Loyola School of Theology (LST)
in cooperation with
East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI)
presents

The Manila Program

An Asian Cultural and Theological Experience in Manila

The Manila Program provides an enriching opportunity for international students to come to Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines, for at least a term of five (5) months and experience studying theology and spirituality in the Asian context. The objectives of this Manila immersion program include:

1. access to specialized theology and ministry courses, allowing students to take courses that may not be available at their home institution, particularly in specialized fields or disciplines specific to the context of Asia;
2. exposure to diverse Asian cultures and perspectives which can broaden students’ understanding of the world and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills;
3. preparation of students for global citizenship by enabling them to develop intercultural competence and a broader perspective on global issues like poverty, migration, ecology;
4. greater self-awareness, personal growth and transformation by living in a new environment and experiencing different customs and traditions;
5. enhancement of English language skills for non-English native speakers.

The Philippines is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of more than 7,000 islands and islets. It takes its name from Philip II, who was king of Spain during the Spanish colonization of the islands in the 16th century. Because it was under Spanish rule for 333 years and under U.S. tutelage for a further 48 years, the Philippines has many cultural affinities with the West. Despite the prominence of such Anglo-European cultural characteristics, Filipinos are definitely Asian in consciousness and aspiration (www.brittanica.com).

Today, the country has widely embraced Roman Catholicism and is currently the third largest Catholic country in the world. It is recognized globally as one of the largest English-speaking nations. English is the language of business, as well as the primary medium of instruction in education. The Philippines is fast becoming a popular country of choice for international students in Asia because of the use of its English-based instruction as well as due to its tropical climate, hospitable and friendly people, and relatively low cost of living.

Loyola School of Theology is situated in the beautiful 90-hectare Loyola Heights campus of the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. Known for its vast green and open spaces, the campus is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. LST’s roof deck celebrates the view of Marikina Valley against the backdrop of the Sierra Madre Mountains. On a clear day, Mts. Banahaw and Makiling can be seen to the southeast. The magnificent view is God’s special gift of the splendor of creation to LST.

Coupled with LST’s academic setting with its Asian Theological Program, Manila also provides a setting for international students that encourages contextual reflection and cross-fertilization between different cultural perspectives. While studying at the Loyola School of Theology, they will have an opportunity to live in a multi-cultural community at the East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI), a Jesuit–run residential pastoral institute for leadership training, renewal, updating, and sabbatical, located also in the Ateneo de Manila University campus. Every semester, EAPI houses men and women from different parts of the world – laity, religious and clergy – who live together and join its various programs.