De La Salle University
International Center
Student Exchange Program
Pre-Arrival Guidelines and Procedures
Academic Year 2014-2015
International Center
1. Philippines
1.1 Overview
The Philippines as an archipelagic country located in Southeast Asia. It comprises of a
total of 7,107 islands. There are 3 main groups of islands namely: Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. The country stretches 1,840 kilometers from its northern most tip in Luzon to
the southern most tip in Mindanao. Its total area is approximately around 300,000 square
kilometers or 115,831 square miles. It has 17 regions, 81 provinces, 136 cities, 1,494
municipalities, 41,995 barangays.
The country was named after King Philip II of Spain who reigned from 1556 to 1598. It
is the only country in the world named after a monarch. Philippines was colonized by
Spain from 1565 up to 1897.
1.2 Capital
The capital of the Philippines is the City of Manila or commonly known as Manila.
Manila is one of the cities that comprise the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA) or Metro
Manila. The city has 1.6 million inhabitants. De La Salle University is located in the City
of Manila
1.3 Language
The official language of the Philippines is Filipino and English. There are around 180
different languages and dialects in the country.
1.4 Currency
The Philippine Peso is the currently used in the country. The denominations of money
paper bills are in 1,000’s, 500’s, 200’s, 100’s, 50’s and 20’s. Coin denominations are in
10’s, 5’s, 1’s, 0.25’s, 0.10’s, and 0.05’s.
1.5 Religion
Around 90% of the Filipinos are Christian most of which belong to the Roman Catholic
Church, Protestant denomination, Philippine Independent Church (Aglipay), Inglesia ni
Kristo (Church of Christ). 5% of the Filipinos are Muslims. The rest are into other
religions.
1.6 Climate
The Philippines has a tropical climate. There are two seasons, the rainy and the dry
season. From the months of December to February it is cool dry season much like winter
in other countries. From March to May, it is hot dry season. These are the summer
months. From May to October it is rainy season brought about by the monsoon rains.
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Temperature during the summer months can go as high as 37 degrees Celsius. During the
monsoon seasons, temperature averages 28 degrees Celsius.
1.7 People
Filipino race is Malay (from Malaysia). Throughout history and because of inter-cultural
marriages, there are traces of Filipinos with Chinese, Indian, Spanish, Arab and North
American features.
Throughout the 7,107 islands, there are different tribal ethnic groups. Naming a few are
the Ifugaos who live in the Rice Terraces of Banaue, the Bontocs who live in the Central
Cordillera mountain ranges in Luzon Group of Island, the Mangyan who live in the
Island of Mindoro, the Pala’wans who live in the mountains of Palawan, the Aetas who
scatteredly live in Central Luzon and the Badjaos from the Mindanao Group of Island.
The Philippines also have indigenous ethnic groups. These ethnic groups are based on the
location of the regions in the country where these groups are located. A few are the
Bikolanos from Bicol Region located at the southern tip of Luzon Island, Ibanags from
the upper Northern Luzon Island, Ilocanos from the Ilocos Region, Ivatans from the
Batanes Islands in the upper tip of Luzon Island, Kapangpangans from the Province of
Pampanga, Pangasineses from the Province of Pangasinan, Sambals from the Province of
Zambales where the former American Subic Naval Base is located, Tagalogs from the
National Capital Region which includes Metro Manila,
1.8 Culture
The culture of the Philippines can be reflected through its history. The diversity of its
culture is characterized by the foreign influences. The most predominant is the 300 year
Spanish colonization. Philippines was governed by Spain through Mexico. Because of
this, the Hispanic influence was introduced to the Philippines. The Hispanic influence of
the country can be seen through folk music, folk dance, language, cuisines, arts and the
Catholic Religion.
Before the Spanish period, the country was influenced by India through kingdoms that it
influenced such as the Srivijaya Empire and the Majapahit Empire, now known as
Malaysia and Indonesia respectively.
After the Spanish colonization that ended in 1897, the American colonization began. Its
influences can be seen in the education system, the use of the English language, popular
culture, movies, music, ready to go food or fast food and the popularity of basketball as a
favorite past time and sport in the country. The most common mode of transportation
icon of the country which is the jeepney evolved after World War II. The Filipinos
devised or invented a way of putting more passengers in the military surplus jeeps that
the Americans left after the war. The Filipinos literally cut the military jeeps in half and
placed an extension in the middle thereby making the modern jeepneys carry over 20
passengers in total.
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The Chinese came to the Philippines long before the pre-Hispanic period. The Chinese
were merchants and traded goods with the native of the Philippines. Among the most
evident Chinese influence in the Philippines is its food especially the noodles now known
as pancit/pansit.
Most of the followers of Islam are located in Mindanao. Its culture was influenced by
neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia.
Since the country is predominantly Christian and Catholic in religious faith, Filipinos
celebrate the fiestas. Fiestas are feast or festivities in honor of the patron saint of a town
or a province. Fiestas are celebrated throughout the year in different provinces and town.
This is one of the Hispanic influences. During fiestas, it is celebrated by families feasting
and inviting friends to share their buffet. Parades of sculptured patron saints are paraded
in the streets. Games are also part of the celebration. It is usually done in an open area
near the town’s church or the town’s municipal hall.
1.9 Food
The staple of the Filipinos is rice. Most Filipinos eat rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner
with cooked dishes of pork, beef, chicken and vegetables. Quite a number of Filipino
dishes are cooked in vegetable oil or sautéed. This kind of cooking was influenced by the
Spanish.
Each region or province in the country has its specialty dishes. Like in the Ilocos Region
they have the Igado, in Bacolod Province they have the Chicken Inasal, in Bicol Region
they have the Bicol Express, in Laguna Province they have Buko (coconut) Pie, in
Batangas Province home of Taal Volcano they have the rare Maliputos and Tawilis fishes,
they also have the well known kapeng barako, and in Cebu province they have the lechon
or roasted pig.
2.0 Keep Right
People drive on the right side of the road in the Philippines. Filipinos also walk on the
right side of a walk way.
2. De La Salle University
2.1 Address: 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate
Manila 1004, Philippines
2.2 Website: www.dlsu.edu.ph
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2.3 Responsible Office:
International Center
Room 207 Saint Joseph Hall
2401 Taft Avenue, Malate
Manila 1004, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: (632)-5256727 and (632)-5244611 local 289
Fax Number: (632)-5256727
Officers and Staff:
1. Executive Director for External Relations and Internationalization – Prof. Alvin
Culaba, PhD (alvin.culaba@dlsu.edu.ph)
2. Unit Head and Global Education Specialist-International Center – Mr. Reodel
Masilungan (reodel.masilungan@dlsu.edu.ph)
3. Communications Specialist and Student Advisor-International Center – Ms.
Rhodora Caballero (rhodora.caballero@dlsu.edu.ph)
4. International Program Development and Marketing Specialist-International
Center – Ms. Jhona Camba (jhona.camba@dlsu.edu.ph)
5. International Services Management and Student Advisor – Mr. Kent Gabriel So
(kent.so@dlsu.edu.ph)
6. Liaison Officer-International Center – Ms. Rita Colar (rita.colar@dlsu.edu.ph)
7. Liaison Officer-International Center – Mr. Paolo Pantig
(paolo.pantig@dlsu.edu.ph)
8. Head of Center for Global Engagement and Academic Relations Administrator –
Ms. Aleta Tabalba (aleta.tabalba@dlsu.edu.ph)
9. External Affairs Officer – Mr. Ronee San Agustin
(ronee.sanagustin@dlsu.edu.ph)
10. Technical Assistant for Administration – Mr. Maria Corazon Manzano
(ma.corazon.manzanom@dlsu.edu.ph)
2.4 Brief History
De La Salle University started out as a college in 1911. It was then called the De
La Salle College. It was established by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a religious
congregation founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle of France. The first students were
all boys and the original campus was located on General Luna Street. It was in 1973 that
the college recognized the need for Catholic women’s education and thus opened its
doors to female students. De La Salle College changed its status to a university on
February 19, 1975. It was in the eventful school year of 1981 – 1982 that the traditional
the traditional semestral academic schedule was changed to the trimestral system.
Its academic excellence can be attributed to its competent faculty and staff, and
the state-of-the art facilities. It likewise has established a strong linkage with other
educational institutions in the Philippines and in other countries as well.
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2.5 VISION – MISSION
Vision
De La Salle University is an internationally recognized Catholic university established by
the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1911.
Inspired by the charism of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the University harmonizes faith
and life with contemporary knowledge to nurture a community of distinguished and
morally upright scholars who generate and propagate new knowledge for human
development and social transformation.
As a resource of Church and Nation, the institution endeavors to form Lasallian
Achievers for God and Country who will lead in building a just, peaceful, stable and
progressive Filipino nation.
Mission
Guided by this Vision, the University will become a leading research university in
Southeast Asia. With its corps of eminent faculty ably supported by visionary leaders and
technology-enabled professional services, the institution will offer excellent
multidisciplinary programs and build a community of learners and scholars who value the
pursuit of new knowledge within the perspective of Christian ideals and values.
In an academic environment permeated by excellence and scholarship, the institution will
train leaders, competent professionals, scholars, researchers and entrepreneurs, who will
participate actively in improving the quality of life in Philippine society.
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2.6 Vicinity Map
2.7 Colleges
De La Salle University has 7 Colleges and 1 School and under the 7 colleges are various
undergraduate degree programs that most exchange students can enter into for course
enrollment.
1. College of Business and School of Economics
a. Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA)
b. Bachelor of Science in Advertising Management (ADV)
c. Bachelor of Science in Applied Corporate Management (ACM)
d. Bachelor of Science in Business Management (MGT)
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e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS-ENT)
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Business Studies (IBS)
Bachelor of Science in Legal Management (LGL)
Bachelor of Science in Management of Financial Institutions (FIN)
Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management (MKT)
2. School of Economics
a. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Economics (BS-AEC)
b. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Accountancy (AE-BSA)
c. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Advertising Management (AEADV)
d. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Applied Corporate Management
(AE-APC)
e. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Business Management (AEMGT)
f. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Legal Management (AE-LGL)
g. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Management of Financial
Institutions (AE-FIN)
h. BS in Applied Economics and BS in Marketing Management (AEMKT)
i. Bachelor of Arts (AB) Major in Economics (AB-ECM)
j. AB Major in Economics and BS in Accountancy (ECM-BSA)
k. AB Major in Economics and BS in Advertising Management (ECMADV)
l. AB Major in Economics and BS in Applied Corporate Management
(ECM-APC)
m. AB Major in Economics and BS in Business Management (ECMMGT)
n. AB Major in Economics and BS in Legal Management (ECM-LGL)
o. AB Major in Economics and BS in Management of Financial
Institutions (ECM-FIN)
p. AB Major in Economics and BS in Marketing Management (ECMMKT)
3. College of Science
a. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry (BSBCHEM)
b. BS in Biology (BS-BIO)
c. BS in Chemistry (BS-CHY)
d. BS in Chemistry minor in Business Studies (BS-CHYB)
e. BS in Human Biology (HUM-BIO)
f. BS in Mathematics (MATH-BAP)
g. BS in Mathematics (MATH-CAP)
h. BS in Statistics, major in Actuarial Science (BS-STAT)
i. BS in Physics, minor in Economics (BSPHYEC)
j. BS in Physics, minor in Finance (BSPHYFI)
k. BS in Physics with specialization in Materials Science (PHY-MAT)
l. BS in Physics with specialization in Medical Instrumentation (PHYMED)
m. BS in Pre-med Physics (PHY-PMD)
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4. College of Liberal Arts
a. AB in Behavioral Sciences, major in Org & Social Systems
Development (AB-OSDM)
b. AB in Development Studies (AB-DSM)
c. AB in International Studies, major in American Studies (AB-ISA)
d. AB in International Studies, major in European Studies (AB-ISE)
e. AB in International Studies, major in Japanese Studies (AB-ISJ)
f. AB in Political Science (AB-POM)
g. AB, major in Communication Arts (AB-CAM)
h. AB, major in History (AB-HIM)
i. AB, major in Literature (AB-LIM)
j. AB, major in Organizational Communication (AB-OCM)
k. AB, major in Philosophy (AB-PLM)
l. AB, major in Psychology (AB-PSM)
m. Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology (BS-PSYC)
n. AB in Philippine Studies, major in Filipino in Mass Media (AB-PHM)
o. Bachelor of Arts and BS in Commerce (AB-BSC or LIA-COM
Program)
5. College of Engineering
a. BS in Chemical Engineering (CHE)
b. BS in Chemical Engineering, minor in Semiconductor Processing
(CHE-SEM)
c. BS in Civil Engineering w/ Specializations in Structural Engineering
(CIV)
d. BS in Electronics & Communications Engineering (ECE)
e. BS in Industrial Engineering (IE)
f. BS in MEM w/ Specialization in Mechatronics and Robotics
Engineering (MEM-MRE)
g. BS in MEM w/ Specialization in Biomedical Engineering (MEMBME) * new
h. BS in Industrial Management Engineering minor in Information
Technology (BSIMEIT)
i. BS in Industrial Management Engineering minor in Service
Management (BSIMESM)
j. BS in Mechanical Engineering w/ concentration in Mechatronics
Engineering (MEE)
k. BS in Computer Engineering (CPE)
6. College of Computer Studies
a. BS Computer Science Major in Computer Systems Engineering (CSCSE)
b. BS Computer Science with Specialization in Software Technology
(CS-ST)
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c. BS Computer Science with Specialization in Network Engineering
(CS-NE)
d. BS in Information and Communication Technology Management (BSICTM)
e. BS Computer Science with Specialization in Instructional Systems
Technology (CS-IST)
7. College of Education
a. Bachelor of Science (BS), major in Early Childhood Education (BSECED)
b. BS in Educational Psychology (BS-EPSY)
c. Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE), major in English (BSEENG)
d. BSE, major in Biology (BSE-BIO)
e. BSE, major in Chemistry (BSE-CHE)
f. BSE, major in Mathematics (BSE-MAT)
g. BSE, major in Physics (BSE-PHY)
h. BSE, major in Physical Sciences (BSE-PSC)
i. Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Management (AB-SPM)
j. BSE, major in Mathematics with specialization in Computer
Application (BSE-CAP)
7. College of Law
2.8 University Calendar for School Year 2014-2015
1st Trimester
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Start of classes
Midterm examination week
Final examination week
Grade Consultation Day
Trimesteral break
- May 21, 2014
– July 02 to 08, 2014
– August 26 to September 01, 2014
– September 03, 2014
– September 02 to 07, 2014
1st Trimester Holidays
June 12, 2014 – Independence Day
June 14, 2014 – (for STC Campus only) Laguna Day
June 24, 2014 – (for Manila Campus only) Manila Day
July 02, 2014 – (for Ortigas Campus only) Pasig Day
July 30, 2014 – Eid’l Fitr
August 21, 2014 – Ninoy Aquino Day
August 25, 2014 – National Heroes Day
*
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2nd Trimester
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Start of classes
Midterm examination week
Final examination week
Grade Consultation Day
Trimesteral break
- September 08, 2014
– October 20 to 25, 2014
– December 09 - 15, 2014
- December 18, 2014
– December 18, 2014 to January 06, 2015
2nd Trimester Holidays
October 05, 2014 – Eidul Adha
November 01, 2014 – All Saints’ Day
November 02, 2014 – All Souls’ Day
November 30, 2014 – Bonifacio Day
*
3rd Trimester
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Start of classes
Midterm examination week
Final examination week
Grade Consultation Day
Trimesteral break
- January 07, 2015
– February 18 -24, 2015
– April 16 to 22, 2015
- April 25, 2015
– April 23, 2015 to (to be announced)
3rd Trimester Holidays
January 01, 2015 – New Year’s Day
February 19, 2015 – Chinese New Year’s Day
February 25, 2015 – EDSA Revolution Anniversary
April 01, 2015 – Holy Wednesday
April 02, 2015 – Maundy Thursday
April 03, 2015 – Good Friday
April 04, 2015 – Black Saturday
April 09, 2015 – Araw ng Kagitingan
*
Note: * Date of the Holidays may change upon the announcement of the
President of the Philippines
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2.9 Class Hours
Regular Classes
0800 – 0930
0940 – 1110
1120 – 1250
1300 – 1430
1440 – 1610
1620 – 1750
1800 – 1930
1940 – 2110
1800 – 2115 (for evening weekday classes for graduate students)
0800 – 1115 (for Saturday classes for graduate students)
1200 – 1515 (for Saturday classes for graduate students)
**
Physical Education (Gym/Sports) Class Schedule
0830 – 1030
1150 – 1350
1510 – 1710
1830 – 2030
**
Note: ** In Hundred Hours
2.10 Course Credits
A course in De La Salle University has 3 contact hours per week with the students. Each
course is 3 units. Engineering and Science Laboratory courses have 3 contact hours per
week but only carry 1 unit. English1 course has 6 contact hours per week but only carry 3
units. Physical Education courses carry 2 units. Engineering Algebra 1 has 5 contact
hours per week but carry 3 units.
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2.11 Grading System
Undergraduate
4.0
Excellent
3.5
Superior
3.0
Very Good
2.5
Good
2.0
Satisfactory
1.5
Fair
1.0
Passed
0.0
Failed
Audit Audit
Inc. Incomplete
W
Withdrawn
Diploma/Certificate
Excellent
Superior
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
Fair
No Credit
Failed
Audit
Incomplete
Withdrawn
Masteral
Excellent
Superior
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
No Credit
No Credit
Failed
Audit
Incomplete
Withdrawn
Doctoral
Excellent
Superior
Very Good
Good
Satisfactory
No Credit
No Credit
Failed
Audit
Incomplete
Withdrawn
2.12 Basis of Course Grades
The bases of grades of a student in a course enrolled are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Quizzes or examination, an average of 4 per course
Midterm examination
Final examination
Home works
Term papers
Class participation or recitation
Group work or presentation
Attendance
Bases of grades may vary depending upon the nature and requirements of the course.
2.13 University Rules and Regulations
All exchange students are covered by the university rules and regulations. No exemptions.
All exchange students will be given a student handbook for reference to the University’s
Rules and Regulations.
2.14 Class Days for Undergraduates
Classes for undergraduate students at De La Salle University are from Mondays to
Thursdays. Classes are either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Fridays are for consultations with faculty members and school organization activities.
***
Note: ***As of 2nd trimester of school year 2007-2008
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2.15 Class Size
The maximum size of a class depends on the professor. The maximum class size is
usually between 40 to 45 students.
2.16 Classrooms
All classrooms in De La Salle University are air-conditioned. Classroom temperature
averages from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius if the air-conditioner is turned on. Some science
and engineering laboratory classrooms are not air-conditioned.
2.17 Campus Map
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2.18 Codes of Buildings
In the Enrollment Assessment Form given to the exchange students, classrooms are
coded into:
1. St. La Salle Hall – LS
2. Don Enrique Yuchengco Hall – EY
3. St. Joseph Hall – SJ
4. William Hall – W
5. Miguel Hall – SM
6. Velasco Hall – VL
7. Gokongwei Hall – GK
8. Brother Andrew Gonzales Hall – AG
9. Mutien Marie Hall – MM
10. Science and Technology Research Center – ST
11. Enrique Razon Sports Complex - ER
3. Pre-arrival to Manila
3.1 Notification of sending exchange students deadlines to the International Center
(IC) of De La Salle University by partner university
1. First Trimester – January 30
2. Second Trimester – May 30
3. Third Trimester – September 30
3.2 Requirements for Inbound Exchange Students
Starting 2nd trimester of school year 2008-2009, September 10, 2008, all inbound
applicants for Student Exchange Programs to De La Salle University will be required to
have a unified Special Study Permit requirement. Student Visas will no longer be
required.
Requirements to be submitted to the International Center:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Exchange Student Program Admission Sheet
An original copy of his/her Transcript of Records
A 59-day tourist visa if possible
Photocopy of the information/photo page of the passport
An airline ticket with open or definite return flight back to country of origin.
Health insurance covering the whole duration of the exchange student’s stay
in the Philippines. It must also have a Philippine insurance broker counterpart.
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3.3 Due Dates of Requirements to be received by the International Center
1. First Trimester – January 30
2. Second Trimester – June 30
3. Third Trimester – September 30
4. Arrival in the Philippines
4.1 Notification of Arrival
The exchange student must send at least two weeks ahead of time the Arrival Notification
Form via fax to (632)-5256727 or scan and email to Mr. Reodel Masilungan,
International Unit Head at reodel.masilungan@dlsu.edu.ph. IC will arrange an airport
transport exchange students from the airport.
4.2 Clothing to Bring
Since the Philippines is a tropical country, it is best to bring clothing that are suitable for
27 – 37 degrees Celsius. A light jacket is also advised to be brought along. Clothing to be
brought should not be delicate or easily be damaged in laundry shops. Shoes for rainy
weather are a must.
4.3 Ninoy Aquino International Airport
There are currently three operational international airports in Manila. Ninoy Aquino
International Airport 1 (NAIA1), Ninoy Aquino International Airport 2 (NAIA2) also
known as Centennial International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport 3
(NAIA3).
All Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines international and local flights land and depart
at NAIA2 or the Centennial International Airport. Other international carrier flights land
and depart at NAIA1. All Cebu Pacific Airlines, local and international, uses NAIA3.
4.4 Clark Airfields Pampanga (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport)
Exchange students are advised not to take budget airlines that land in Clark Airfields
Pampanga also known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. It is 82 kilometers
away from Manila and at least an hour and a half highway/freeway driving to get there.
The university does not pick up exchange students from this airport.
4.5 Arrival Days and Time
Incoming exchange students are advised to arrive between Mondays to Fridays and
preferably within working hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Availability of university
personnel to welcome and assist exchange students are usually available only during
working days and hours.
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If the exchange student could not arrange arrivals on the said days and time, he/she must
inform his/her International Relations Office of this matter. The International Relations
Office of the exchange student will coordinate with IC regarding the exchange student’s
arrival.
4.6 Exchange Student Arrival Schedule
1. First Trimester – May 13, 2014
2. Second Trimester – September 01, 2014
3. Third Trimester – January 05, 2015
4.7 Arrival at NAIA1, NAIA2 or NAIA3
Once IC receives the Arrival Notification Form, the International Relations Office of the
partner university and the exchange students will be emailed on the location where the
pick up in the airport will be made. In the case of NAIA1, exchange students are picked
up at the Arrival Extension Lobby right in front of the Duty Free Shop. For those arriving
at NAIA2, students are picked up just right outside the exit of the airport lobby.
Exchange students are advised to exchange around US$ 100.00 worth into Philippine
Peso at the banks right after the Customs Inspection Area for those arriving at NAIA1. At
NAIA2, there is a Foreign Exchange booth just to the left of the Customs Inspection Area.
Exchange students must ask for some small denominations such as 100’s, 50’s and 20’s.
Large bills such as 1,000’s and 500’s are hard to get changed in stores/restaurants/shops.
The exchange students would need Philippine Peso to purchase food/meals and
dormitory/housing needs on the day of their arrival.
A member of the IC will pick up the exchange students from the airport. Exchange
Students are cautioned not to go with anyone else but with the IC members. Exchange
students must decline any offer of anyone offering to be driven to their destination.
4.8 Tentative Orientation Schedule of Incoming Exchange Students
1. First Trimester – May 14, 2014
2. Second Trimester – September 02, 2014
3. Third Trimester – January 06, 2015
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5. Bureau of Immigration Procedures
5.1 Attire When Transacting Business at the Bureau of Immigration
Male exchange students are required to wear pants, shoes and a shirt with short or long
sleeves when transacting business at the Bureau of Immigration (BI). For the female
exchange students, the must wear pants or skirt, shoes and an upper garment preferably
with long or short sleeves.
Clothing or attire not allowed inside the BI:
1. Slippers
2. Shorts
3. Sleeveless shirts
5.2 Special Study Permit for One-Trimester to Three-Trimester Exchange Students
As of September 2011, the Bureau of Immigration has decreed that all International
Students’, including exchange students, transactions involving Student Visas and Special
Study Permits will be done by the official school representative to BI. Exchange students
will have to transact their Special Study Permit with IC. The Special Study Permit is not
any kind of visa.
Special Study Permits are required every trimester of study in De La Salle University.
The payment for the first Special Study Permit will be PHP 9,000.00. The payment for
the 2nd and the 3rd is PHP 7,000.00
5.3 Visa Waiver and Visa Extension
1. An exchange student arriving without any student visa is allowed to stay in the
country for 30 days. He/She must file for a visa waiver first to make his stay valid
up to 59 days making the exchange student like having a tourist visa issued in his
country valid up to 59 days.
2. An exchange student arriving with a tourist visa is valid to stay up to 59 days in
the country without any visa extension.
3. All exchange students must extend their visas up to the end of the trimester
enrolled as much as possible upon receiving their Special Study Permit.
4. During the orientation, an exchange student will be asked if he/she will go abroad
for a vacation or a trip in between trimesters or during trimestral breaks. IC will
assist and advice the exchange student to extend his visa up to the day of his/her
trip abroad.
5. Once an exchange student goes abroad, his/her visa extension will be considered
null and void. Upon his/her return, he/she is allowed to stay in the country for
only 30 days. He/she must re-apply for another visa waiver and visa extension.
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6. Currently, the Student Desk of the BID is allowing a full 6 months visa extension
from the day of arrival of the exchange student. This privilege given by the
Student Desk may change without prior notice. If the exchange student goes out
of the country within the period the visa has been extended, the remainder
extension days will be null and void. The exchange student must file for another
visa waiver and another visa extension and must pay the fees again.
5.4 Estimated cost of fees at the Bureau of Immigrations
1. For a one trimester exchange student arriving with a 21 days temporary visitor
status (no Tourist Visa) and without going abroad during the trimester
a. Special Study Permit – PHP 9,000.00
b. Visa Waiver to extend stay from 30 days to 59 days – PHP 3,030.00
c. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
Estimated total: PHP 16,830.00
****
2. For a two trimester exchange student arriving with a 30 days temporary visitor
status (no Tourist Visa) and without going abroad during the whole 2 trimesters
a. Special Study Permit (1st trimester of study) – PHP 9,000.00
b. Special Study Permit (2nd trimester of study) – PHP 7,000.00
c. Visa Waiver to extend stay from 21 days to 59 days – PHP 3,030.00
d. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
e. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
f. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
g. Exit clearance leaving for home country – PHP 500.00
Estimated total: PHP 26,930.00
****
3. For a three trimester student arriving with a 30 days temporary visitor status (no
Tourist Visa) and without going abroad during the whole 3 trimesters
a. Special Study Permit (1st trimester of study) – PHP 9,000.00
b. Special Study Permit (2nd trimester of study) – PHP 7,000.00
c. Special Study Permit (3rd trimester of study) – PHP 7,000.00
d. Visa Waiver to extend stay from 21 days to 59 days – PHP 3,030.00
e. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
f. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
g. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
h. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
i. Tourist Visa Extension (plus 2 months) – PHP 4,800.00
j. Exit clearance leaving for home country – PHP 500.00
Estimated total: PHP 36,530.00
****
Note ****:
1.
All are computed estimates based on the fees imposed by the Bureau of
Immigrations and Deportation.
2.
The computed estimates are also computed given that the exchange student will
not go out of the country from the start to the end of his/her Student Exchange Program.
3.
Other fees may be imposed by the Bureau of Immigrations and Deportation.
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5.5 Photocopies of Transactions
The IC must have photocopies of all the transactions, certificates and official receipts
done at the BID for file purposes. All visa extension and visa waiver stamps on passports
must be photocopied and copies must be given to IC.
6. Life as an Exchange Student
6.1 Housing
De La Salle University currently does not have yet an International Student Housing.
Exchange students are housed in a very limited number of condominium units or flats
owned by the university and in the university run dormitory called The La Sallian Center.
There are no accredited condominiums/flats or housings around campus. There are
various condominium unit/flat owners around campus that rent out their units. IC could
not transact in behalf of the exchange students since condominium unit/flat owners’
demand deposit and advance payments. IC cannot make advance payments in behalf of
the exchange student. IC can arrange a temporary housing for the exchange students until
such time that the exchange students can find accommodations that they feel suits them.
IC can give a list of the condominiums/flats, condominium unit owners, dormitories and
housings that they can choose from and make pre-arrival arrangements.
A condominium/flat unit near the university would cost an average of PHP 14,000 a
month. Plus electricity, water and other utilities.
All exchange students are strongly advised to house themselves near the university.
6.2 Cost of Living
Below are the estimates of the basic cost of living of exchange students living near the
campus:
Meals – PHP 75.00 to 150.00 per meal
Books and materials – PHP 5,000.00 per trimester
Laundry – PHP 25.00 per kilogram
Toiletries – PHP 500.00 to 1,000.00 per month
Transportation – PHP 2,000.00 to 4,000.00 per month
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6.3 Transportation
There are various transportation modes around campus to go from one place to
another:
1. LRT1 or the Light Railway Transit1 – this rail transit runs along the street of the
university, Taft Avenue, with Baclaran Station in Paranaque City on its southern
most point and Monumento in Quezon City on its northern most point. Minimum
fare for LRT1 is PHP 12.00. Total fare is determined from station of origin to the
station a passenger will disembark.
2. MRT or the Metro Rail Transit – this rail transit runs along the main thoroughfare
of the Metropolis along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue also known as EDSA.
With its southern most point at Taft Avenue, this is where LRT1 and MRT meet.
Passengers can transfer from LRT1 to MRT and from MRT to LRT1. The
northern most point of MRT2 is at the North Avenue. Minimum fare for MRT is
PHP 12.00. Total fare is determined from station of origin to the station a
passenger will disembark.
3. LRT2 or the Light Railway Transit2 – this rail transit runs from Santolan Station
in Pasig City on its eastern most point and to Recto Station in the City of Manila
on its western most station. At Recto Station, passengers can transfer to LRT1.
Minimum fare is PHP 12.00. Total fare is determined from station of origin to the
station a passenger will disembark.
4. Jeepney is the most common transportation. Jeepney routes are numerous.
Minimum fare is PHP 8.00 for the first 5 kilometers. Additional fares are charges
for succeeding distances after the first 5 kilometers.
5. Air-conditioned Metropolis buses charge a minimum PHP 12.00 for the first 5
kilometers. Additional fares are charges for succeeding distances after the first 5
kilometers.
6. FX – these are air-conditioned Asian Utility Vehicles. Much like the jeepneys,
their routes are numerous around the Metropolis. Minimum fare is PHP 15.00 for
the first 5 kilometers. Additional fares are charges for succeeding distances after
the first 5 kilometers.
7. Taxi – the initial flag down fare of a taxi is PHP 40.00. For every 200 to 250
meters of distance after the flag down PHP 3.50 is added to the taxi meter fare.
Exchange students are discouraged taking taxis that would not flag down their
taxi meter and would contract a certain amount of fare.
6.4 Communications
Landline – there are 4 major landline telephone communication lines that provide public
phone services
1. PLDT – Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company
2. Globe Telecommunications
3. Bayantel
4. Eastern Telecommunications
Mobile Phone – There are 3 phone companies that provide mobile phone services.
1. Globe Telecommunications
2. Smart Telecommunications
3. Sun Telecommunications
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Mobile phone services in the Philippines uses SIM cards. Also, the mode of payment for
the mobile phone services applicable to exchange students is the pre-paid mode. Pre-paid
is loading a monetary equivalent to the mobile phone through:
1. Pre-paid cards
2. Loading stations
a. Variety stores
b. Convenience stores
c. Mobile phone shops
6.5 Credit Cards
The following credit cards are honored in the Philippines:
1. MasterCard
2. Visa
3. Diners Club
4. American Express
5. JCB
Please note that not all establishments in the Philippines honor credit cards especially in
provincial areas. It is advisable to ask from a store or a restaurant if they honor credit
cards before making any purchase or eating meals.
6.6 ATM Services
Exchange students can withdraw money through banks that services:
1. Cirrus
2. Maestro
3. Plus
6.7 Traveler’s Checks
The most common honored or convertible to cash Traveler’s Checks is American Express.
If an exchange student would be bringing Traveler’s Checks other than
American Express it is advised to ask the issuer of the Traveler’s Check from the home
country in which bank in the Philippines it is convertible into cash.
6.8 Meals
There are a total of 5 canteens in the university that serves breakfast and lunch. Prices of
meals vary from PHP 75.00 to PHP 150.00 depending upon the choice of dishes or meals.
Canteens in campus are located at:
1. Ground floor of St. La Salle Hall near the South Gate
2. Brother Alphonsus Bloemen Hall – College Canteen
3. 6th floor of Brother Andrew Gonzales Hall
4. 2nd of the Enrique Razon Sports Complex
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Outside of campus there are fast-food chains such as:
1. McDonald’s
2. Jollibee – local hamburger chain
3. Starbucks
4. Army-Navy
5. Tropical Hut
6. Kenny Rogers
7. Yellow Cab Pizza
8. Pizza Hut
9. Kentucky Fried Chicken
10. Tapa King
6.9 Health Concerns
The main university clinic is located at the ground floor of the Brother Gabriel Connon
Hall. And exchange student can consult medical or health concerns from any of the on
duty physicians. They also have dental services in the clinic.
All exchange students are required to have travel insurance that covers health and
medical needs including hospitalization.
6.10 Exchange Student Enrollments
IC will assist all exchange students in enrolling their desired courses. Some courses may
require pre-requisites. Some courses are also taught in Filipino.
An exchange student can enroll in regular classes. An exchange student must finish
his/her courses enrolled. Classes offered by the Center for Language and Lifelong
Learning (CeLL) is not covered the tuition fee waiver. Exchange students enrolling in
CeLL will be responsible for their tuition fee enrolled in that program
An exchange student can enroll a maximum of 18 units (6 courses) for undergraduate
students and 9 units (3 courses) for graduate students each trimester. If the number of
courses or units needed by the exchange student is higher than this, the student’s
corresponding International Relations Office must notify IC. No dropping or withdrawal
of courses is allowed for the exchange students.
All changes in schedule or courses must be done at the second day of the start of classes.
This deadline has been set by the Office of the University Registrar or OUR. After the
second day of classes, no more changes could be made.
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6.11 Class Attendance
All students must arrive on time for their class. For undergraduates: a student is
considered late after 1 minute up to 30 minutes after the start of his/her class. This is
equivalent to a 0.5 absence. 31 minutes and up of tardiness or being late is considered an
absence or 1.0 absent. This is for a 1.5 hours class that meets twice a week. A student is
given a maximum total of 5 absences. A student over 5 absences will be given a 0.0 grade
or a failing grade.
For graduate students taking a course that meets for 3 hours and once a week: a
maximum of 2 absences is allowed per course per trimester.
6.12 Library
The University Library is open from Mondays to Saturdays on regular school trimesters.
Mondays to Fridays it is open from 7:00m to 7:30 pm and on Saturdays 7:30 am to 7:30
pm. During trimestral breaks, it is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Saturdays 8:00 to
12:00 noon. On summer breaks it is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
A student can borrow a maximum of 30 books for 2 weeks total from the General
Circulation Area and this would also include majority of the books in the American
Studies Section and the European and Documentation Research Center (EDRC).
Availability of the books can be viewed from the University Library’s On-Line Public
Access Catalogue (OPAC) computers in the library. Books from the Reference Section
and Periodical Section cannot be taken home and only for library use.
Overdue books borrowed from the General Circulation Area, Filipiniana Section, EDRC
at American Studies are charged PHP 20.00 per day/per book.
6.13 Text Books and Materials
The University Bookstore is located at the ground floor of the Br. Gabriel Connon Hall.
Most textbooks required by professors are available there. School materials such as
quiz/examination booklets, ball pens, notebooks and folders can be purchased there.
School materials that are not available at the University Bookstore can be bought at
commercial bookstores outside the university such as National Bookstore, Power Books
and Goodwill Bookstore.
6.14 Laptops and Computers
De La Salle University is wifi or wireless internet connection capable. An exchange
student can bring his/her wifi capable laptop. An exchange student must fill up an Entry
Pass for his/her laptop every time the exchange student enters campus with his/her laptop.
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If in case the laptop is not wifi capable, the exchange student can plug in into portals
located at the ground floor of the Gokongwei Hall.
There are around 26 computer laboratories in campus. An exchange student can use any
of the computers in the following rooms provided that it is not being used for classes and
lectures:
1. AG1706
2. GK301
3. GK302
4. GK304A
5. GK304B
6. GK306
7. GK604
8. SJ212
9. SJ308
10. LS212
11. LS229
12. LS320
13. LS335
14. SM306
15. ST218
16. ST223
17. ST314
18. VL101
19. VL103
20. VL107
21. VL211
22. VL301
23. VL311C
24. VL313
25. VL505
26. EY602
6.15 Sports and Recreation
Exchange students may use a number of the sports facilities in the Enrique Razon Sports
Complex provided that the facilities are not being used for Physical Education classes.
The gym or rehabilitation center on the 9th floor of the complex is reserved for athletes.
The Ironworks Club on the 10th floor is open for membership on a per trimester basis.
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6.16 Sports Clubs
An exchange student can join the following sports club of the university:
1. Arnis Team
2. Dragon Boat Team
3. Hockey Club
4. Iron Works Club
5. Karatedo Society
6. DLSU Rowing Team
7. DLSU Running Club
8. Sarian
9. Yoshinkan Aikido Club
Membership fees and dues are required.
6.17. University Varsity Teams
Exchange students can also join practices of varsity teams of the university. An exchange
student must signify his/her intent to join practices. Final approval of allowing an
exchange student will rely on the Director of the Office of the Sports Development and
the concerned varsity coach. An exchange student joining a university varsity team may
not be able to play in games due to athletic organization rulings. The following are the
varsity teams of De La Salle University:
1. Athletics Men
2. Athletics Women
3. Badminton Men
4. Badminton Women
5. Baseball Men
6. Basketball Men
7. Basketball Women
8. Chess Men
9. Chess Women
10. Fencing Men
11. Fencing Women
12. Football (Soccer) Men
13. Football (Soccer) Women
14. Judo Men
15. Judo Women
16. Lawn Tennis Men
17. Lawn Tennis Women
18. Animo Squad – Green (Traditional)
19. Animo Squad – White (Cheer Dance)
20. Softball Women
21. Swimming Men
22. Swimming Women
23. Table Tennis Men
24. Table Tennis Women
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25. Taekwondo Men
26. Taekwondo Women
27. Beach Volleyball Men
28. Beach Volleyball Women
29. Volleyball Men
30. Volleyball Women
6.18 University Student Organizations
De La Salle University has a number of Student Organizations per college that an
exchange student can be a member of.
1. College of Business and Economics
a. AD Create Society (ACS)
b. Business Management Society (BMS)
c. Economics Organization (ECONORG)
d. Junior Entrepreneurs Marketing Association (JEMA)
e. Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)
f. Ley La Salle (LLS)
g. Management of Financial Institutions Association (MaFIA)
2. College of Computer Studies
a. La Salle Computer Society (LSCS)
3. College of Education
a. Student Council – College Assembly of Education
4. College of Engineering
a. Civil Engineering Society (CES)
b. Electronics and Communications Engineering Society (ECES)
c. Mechanical Engineering Society (MES)
5. College of Liberal Arts
a. Behavioral Science Team (BeST)
b. European Studies Association (ESA)
c. Literature Circle
d. Nihon Kenkyu Kai (NKK)
e. Political Science Society (POLISCY)
f. Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral sa Sikolohiya (SMS) - Psychology
g. Students of Philosophy in Action (SoPhiA)
h. Team Communications (TEAMCOMM)
6. College of Science
a. Chemistry Society (CHEMSOC)
b. Mathematics Circle
c. Physics Society (PHYSOC)
d. Societas Vitae (SV)
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Student organizations may require membership fees.
6.19 University Volunteer Program
An exchange student is recommended to coordinate with the Center for Social Concern
and Action (COSCA) of the Student Personnel Services for volunteer work. Volunteer
work is supervised by members of the Student Personnel Services. The Student Personnel
Services has programs for volunteer work. COSCA’s office is located at the 4th floor of
the Brother Gabriel Connon Hall.
6.20 Going on Trips
An exchange student must inform the International Center if he/she will go out of town
for a trip.
6.21 Termination of Student Exchange Program
An exchange student is given 1 week from the last day of his/her last trimester which is
also the grades consultation day to finish all his/her academic requirements and to depart
for home. Should the exchange student wishes to stay longer, he/she must vacate his/her
housing if it is De La Salle University owned to give way to incoming exchange students
and would need to accomplish a Waiver Form for Extension of Stay. De La Salle
University would not be anymore responsible for the exchange student after the said
given time.
7. Pre-Departure for Home
7.1 Accomplishment of Course Requirements
An exchange student must accomplish all the requirements of an enrolled course in order
to get a grade. If the exchange student fails to accomplish requirements, he/she would
receive an Incomplete/INC grade or a 0.0/Fail grade.
7.2 Payment of Dues
All exchange students must settle dues or payments with the university before leaving for
home. Such are overdue/loss/damaged book payments and library payments, Physical
Education Department equipment damage/loss fees and other school fees not covered by
the Student Exchange Program must also be settled. Payment of rent of De La Salle
University owned housing is also included. Non-payment of dues might result to nonissuance of Official Transcript of Records.
7.3 Official Transcript of Records
An exchange student is entitled to two original copies of the Official Transcript of
Records at the end of his/her student exchange program. The Official Transcript of
Records will be available in a couple of weeks of the following trimester and will be sent
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through the International Relations Office of the home university of the exchange student.
An exchange student will be asked to fill up a Document Request Form and a Proxy
Form of the Office of the University Registrar before departure for their home country.
The Proxy Form authorizes a member of the IC to acquire the exchange student’s
Transcript of Records in behalf of the exchange student. The exchange students usually
leave for their home countries right after the final examinations of their last trimester and
are not able to wait for the Transcript of Records to be available.
The Transcript of Records will be mailed to the International Relationship Office or its
equivalent in the home university of the exchange student.
7.4 Exit Clearances from the Bureau of Immigrations and Deportation
Two and 3 trimester exchange students must file for an exit clearance around 2 weeks
before departure.
The exit clearance will be given to the Bureau of Immigrations and Deportation officer
upon checking in at the Immigrations counters of the international airport when
disembarking for home country.
7.5 Luggage Weight
Majority of the airlines would only allow 20 kilograms of luggage weight to be checked
in. Only 7.5 kilograms are allowed for hand carried bags or luggages. A maximum of 3
bags total carried by a passenger are imposed by some airlines. Excess luggage weights
are charged by the airlines.
7.6 Advise on Excess Luggage Weight
Exchange students are advised to ship excess luggage weight especially if it is more than
10 kilograms via airmail at the Manila Central Post Office located at Downtown Manila.
Items to be shipped via airmail are books, reading materials, school paper materials and
items deemed to be heavy in weight. Per area or zone, charges differ. An example is a 20
kilogram box sent to Japan would cost around PHP 4,000.00. Boxes in different sizes are
available at the Manila Central Post Office.
Items not allowed to be shipped via airmail are items in glass, liquid items, flammable
items, prohibited drugs, breakable items, items deemed not shippable by the Bureau of
Posts, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Quarantine.
7.7 Airport Fee
The current airport fee both for NAIA1, NAIA2 and NAIA3 is PHP 550.00. If the airline
ticket does not cover the travel tax, the exchange student must pay the Travel Tax is PHP
1,620.00.
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Departure Days
Exchange students are requested to schedule their flights back home preferable from
Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in order for a personnel of IC to assist them.