Young Roots
Post-grad degree, anyone?
By Johanne Margarette R. Macob
YES, summer is a perfect time to enjoy the sea breeze, the heat of the sun, and the laid-back mood the season brings in. Yet, for some, they’d rather be doing something else. “There’s a lot of work to be done,” we would hear them say.
Apart from the usual summer jobs, those who are not in the mood for summer vacation are already preparing for the next school calendar. I refer to those thinking of pursuing tutorial classes, college summer courses and post-graduate degrees. Well, as they say, learning should never stop. Fortunately, there are a lot of opportunities available to make one’s desire of going back to school possible.
Along with the advent of technology, there are various post-grad schools with different programs and system. And today, even with one’s working hours, one can already pursue a BA, BS, MA or even Ph.D degree. There is the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), my post-grad school, that provides public distance learning in a wide array of undergrad and post-baccalaureate programs.
Recently, I’ve learned that UPOU, apart from having a new school calendar (to start in August, instead of June), has also opened a new post-grad program in Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) studies composed of the Graduate Certificate in ASEAN Studies (GCAS) and the Master of ASEAN Studies (MAS).
“Contemporary ASEAN is in the midst of profound change and transformation,” UP Professor Sylvano Mahiwo explained.
“Consequently, there is the need to consistently and constantly understand, analyze, and diagnose the phases of evolution of ASEAN as a region in Asia and the Pacific, and as a dynamic regional organization,” he added.
The 34-unit ladderized ASEAN Studies Graduate Program, to kick off in August 2014, intends to promote regional and global understanding about ASEAN Countries from the perspective of ASEAN; increase the ASEAN community’s consciousness of its common historical, cultural, and regional identity; and obtain a balanced perspective in ASEAN studies.
The ASEAN program is supported by five open universities in ASEAN region: Hanoi Open University, Open University of Malaysia, Sukhothai Thammatirat Open University (Thailand), Universitas Terbuka (Indonesia), and UPOU.
The program is ideal for post-baccalaureate individuals, professionals, practitioners and those who are interested and qualified to pursue a graduate level education. Like the other UPOU programs, lessons for the ASEAN studies will be delivered online. Application for the said program is until May 31. For more information about it and other UPOU programs, check out www.upou.edu.ph on their web browsers or send inquires at email info@upou.edu.ph.
Make the most out of this summer…and enjoy!
