If an expat plans on supporting their Filipino spouse that wants to professionally work in the USA, there are both realizations and options to consider.
Realization 1 - In my case, my wife graduated with her BS in education in 2021. As we prepare to live in California ~10 months out of the year, I informed her of the need to get her official transcripts evaluated in California. The plan is the learn about the deficiencies now; to arrange for the make-up studies needed for acceptance into the Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences with a Major in Child Development from SDSU (San Diego State University), program.
Realization 2 – The majority of degrees earned here in the PI are not accepted in the USA. My wife was surprised to learn that her educational journey will require about two additional years of study to earn the Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences.
Realization 3 - I was equally surprised to learn that since her graduation in June 2021, her school; Mt. Carmel College of San Francisco, Inc. (https://www.facebook.com/carmelians2020/), in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, has failed to provide her and her classmates with their degrees and official transcripts. The TOR (Transcript of Record) must be issued in order for the graduates to take the LET.
This tardiness appears to be the norm in certain areas where the Priest in charge of the school appears unable to direct the Registrar's office to maintain official student records. There also seems to be a major problem with submitting completed student requirements to CHED (commission on higher education); where the release of degrees/transcripts or TOR (Transcript of Record) to students are the last step.
Realization 4 – Degree Evaluation: I also informed the school that since my wife's degree from Mt. Carmel College of San Francisco, having been earned outside of the U.S.; SDSU requires an official transcript and translation (if transcript is provided in a language other than English) along with the original degree document, for a 3rd party degree evaluation.
Option 1 - I highly recommend that any expat returning with spouse to their home country (especially the USA), where said spouse has earned a degree from the PI, understand that there will be a need for a proper degree evaluation. In California, the requirement includes a “Detailed Report with Course Level Identification” to be completed.
Option 2 - To accomplish this task, a reputable 3rd party evaluation entity is a must. The fees can range from $250-450+. I selected a trusted agency that will work with the greatest accuracy and urgency. The agency of choice is the International Education Research Foundation, Inc (IERF). website: http://www.ierf.org
The unnecessary delay in providing students with their official transcripts is disrespectful and could be considered 3rd world antics. This is an example of why careful consideration should be given prior to selecting any learning institute, anywhere!
YMMV – I hope this help others that may be in a similar situation.
