PHILIPPINE SCHOOL DOHA

S.Y. 2015-2016

The Perceived Effect of Living Abroad

Towards the Knowledge of Students on
Filipino Culture
Group 4 - Beryl
Yzer R. Gutay
Sofia Marrielle B. Jusay
Thea G. Paje
Pauline Phoebe S. Von Giese

Teacher:
Mr. Don John A. Vallesteros, MAT

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction
Migration is the seasonal movement of animals from one region
to another. Migration is a phenomenon that in the society today, is not
only limited to animals but to humans as well. It is also now defined as
to move from one country or place to live or work in another. May it be
for economic or other purposes, people often opt to move from one
country or locality to another due to various personal reasons. Majorly,
people move to more developed countries in hopes for a better quality
of life or in laymans terms, to earn more than what is given in ones
home country. A side effect of working abroad is having to leave ones
family behind which is why once stable, he or she tries to bring his or
her family to live abroad as well.
Living abroad means that a person is not exposed to the culture
or everyday living of his or her home country. They are not able to
immerse themselves in a culture they should be able to call their own
due to the globalization that arises from living overseas and being
surrounded by dozens upon dozens of other ethnicities and their
respective cultures and traditions.
Working and moving abroad seems to be a cultural norm for
Filipinos as a major income source of the country is its Overseas
Filipino Workers. Some of these workers have brought their family to
the country they are working in and raised their children in that
country. Some, shorter than others, while some children were raised all
their lives in a country far away from their homeland. As the society is

evolving into something more fast-paced and connected to each other,

the youth are starting to play a bigger role in the community which is
why it is essential that Filipino culture remains rooted in the hearts of
the youth.
The researchers will conduct a study determining the perceived
effects of living abroad towards the knowledge of students on Filipino
culture. The researchers aim to find reliable results that it could be
beneficial to everyone and the school. The researchers will focus on
figuring out the effects and use the results to make learning a lot
better.

Background of the Study

Culture is the shared characteristics of a certain group of people
and it plays a significant part of our lives as it serves as the
cornerstone for our well-being. Culture provides a foundation for
national unity and mutual patriotism, and it is important that each
member of a community is well-informed of their own values, symbols,
language and norms. However, factors such as living abroad or
overseas may negatively affect the knowledge of a person on culture.
Thus, resulting to a degradation on cultural importance and awareness.
K.A. Zimmermann (2015) states that it is an undeniable fact that
culture changes from time to time. This results to an interconnection of
values, symbols, language and norms which can lead to a diverse and
a rather complicated culture.
This study was inspired by the preceding research regarding the
effect of having to grow to a different culture. The researchers were

motivated to conceptualize a study that would know if living abroad

would have an effect on the knowledge of students on Filipino culture.

Statement of the Problem

This study will aim to prove that the duration of living abroad has
a direct effect on the knowledge of the student towards Filipino culture.
Specifically, this will aim to answer the following questions:
1. What are the reasons as to why ones family opts to live abroad?
2. What are the effects of living abroad on a students knowledge
on Filipino culture?
3. Does duration affect the outcome of the study?
4. Does it benefit the society?

Hypothesis
The longer the duration a student resides overseas, the lesser
his/her knowledge towards Filipino culture.

Significance of the Study

The said study will be able to benefit mainly the students, the
faculty and the Filipino community overseas. The results of the study
will determine the current knowledge of overseas students on the
Filipino culture. Furthermore, the results will also provide assistance in
promoting cultural awareness. Thus, this study is conducted for the
convenience of the whole Filipino community.
A. PSD Faculty
This study will be carried out not only for the students alone but
also for the well-being of the whole Philippine School Doha faculty. The
results of the study will serve as a basis for a teacher's lesson plan.
The study will help the faculty inspire the students to be mindful of the
Filipino culture. In addition, the study will nurture the faculty's pride in
the Filipino culture as well. As the second parents of the students, the
faculty must set an example for the students. The study will set the
standards that may be followed by the teachers. This will promote an
open and healthy relationship between the faculty and students and
will result to a healthier learning environment.
B. PSD Students
The researchers will conduct the study mainly to benefit the
Philippine School Doha students. Living abroad and sharing various
cultures and traditions with other nationalities, students may be

affected by the effects of cross-culture. With fresh minds, a student

can be easily influenced by the culture that surrounds him/her. The
effects of living in this condition can be a threat to the cultural
inheritance. By this study, the researchers will determine the effect of
living abroad on the knowledge towards Filipino culture. This study will
aid the students to test their knowledge on Filipino culture. The results
will then serve as a guideline to what steps a student must take to not
drift away from the Filipino culture. Moreover, the study will encourage
patriotism as well as nationalism among the students.
C. Filipino Community
In this study, the researchers are confident that this will benefit
the Filipino community as a whole. It is predetermined that the study
can help the Filipino community in way that it will develop the sense of
camaraderie among its members. The study will serve as a
cornerstone of cultural awareness throughout the members of the
community. The study will also motivate various Filipino organizations
to carry out more programs and events to cater the needed cultural
awareness among the community. As the end result, the public will be
well-informed of the effects of living abroad on the student's
knowledge towards Filipino culture.

Scope and Limitations

x

This study was conducted in order to determine whether living

abroad has an effect on the knowledge of these students on Filipino
culture. The researchers aim to formulate a study that will benefit not
only the PSD students and faculty, but also the Filipino community.
Moreover, they had looked into the resources that are necessary in this
research such as the locale and the respondents. The locale of the
study is at Doha, Qatar, particularly Philippine School Doha, since the
respondents of the study are limited to the locale itself.
This study is limited to the accessibility of resources in the
researchers locale. This requires the researchers to provide a
questionnaire in order to gather information for the study.

Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This

chapter

presents

the

related

literature

for

ease

of

understanding of this study. It was divided into four categories.

A. Books
Gu (2012) stated that, despite the growth, proliferation and
diversification in global higher education, internationalization is not a
new phenomenon for universities. However, the scope and complexity
of

internationalization

have

expanded

and

deepened

at

an

unprecedented pace over the past decade, fueled by processes of

economic, social and cultural globalization and localization.
Preparing to Study Abroad: Learning to Cross Cultures (2013) is
designed to help you prepare for your study abroad experience so you
can get the most from it, and gain critical intercultural skills while
crossing cultures. It offers strategies for learning about and exploring
cultural differences and similarities of the country you will visit; and
advice about how to actively observe and participate in the life of the
locality in which you will find yourself. Each chapter illustrates key

concepts through the personal accounts of students who have "been

there, done that.
Rodell (2002) provides the best general overview to the Asian
archipelago and to a people with close ties to the United States and a
long history of emigration and contributions to this country. The
volume emphasizes how the strong indigenous Philippine culture
meshes with constant influences from the West. Paul A. Rodell, a
specialist in Philippine history and society, superbly evokes the breadth
of the Philippines for students and the general public.
According to Nadal (2009) by examining history, cultural values,
influences of colonialism, community dynamics, and intersections with
other identities, the reader will have an opportunity to understand
essential

information

about

this

population.

Students

will

gain

knowledge and awareness about Filipino American identity and

personality development, while practitioners will learn culturallycompetent techniques to become better counselors, clinicians, and
educators.

B. Magazines
It is can be seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine (2009) that, for
students, a foreign setting is more demanding. They have to
communicate in a new language while finding new, culturally
appropriate strategies to seek out interactions. For many students it is

10

difficult to accept not being well prepared for everything and not being
able to read ahead, so to speak.
As stated in Study Abroad: More is Better, Verge Magazine
(2012), cost is a major barrier for many students and others cite
concerns about graduating on time. For some students, an impediment
to studying abroad may simply be the lack of awareness, support or
opportunities to help them on the path. Research has suggested that
not only are students who study abroad more likely to become
employed after graduating, their starting salaries may be higher, as
well. But while studying abroad is a large part of the university
experience in Europe, North American students seem to be lagging
behind in such life-enriching opportunities.
How Studying or Working Abroad Makes You Smarter, TIME Magazine
(2014) article says that, Research shows that experience in other countries
makes us more flexible, creative, and complex thinkers. How does
studying or working abroad change you? You return with a photo album
full of memories and a suitcase full of souvenirs, sure. But you may
also come back from your time in another country with an ability to
think more complexly and creativelyand you may be professionally
more successful as a result. These are the conclusions of a growing
body of research on the effects of study- and work-abroad experiences.
C. Internet

11

As written in the article of jar-u.weebly.com (2012), nowadays,

Filipinos are still easily influenced by different races and culture. Even
without the presence of colonization and invasion, Filipinos way of life
can still be manipulated. This has been apparent as a result of todays
modern living. Because of the great impact within the realms of
modern technology, people from every part of the world are highly
connected from one another.
As seen in the article entitled Diversity as a Preference to Crosscultural Design (2010) The students preferences for diversity in the
assessment strategies, uses of technologies and selection of case
materials are aligned with Hendersons (1996) ideas of integrating
multiple ways of teaching and learning that require a global
perspective and sensitivity to cultural differences and the numerous
ways in which culture influences learning. Students prefer to maintain
a sense of continuity by preserving the components of their own
culture of learning, but also want to engage in a new cultural way of
learning and thinking as part of their goal of learning in an
international course. Diversity is the best solution to respecting
culturally different ways of learning and ensuring equity among the
students.
It can be seen in ipedr.com (2011) that, students experience a
wide range of emotions once they leave home to study abroad. It is
important for parents to understand what their child is going through,

12

to be patient and supportive while their child adjusts to the new

culture. Foreign students, just like any visitors to a foreign country,
must deal with cultural differences and make adjustments.
The Benefits of Study Abroad (2015) further elaborated that, the
first large-scale survey to explore the long-term impact of study abroad
on a student's personal, professional, and academic life shows that
study abroad positively and unequivocally influences the career path,
world-view, and self-confidence of students.
It is said in exchanges.state.gov (2009) that, the degree of
"shock" depends on such factors as length of study abroad, flexibility,
tolerance for ambiguity, degree of difference between home and host
culture, prior experience abroad and his or her expectations. Culture
shock is a normal part of study abroad, and it shows that your
daughter or son is experiencing the differences between American
culture and that of the host country.
D. Related Studies
As seen in the study conducted by Kanwar et al. (1990) entitled
When Do the Measures of Knowledge Measure What We Think They Are
Measuring?, in order to investigate the effects of knowledge on
behavior, researchers have used a variety of methods to measure
knowledge. But, research results on the convergent validity of these
measures of knowledge are equivocal. Some researchers have found a

13

significant correlation between measurement methods such as selfreports, free elicitation, and paper-and-pencil tests, while others have
not. This study attempts to explain the inconsistent results. The results
suggest that the convergent validity of the different measures may
depend on what, and how much, consumers already know about a
knowledge domain.
The study conducted by Harrison et al. (2011) entitled The
Impact of Cultural Intelligence and Psychological Hardiness

on

Homesickness among Study Abroad Students said that, cultural

intelligence (CQ) can be defined as the ability to adapt successfully
across varied cultures. It captures an individuals capacity to gather,
interpret and act upon different cues in order to function effectively
across different cultures or in multicultural situations. It is important to
note that CQ is not merely cognitive understanding about cultural
differences nor is it relegated to fluency in a foreign language. Rather,
it consists of three dimensions including the emotional/motivational
and physical in addition to the cognitive. Therefore, people with high
cultural intelligence make sense of new and different situations related
to cultural differences and they are motivated to act on the new
understanding of cues that they see and experience.
Expanding Opportunities by Opening Your Mind Multicultural
Engagement

Predicts

Job

Market

Success

Through

Longitudinal

Increases in Integrative Complexity by Maddux et al. (2014) stated

14

that, a longitudinal study found that the psychological approach

individuals take when immersed in a general multicultural environment
can predict subsequent career success. This study demonstrates that
even when individuals are exposed to the same multicultural
environment, it is their psychological approach and engagement with
different cultures that determines growth in integrative complexity and
tangible increases in professional opportunities.

E. Research Paradigm

Duration of Time Living

Abroad
Independent Variable

Knowledge of Students on
Filipino Culture
Dependent Variable

The researchers have a descriptive type of research. In this

study, the researchers will try to discover if living overseas affects the
students knowledge on Filipino culture. To find the results, the
researchers will make use of a questionnaire. The independent variable

15

in the study will be the duration of time a student spends living abroad.
The dependent variable is the current knowledge of the student.

Definition of Terms
The research defined the following terms operationally and
conceptually for better understanding of the topic presented:
Abroad means in or to a foreign country or countries.
Colonialism means the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial
political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and
exploiting it economically.
Community means a group of people living in the same place or
having a particular characteristic in common.
Culture means the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual
achievement regarded collectively.
Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique, and
recognizing our individual differences.
Flexibility means willingness to change or compromise.
Foreign means situated outside a place or country; especially:
situated outside one's own country.
Globalization means a process of interaction and integration among
the people, companies, and governments of different nations, a

16

process driven by international trade and investment and aided by

information technology.
Identity means the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.
Influence means the capacity to have an effect on the character,
development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
Knowledge means facts, information, and skills acquired by a person
through

experience

or

education;

the

theoretical

or

practical

understanding of a subject.
Localization means the adaptation of a product or service to meet the
needs of a particular language, culture or desired population's "lookand-feel."
Population means a particular section, group, or type of people or
animals living in an area or country.

Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
A. Research Design
This research study will use a descriptive research design. This is to
accumulate needed data to support the hypothesis set by the
researchers. The researchers believe that this type of research design

17

requires collecting and analyzing of data. The researcher design will

depict the participants in an accurate way. The variables to be
collected will greatly affect the result of the data, which is important in
creating a conclusion.

B. Population
The study that will be conducted involves the researchers, chosen
students and the faculty. The faculty will give out valuable knowledge
and information to further improve the researchers ability in
conducting the study. The target population is the students as they will
be the main beneficiaries of the study. Selected students will be chosen
as respondents to the researchers questionnaire. The students will
serve an important role in the success of the study as they will provide
the critical information which will be used in obtaining the results of
the said study.

C. Questionnaire Validation
The data gathering tool that the researchers have chosen are
questionnaires. Questionnaires that are used in every study are
validated hence the researchers have seek assistance from Ms.
Monalisa P. Cayatoc, MAG, their values teacher, Mr. Julius A. Reyes,

18

MAEd., their Social Studies teacher, and their high school guidance
counselor, Ms. Pristine P. Pascasio, MAEd., in order for them to know if
the tool used could measure data.

D.Locale of the Study

The study will take place in the wealthiest country in the world,
Qatar. Within the country, the study will take place in PSD. The
researchers selected the place for the reason that the chosen
respondents can be located in the said venue. The identified locale of
the study is also considered to be advantageous as the researchers
spend most of their time in the said setting.

Source: https://maps.google.com/maps?output=classic&dg=brw

Data Gathering
The data gathering to be done by the researchers would be through
the use of a questionnaire. Questionnaires are frequently used in order
to

gain

the

information

needed

from

the

respondents.

The

19

questionnaire prepared by the researchers consists of questions that

are related to the study. The data gathered will be coming from the
respondents which are the high school students of Philippine School
Doha. The respondents of this study were chosen randomly whose
ages would range from 12 to 16 years old.

Statistical Treatment
The Weighted Average Mean (WAM) will be utilized in measuring
the chosen variables. In this process, each quantity to be averaged is
assigned a weight. It is used when a group of items present in the
study has a frequency associated with it. In these types of situations,
using a weighted average can be easier than the traditional method of
adding up each individual value and dividing by the total. As stated in
businessdictionary.com

(2015),

weighted

averages

are

used

extensively in descriptive statistical analysis. This determines that the

WAM is appropriate and efficient in conducting this descriptive
research

E. Research Questionnaire
A. Personal Information

study.

20

1.
2.
3.
4.

Name(optional): _____________________________________
Gender:
__ Male
__ Female
Nationality: __ Filipino __ Others. Please specify ________
Age bracket:
__ 11-12 years old
__ 13-14 years old
__ 15-16 years old
__ 17 years old and above
5. How long have you been studying abroad?
__ 6 months and below __ 1-3 years
__ 4-6 years
__ 7 years and above
B. The Filipino Culture
The test is made up of 25 statements that describe the aspects
of the Filipino culture. After each statement, check the box that best
indicates your agreement or disagreement with the aspect. Please
give your honest response.
1 strongly disagree 2 disagree 3 slightly agree 4 agree 5
strongly agree
1
Value Formation
1. I practice saying po and opo
whenever I talk to the elders
or people of authority.
2. I observe the Filipino custom
of mano.
3. I am compassionate, kind and
generous towards my peers
and to other people.
4. I regard religion as the
highest aspect of my life as I
pray at times that are needed
(before and after meals,
before sleeping, upon waking
up, etc.) and I strive to follow
religious practices.
5. I practice hospitality in my
everyday life by being
welcoming and accepting of
guests.
6. I observe bayanihan by
extending a helping hand
without expecting any
remuneration.
7. I sympathize with people who
lost their loved ones and give
monetary donations if

21

possible as a way of uplifting

the damayan system.
8. I have an immense feeling of
obligation to repay someone
who extended assistance to
me, in an undetermined time
and in whatever way.
9. I give the highest importance
to family above other things.
10.
I am able to adjust to
the norms of other groups to
attain a smooth and
harmonious relationship.
Filipino Symbols
1. I can identify the aspects of
the Philippine flag, its
importance, and its
representations.
2. I stop and stand erect to show
reverence upon hearing the
Lupang Hinirang playing.
3. I appreciate the cultural value
of the works of the Philippine
Heroes (e.g. Rizal, Bonifacio,
Luna, etc.)
4. I practice wearing the
national dress (Barong
Tagalog or Barot Saya)
whenever appropriate.
5. I am aware of the national
plants and animals of the
Philippines and its conditions;
and I fully support its welfare
and its preservation.
Language
1. I am conscious of the
language groups in the
Philippines and is fluent in
one or more of them.
2. I am knowledgeable of the
body language Filipinos use in
greeting other people.
3. I can understand widely-used
Filipino street slangs.
4. I use common Filipino phrases

22

in my conversations daily.
5. I can distinguish the term
Filipino from the term
Tagalog.
Types of Norms
1. I believe that not living up to
the accepted standards of
behaviour brings shame not
only to me, but also to my
family.
2. I am greatly influenced by
hiya in making decisions and
undertaking them.
3. I use academic, professional,
or honorific titles with the
surname when conversing to
another person unless
prompted to use their first
name or nickname.
4. I never forget send
pasalubong to my relatives in
the Philippines.
5. I always try to look decent,
religious and pious to
maintain a good reputation
among my circle of friends.
Thank you very much for your time!