homesickness for their loved ones, was not widely known. They also discovered innovative curricula. Eventually, teachers were surprised by new activities, such as differences in ideas, attitudes, and habits. Teachers also face discrimination and language challenges with their students due to cultural differences. Ultimately, teachers who wished to return to their home countries broke their contracts and resigned. Despite challenging circumstances, educators keep expanding their perspectives and developing their ability to adapt. Educators come across various teaching philosophies and techniques. Even unsuccessful classroom instruction can yield lessons to learn and new cultural norms to adapt. The teachers’ positive experiences were often forgotten due to the impact of their negative experiences. Many professionals, especially educators, have recently left the Philippines in search of better employment opportunities overseas. Numerous social, political, and economic factors have contributed to this shift. The Philippines’ high unemployment rate, low wages, high inflation, and civil unrest have driven many teachers to leave the nation for better living and economic conditions. The importance of this growth is emphasized by the sharp rise in professionals relocating abroad. Since it exposes them to other cultures and countries, teaching overseas is a popular career choice for educators. In order to travel, experience many cultures, and develop personally and professionally, some people choose to become international educators. However, cultural divides are narrowing, making it harder for foreign teachers to adapt to their new environment. In lieu, Filipino teachers teaching abroad are still Filipinos, let us all give them the necessary attention and support they deserve.
