AMA School of Medicine- Study MBBS in Philippines
AMA School of Medicine is an MCI and WHO recognised medical college located in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. The college was established in 2008 and is a part of AMA University. It is one the cheapest options in Manila and also for MBBS in Philippines. About 1,000 Indian students are currently studying at AMA School of Medicine. The entire course is taught in English medium and the duration of the course is 6 years. The course is divided into two parts:
- 2 year BS or pre-medical course followed by
- 4 year MBBS course
The name of the degree awarded by AMA School of Medicine is MD Physician which is equivalent to MBBS in India. If a student has already completed graduation, then that student can skip the pre-medical course and apply directly for the MBBS course. You are required to sit for the NMAT exam before you get admission in the 4 year MBBS course.
In this page, you will find out about the following:
Table of Contents
- About AMA University
- About the Philippines
- AMA School of Medicine Degree
- MD / MBBS course for Indian Students at AMA School of Medicine
- Advantages of Studying MBBS in the Philippines
- AMA School of Medicine
- AMA School of Medicine - Complete Details for Indian Students
- AMA School of Medicine Curriculum
- AMA School of Medicine - Accommodation
- AMA School of Medicine - Affiliate Hospitals
- Students sent to AMA School of Medicine
- AMA School of Medicine Fee Structure
- Philippines vs Other countriesComparison of education in Philippines with other countries
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Interview by Pradeep Jayawal with a student of AMA School of Medicine:
Global Medical Foundation has placed 100+ students to AMA School of Medicine, Philippines.
About AMA University
AMA School of Medicine is a part of the AMA Education System. Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, is the founder of the group. He has been an ambassador of the Philippines to the Gulf Countries. The AMA School of Medicine is named after the initials of his father’s name, Amable Mendoza Aguiluz V Sr. The AMA Educational System include the following educational institutes:
AMA University (Philippines)
Founded in 1980 as AMA Computer School, the Quezon City Campus became AMA University on August 20, 2002 with permission from CHED. ISO 9001 certified in 1999 by Société Générale de Surveillance International Certification Services. In 2003, AMA University inked a partnership for programs with Carnegie Mellon University (USA). In 1991 accreditation for AMA Computer School in the American League of Schools and Universities (ALOCU), making AMA the first non-American school to do so. AMACC is an official member of the John F. Kennedy Education Institute in Japan and is accredited by the National Computing Centre, UK.
AMA School of Medicine
AMA School of Medicineis a part of AMA University and offers Medical-related courses like Nursing and Medicine.
About the Philippines
The Philippines, also known as the Republic of the Philippines is located in Southeast Asia. Nearby countries are Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. It comprises of over 7,000 islands. The main islands are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippines is the world’s 12th most populous country with a population of more than 100 million.
Distance from India to the Philippines is 4,631 kilometres. This air travel distance is equal to 2,878 miles. The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance between India and Philippines is 4,631 km= 2,878 miles.
The Philippines is the 3rd largest English Speaking country in the World and an acknowledged centre for education with over 20,000+ foreign students going there each year for education in English, Engineering, Medical, Dental, Nursing, Management from over 50+ countries of the world.
The Capital city is Manila, a megacity with over 20 million population. Multiple ethnicities and cultures are found. Cultural influences are from Spain, the US, Hindu & Islam. It is thought that The Philippines was part of the Hindu Java Kingdom in the 13th Century. In the 14th century, Islam came. From 15th to 18th century it was ruled by Spain & Catholics; followed by America in 19-20th Century, with a brief period of Japanese occupation in World War II. The dominant religion is Catholic Christianity with 93% of the country following it. 3% of the population follows Islam. A Hindu Temple and Gurudwara are located in UN Avenue in Manila.
Embassies of many countries are located in Makati, Metro Manila – a distance of just 2.4 – 3.5 km from AMA School of Medicine, Makati Campus.
AMA School of Medicine Degree
MBBS, MD or Medical education in the AMA School of Medicine leads to the MD degree which is equivalent to the MBBS degree in India, UK and Singapore, and other Commonwealth countries. AMA School of Medicine‘s medical degree is recognized as equivalent to the MBBS course in India by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and students will be given a license to practice in India similar to MBBS doctors from India, after completion of licensing formalities with the MCI in India. Similarly, the Medical Degree from AMA School of Medicine is recognized as equivalent to the MBBS Degree in the UK by the General Medical Council in the UK and the Medical Councils in Singapore, Australia, and Gulf countries. All degrees are recognized by the USA.
AMA School of Medicine is the best university for studying MBBS in abroad. It is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its fee is low and affordable and provides a terrific opportunity for return on investment. The quality of education in AMA School of Medicine is second to none and is an excellent opportunity for Indian students who want a perfect blend of quality education and low fees.
The best thing about studying MBBS in AMA School of Medicine is that you don’t have to learn a new language. All the classes will be in English and 95% of the population of the Philippines speak English. The BS course in AMA School of Medicine is of a duration of 2 years from 2018 onwards. AMA School of Medicine became operational in the year 2008.
MD / MBBS course for Indian Students at AMA School of Medicine
- AMA School of Medicine has two campuses- one located in MAKATI, Metro Manila Central Business Area and one located in CAVITE, one of the most industrialized and fast-growing provinces in the Philippines.
- AMA School of Medicine is affiliated to 3 Hospitals in Manila (Quirino, AFP and Pasay General Hospital).
- Affiliated to Armed Forces Medical Centre, BEST for training in the Philippines.
- Over 1,000+ hospital beds affiliations.
- WHO Listed & MCI approved.
- Hostel & Indian Food catering.
- AMA School of Medicine, Makati Campus– 2.4 km from Indian Embassy in Makati & 6 km from Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Manila.
- AMA School of Medicine, Cavite Campus– 28 km from Indian Embassy in Makati & 40 km from Ninoy Aquino International Airport – Manila.
- Indian co-ordinator and the office of Global Medical Foundation in Makati, Manila.
Name of Course: Medical Course – MD equivalent to MBBS, offered by AMA College of Medicine, MAKATI CAMPUS, the Philippines for International Students.
Duration of Course:
After class XII: Six years (2 years premedical known as BS course and 4 years of Medical education known as the MD course).
After Bachelors: FOUR Years of Medicine known as the MD course.
Advantages of Studying MBBS in the Philippines
- Education standard is EXCELLENT.
- USA / American pattern of Education is followed.
- English is the Official Language of the Philippines.
- Low fees – 75% lower than fees in Private Colleges in India.
- Easily accessible from India with daily flights to the Philippines.
- Tropical Diseases similar to India – great for clinical training.
- Indian food available.
- Education gateway to countries like USA & UK.
- Philippines has educated & sent 2nd largest number of foreign Doctors to USA.
- Over 20,000 foreign students are enrolled in Philippines.
- Highest MCI pass rate is from the Philippines.
Weather: Summer is from March to May. Monsoon is from June to October. November to February is cool with fair weather. Average day temperature is 22.2 C to 31.6 C with humidity at 77 per cent.
Transport: Manila International Airport has several international flights from many countries. It is the gateway of international flights to the Philippines. In Manila Buses, Jeepneys, LRT, and taxis are readily available in getting around the city.
AMA School of Medicine
To summarise, AMA School of Medicine is a student-centred or student-oriented Medicine college with the following features:
- An integrated and comprehensive curriculum with an ideal faculty-to-student ratio
- Clinically oriented and problem-based method of learning and teaching
- Non-traditional lecture and instructional modules
- Hands-on anatomy dissection
- Faculty established in their chosen fields of specialization and in the academe
- Affordable and flexible fee payment schemes
- Affiliated with government hospitals and private health institutions
- Outstanding facilities and resources conducive to learning
The MD degree at AMA School of Medicine is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) as equivalent to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree similarly offered in the UK, Australia, India and other Commonwealth countries. After their MD graduation from AMASOM, Indian students will be given a license to practice in India similar to the MBBS doctors from India after completion of licensing formalities with the MCI.
AMA School of Medicine - Complete Details for Indian Students
AMA School of Medicine has a specialised program for Indian medical aspirants who wish to take admission after completing class XII. After completing class XII with biology, physics, chemistry and English as subjects, the student will undergo a combined Bachelor’s degree and Medicine degree programs (BS-MD course). The BS Psychology pre-medicine program is a two-year course where the class XII subjects of Indian students, such as Biology, Physics and Chemistry, are automatically credited. Upon completion of the pre-medicine program, the students enter the Medicine program provided they comply with the requirements for eligibility from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Majority of international students currently studying the special program are from India. This also means that the Indian students find it easy to settle down at AMA School of Medicine.
AMA School of Medicine is listed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of recognized Universities/Colleges which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). With this recognition by MCI, AMA School of Medicine‘s MBBS program is considered equivalent to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree offered in the India, UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. After completing his/her MD graduation from AMA School of Medicine, the Indian student will be given a license to practice in India similar to the MBBS doctors from India after completion of licensing formalities with the MCI.
AMA School of Medicine has a specialised program for Indian medical aspirants who wish to take admission after completing class XII. After completing class XII with biology, physics, chemistry and English as subjects, the student will undergo a combined Bachelor’s degree and Medicine degree programs (BS-MD course). The BS Psychology pre-medicine program is a two-year course where the class XII subjects of Indian students, such as Biology, Physics and Chemistry, are automatically credited. Upon completion of the pre-medicine program, the students enter the Medicine program provided they comply with the requirements for eligibility from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Majority of international students currently studying the special program are from India. This also means that the Indian students find it easy to settle down at AMA School of Medicine.
AMA School of Medicine is listed in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of recognized Universities/Colleges which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). With this recognition by MCI, AMA School of Medicine‘s MBBS program is considered equivalent to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree offered in the India, UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. After completing his/her MD graduation from AMA School of Medicine, the Indian student will be given a license to practice in India similar to the MBBS doctors from India after completion of licensing formalities with the MCI.
AMA School of Medicine Curriculum
YR 1, Level 1: Integration of Basic Science Disciplines; Organ Systems
THE NORMAL HUMAN BODY
YR 2, Level 2: Integration of Basic and Clinical Science Disciplines; Organ Systems
MECHANISM AND MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN DISEASE
YR 3, Level 2: Integration of Basic and Clinical Science Disciplines; Organ Systems
MECHANISM AND MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN DISEASE
YR 4, Level 3: Clinical and Community Application
CLINICAL CLERKSHIP PROGRAM
The MD degree a student would get after completing his medical studies from AMA School of Medicine is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) as equivalent to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree similarly offered in India, UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. After completing their MD graduation from AMA School of Medicine, Indian students will be given a license to practice in India equivalent to the MBBS doctors from India after completion of licensing formalities with the Medical Council of India (MCI).
AMA School of Medicine - Accommodation
Global Medical Foundation has its own office in the Philippines and every student taking admission through us will get 100% help from us at the time of finding accommodation and for his / her entire stay in the Philippines. Students can reach out to our office located near to the AMA campus anytime and we will make sure that you get the best help.
Hostel facility is available at AMA School of Medicine, Makati Campus.
- Well furnished Air Conditioned rooms
- Comfortable Beds
- Study table
- Microwave Owen
- Cooking gas
- Dining table
- Washing machine
- Fans
- Cupboard with locks
AMA School of Medicine - Affiliate Hospitals
AMA School of Medicine‘s affiliate training hospital is the QUIRINO MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER (QMMC). Below is an excerpt from an article about QMMC published in the Manila Bulletin last August 25, 2013.
“Quirino Memorial Medical Center was formerly called Labor Hospital – a name that was an acknowledgment of the contribution of the working force, which was its intended primary beneficiary. However, when the first building was to be constructed on November 11, 1952, the Department of Labor turned the project over to the Department of Health (DOH) with the request that it be named after President Elpidio R. Quirino whose social amelioration program included medical services to the infirm.
In 1953, Labor Hospital opened its gate to the Filipino people with a 75-bed capacity and manpower of 26. In 1959, it became a Training and Teaching Hospital. Since then, expansions and renovations have characterized the continuing efforts of the hospital in order to provide quality medical service to its constituencies and others who need healthcare assistance. Unflagging in its determination to become one of the country’s excellent healthcare facilities, the QMGH has made its mark as a government hospital that lives up to its mission and vision. On June 10, 1983, it became a tertiary general hospital. In 1997, it became a 350-bed capacity hospital under Republic Act 8313, which renamed the hospital as Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). With the hospital’s increasing occupancy rate, the passage of Republic Act 10345 increased the bed capacity of QMMC from 350 to 500 on December 12, 2012.
The year 2013 is an important chapter in the history of the QMMC as it became one of the DOH’s Hall of Fame Awardees. Since 2010, the QMMC has been a consistent Red Orchid Awardee in recognition of its effort in promoting a 100% Tobacco Free Environment and for following the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework. It was in the same year that QMMC added another feather in its cap when it received another Hall of Fame Award, the Gawad Kalasag, a fitting acknowledgment to its exemplary performance as the Best Medical Institution Advocating Risk Reduction Management. Dr. Angeles T. De Leon, who has been at the helm of the hospital as Medical Center Chief II since 2009, has shared the challenges and the satisfaction of getting these distinctions. In 2010, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation awarded accreditation to the QMMC as Center of Excellence, a distinction to hospitals upholding the standards of quality health care as articulated in the Benchbook on Performance Improvement of Health Services. The latest among the accolades was “Recognized Medical Center with Best Practices for 2011 focusing on Maternal Newborn Child Health and Nutrition Essential Intrapartum and Newborn Care (EINC) and Unang Yakap,” a joint recognition of the DOH and WHO. All of this recognition was made possible through the Modernization Program of hospitals under the Kalusugan Pangkalahatan and Universal Health Care by His Excellency, President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, and the inspiration of the entire DOH.”
Students sent to AMA School of Medicine
Below is a list of students sent by Global Medical Foundation to AMA School of Medicine. Apart from this, we have successfully applied Visa of more than 500 students for the AMA School of Medicine.
Name of the student Location State/Country
Abhayjeet Singh Saini Dehradun Uttarakhand
Adnan Siddiqui Champawat Uttarakhand
Ajay Prasad Maharashtra
Akanksha Kurukshetra Haryana
Akash Kumar Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh
Aman Bhardwaj Narela Delhi
Amit Panwar Dehradun Uttarakhand
Ananya Bhuyan Delhi
Anshika Mishra Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh
Arjun Yadav Jaipur Rajasthan
Ashutosh Kataria Delhi
Ayush Bhatti Uttar Pradesh
Chehak Ahlawat Noida Uttar Pradesh
Chinmaya Sharma Jhajjar Haryana
Deba Prashad Tripura
Deepak Khatana Faridabad Haryana
Dishant Choudhary Baghpat Uttar Pradesh
Farheen Khan Agra Uttar Pradesh
Himanshu Shukla Bawana Delhi
Himanshu Verma Baghpat Uttar Pradesh
Jatin Gupta Alwar Rajasthan
Jitendra Khokhar Rajasthan
Karan Narela Delhi
Kumud Ranjan Yadav Bokaro Jharkhand
Larni Motu Arunachal Pradesh
Manisha Garg Bathinda Punjab
Manisha Sharma Vasant Vihar Delhi
Mohammad Arif Dar Bandipora Jammu and Kashmir
Mohammad Zaid Irfan Champawat Uttarakhand
Mohit Goyal Sunam Punjab
Mohit Jangra Swatantar Nagar Delhi
Mohit Tiwari Burari Delhi
Naman Kukreja Gurugram Haryana
Nanjit Kumar Delhi
Nikkita Choudhary Baghpat Uttar Pradesh
Prabhat Kasana
Roorkee Uttarakhand
Rahul Saifi Hapur Uttar Pradesh
Rahul Yadav Delhi
Rajesh Kumar Giri West Bengal
Rajpal Rathore Pali Rajasthan
Reeba Roy Delhi
Rishabh Tilak Nagar Delhi
Rishabh Chauhan Delhi
Ritika Sorout Faridabad Haryana
Rohit Saini
Roorkee Uttarakhand
Rupal Narela Delhi
Sachin Kumar Bijnore Uttar Pradesh
Sahil Chugh Hari Nagar Delhi
Saikat Ghosh Murshidabad West Bengal
Sandeep Aggarwal Faridabad Haryana
Sanjana Sharma Alwar Rajasthan
Sarryansh Vaishnoi Delhi
Sarthak Gupta Meerut Uttar Pradesh
Satish Yadav
Jaipur Rajasthan
Shailendra Pratap Singh Bareilly Uttar Pradesh
Sheker Singh Jindal
Dadri Uttar Pradesh
Shivam Chauhan Delhi
Shubham Joshi Alwar Rajasthan
Shubham Prakash Nandeshwar Chandrapur Maharashtra
Sourabh Verma Bihar
Sudeep Santoshi Garhwal Uttarakhand
Suhail Rasool Malik Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir
Sunny Baghpat Uttar Pradesh
Surbhi Sehrawat Rohini Delhi
Tejender Malik Faridabad Haryana
Tushar Jaglan Meerut Uttar Pradesh
Umankant Mani Tripathi Uttar Pradesh
Vaibhav Kumar Brahmpuri Delhi
Vikas Jaiswal Jaunpur Uttar Pradesh
Vikas Kumar Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh
Vinay Jaiswal Nalkheda, Agar Malwa Madhya Pradesh
Vineet Kumar Rohtak Haryana
Viresha Sharma Bareilly Uttar Pradesh
Vishal Rajanala Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh
Vitthal Arora Lucknow Uttar Pradesh
Wasim Islam Watgunge, Kolkata West Bengal
And many more. Check complete list of students sent by GMF for MBBS abroad.
FAQs
Is NEET required for MBBS in Philippines?
You can get admission in the pre-medical course in some colleges without NEET. For admission in MBBS, NEET qualification is compulsory.
How many students has GMF sent to AMA School of Medicine?
Global Medical Foundation has sent 100+ students to AMA School of Medicine. Call on 9899065852 for enquiry.
Do I need to give interview for getting the visa?
Yes, for Philippines visa, you need to come to the Philippines Embassy for interview. You will get the visa only if you clear the interview.
What will I be asked at the visa interview?
The only purpose of visa interview is to check if you are a genuine student and to check if you know the English language.
How will GMF help me in the visa process?
We do Philippines visa in house. You will get complete assistance in getting the Philippines visa. We will prepare you for the interview.
AMA School of Medicine Fee Structure
Particulars 1st Year of BS 2nd Year of BS 1st Year of MD 2nd Year of MD 3rd Year of MD 4th Year of MD Total Fees
Fees in Philippine Pesos 3,00,000 2,00,000 2,50,000 2,50,000 1,50,000 1,00,000 12,50,000
Exchange Rate 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48 1.48
Fees in Rupees 4,44,000 2,96,000 3,70,000 3,70,000 2,22,000 1,48,000 18,50,000
Other Expenses:
- Admission & Visa processing in India – Rs. 75,000+ 18% GST.
- Visa Extension, Visa Conversion, ACR Registration, Medical Test, NBI Registration and Examination Fees is $700 (First Year Only).
- If the student is below 18 years, then SSP is required for which students need to pay PHP 8,000 for every three months to the immigration department until the student is 18 years old.
- Visa Renewal from 2nd year onwards is $300.
- Air travel on actual.
- Note 1: 1st-year fees has to be paid in advance to the college before leaving India. The 1st-year fees will be paid in two instalments- First Instalment (INR equivalent to PHP 2,00,000) and Second Instalment (INR equivalent to PHP 1,00,000)
- Note 2: Fees are payable annually in advance. Tuition fees are quoted in Philippine Peso, use the current exchange rate for conversion.
Living Expenses:
- Accommodation – PHP 3500 – 5000 (approx. Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 8,000) per month on a sharing basis depending upon the chosen accommodation (3 months advance is payable).
- Food – PHP 3,800 (approx. Rs. 5000) per month (2 meals a day).
- Indian Food is available.
Other Information:
- There will be NO increase is Fees during the duration of the course.
- NO Hidden cost. NO Donation.
- Free Pen drive containing MBBS material worth more than Rs 1,00,000 including MCI Screening test questions,
USMLE study Materials, Educational Video’s, E-Books etc. - Affiliated with 3 Hospitals in Manila (Quirino, AFP & Pasay General Hospital).
- Affiliated to Armed Forces Medical Centre, BEST for training in the Philippines.
- Over 2,000+ hospital beds.
- WHO Listed and MCI approved.
- Accommodation arranged for international students and Indian catering/mess.
- 11 km from International Airport in Manila & 2 km from Indian Embassy.
- Indian co-ordinator & office in Makati for Indian Students.
- Coaching for MCI Screening test & study material provided.
- List of Services by Global Medical Foundation.
Philippines vs Other countriesComparison of education in Philippines with other countries
The Philippines Russia, Ukraine & China
1. ENGLISH ADVANTAGE: Biggest advantage of Philippine is English. Just as Indians are educated in English as India was a colony of UK; Philippines-was a US colony.
English is an official language in the Philippines. The school education is in English from class 1 – like in India a/ No new language needed to be learnt. Time is spent on medical education and not on language.
94% of the population speak English. Students converse with patients fluently – unlike in non-English speaking countries.
Better learning for students. Teachers speak good English and can explain well to Students – no communication problems.1. Local Language is not English: Students from India going to China, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia and other non-English speaking countries need to learn the local language in order to talk to patients & locals.
Need to pass a competency test in the local language – Chinese or Russian.
Time spent in studying the local language. Difficult to understand what patients say.
Teachers know Chinese or Russian. They are NOT fluent in English & cannot explain subject properly
2. US & International Job Advantage: Philippines: Largest supplier of trained nurses & Doctors to USA & several other countries. Strong culture of giving USMLE & going to the US for
Strong culture of giving USMLE & going to the US for job. Universities are listed in California Board of Medicine for licensing. Another advantage to the Philippines.
Alumni work in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Gulf etc. Good for networking and linkages for jobs.2. Little International Exposure: There is no culture of going overseas for jobs in China, Russia or Ukraine.
Few students from these Countries go overseas for medical jobs – no strong alumni base or linkages.
3. Superior Quality Education: Teachers are all fluent in English. Some Teachers are US educated and can offer guidance and advise on overseas careers. High standard of education compared to non-English speaking countries. 3. Poor Quality of Education: Teachers native language is Chinese or Russian. They teach in badly accented English. Local Teachers are not good guides for overseas careers due to limited exposure. No gearing for USMLE. Overall education standards are lower as compared to the Philippines.
4. TROPICAL COUNTRY: The Philippines a tropical country. Diseases common to India are found in the Philippines. Ease of Living – similar temperature to India. 4. Temperate countries with snow. Students do not get clinical exposure to tropical medicine. In winter there is snow fall and the temperature falls to – 20 degrees.
5. MANY PATIENTS: During hospital work, medical students get good exposure with many patients in the Philippines. 5. Limited Access to Patients & Language Barrier: Due to custom & language barrier students have limited access to patients.
6. LOW FEES: Fee is low. It takes only 4 years to complete the MD program. Very affordable Education. 6. High Fees: China / Russia is more expensive and takes longer to complete from 5 to 6 years so the cost of life is more.
7. CLINICAL ROTATION IN USA Possible: Clinical rotations in the USA are counted in your grade. Exposure from US Hospital helps in jobs in the USA after USMLE. b/ University or Agents help you arrange for clerkship or you can arrange yourself in the USA. 7. No facility of clinical rotations overseas. Teachers in China, Russia & Ukraine have limited exposure to the USA and cannot guide you in this matter.