How to do an internship in the Philippines
Nowadays, globalization has a particular meaning for young professionals who are about to complete their higher studies. Acquiring foreign skills abroad through an internship (most commonly known as on-the-job training or OJT) is often part of this process. So if you have chosen the Philippines, you are likely to discover a dynamic country, both in economic and demographic terms, as well as a different lifestyle that can definitely enhance your personal experience, as well as your resume.
Good to know:
The Philippines sustained its economic expansion with GDP growth of 6.4% year on year in Q1 2023, exceeding analysts' median forecasts (Bloomberg Survey).
Find an internship in the Philippines
There are various ways to find an internship in the Philippines. You can start your search from abroad by browsing job and internship websites. In fact, many students have found internships across the globe on the internet.
Philippine universities offering internships include, but are not limited to:
- University of the Philippines, Los Baños
- Enderun College
- Lyceum of the Philippines University, Cavite
- Mapua University
Networking can also be a helpful tool if you have friends or contacts in the country. If one of them has a business there, you could be taken on board if you have the required qualifications. Otherwise, they can recommend you to local companies that are looking for trainees.
On the other hand, if you are already in the Philippines, even as a tourist, you can inquire about possible internship offers with companies operating across the country. Make sure to have your resume within reach, as well as a cover letter.
Your resume in the Philippines
Before you start looking for an internship in the Philippines, it is important to update your resume according to Filipino norms to have better chances of being considered by potential employers. The first thing to do is to create a serious e-mail address that the potential employer will not hesitate to record in his contacts list. Avoid fancy types of e-mail addresses and go straight to the point with your first and last names (e.g., [email protected]).
Thereafter, do your best to summarize your resume on a single page. If you are a student, you may not have any work experience. But in case you do, you can mention it provided it is related to your field of study. Other related activities may also be mentioned on a single page. You do not have to mention your high school activities, for example, but your bachelor's studies, whether in a national or international university or other institution, should be mentioned.
Make sure to use a single font type and size throughout the resume. Filipino candidates, for their part, usually attach a copy of their passport-size photo on their resume. You can do the same. Do not hesitate to smile in the photo so as to show that you are an ideal and motivated candidate. Moreover, men are advised to wear a shirt in the photo, while women are advised to wear a collared blouse.
Procedure for performing an internship in the Philippines
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is the government department in charge of higher education in the Philippines, including internships. They will require that you do this with a higher education institution having strong academic links with business, industry, and recognized government and non-government organizations. Normally the program should only be for a maximum of five months, but exceptions exist for highly technical programs.
To perform an internship legally in the Philippines, you are required to:
- be officially enrolled in a legitimate Philippine higher education institution;
- be enrolled in an internship project;
- be at least 18 yrs. old from the start of the internship;
- pass pre-internship requirements per the internship plan (this includes having a visa and private health insurance);
- submit a medical certificate indicating you're physically and mentally fit;
- have a notarized written consent from your legal guardian.
Good to know:
In the case of an unpaid internship, you can apply for a tourist visa at the Philippines embassy or consulate in your home country or request a visa on arrival at the airport. You can also apply for a business visa. You can have more information in the articles Work in the Philippines and Visas for the Philippines.
Useful links:
CHED Guidelines for Student Internship Programs
