Health Insurance (Important Update)

We require all newly enrolled students to carry health insurance. However, due to the high premiums charged by typical commercial insurance companies (for overseas coverage) we suggest students consider less expensive options such as shared-healthcare coverage.

Newlife School officially endorses a Christian shared-healthcare ministry that provides up to $250,000 in coverage that includes overseas living. The cost is $99/month for single students 25 years and below ($135 for singles older than 25). Please email us for a referral.

If you are unable to secure health insurance/coverage for any reason then we require that you secure a 'Letter of Financial Guarantee' from your home church. This specific issue relates to Immigration processing that requires a qualified commitment from the petitioning organization (Newlife) to commit to any emergency needs that may arise. We are willing to make this commitment IF the student carries health insurance. If not, then the student's church must fulfill that role. Please view the Immigration/Visas link for more details.

Computers

Students are required to bring a personal notebook computer with them to the school. There are plenty of computer service centers in Davao to service any problems or purchase hardware or upgrades.

Immunizations

We require that each student receive certain immunizations before their arrival. These include typhoid, tetanus, Hep A and B series. Malaria pills are not necessary.

Flight Information

Newly enrolled students travel to the Philippines as a group. All flight arrangements are made by the school director. Ticket prices, itineraries and additional details will be forwarded at the appropriate time.

Banking

Each student needs to have access to funds for personal expenses. Most students use the local ATM machines to withdraw funds that are given in the local currency and drawn off the student's home bank in the States. Students may also open a bank account here in Davao by depositing their personal check drawn off their bank account in the States. Simply bring your checkbook with you and you may write yourself checks for deposit. The only drawback is that checks require a 45 day clearance time before those funds can be withdrawn. So you need to budget ahead. Please note: Philippine banking policies for processing Canadian checks may involve additional fees.

In the event of an emergency, and cash is needed quickly, there is the option of receiving an international wire transfer through the bank. A final option is to make a cash advance on a credit card. Please do not bring travelers checks since they are difficult to cash and receive low exchange rates. It is advisable to bring new crisp dollars in large denominations, preferably $100 bills. You may also use this money to open a bank account until your first check is cleared after 30 days. Credit and Debit cards are also becoming more widely accepted here in the country.

Visitors

We regularly receive visitors at our clinic and each student is certainly welcome to invite friends and family members from their home for a visit. Female visitors may be allowed to stay at one of the student dormitories if space is available. Please be advised they will be charged for room and board which is a minimal fee. There are several very nice hotels available as well as guest houses or apartelles that are reasonably priced. It is understood that guests of the students will abide by our Honor Code and School Policies and that students assume full responsibility for their visitors. It is also important that visitors do not infringe on the student's responsibilities related to her clinical schedule.

Vacation/Breaks

Each student will be given a one month leave of vacation after the first year of school is completed. Year-end breaks will be scheduled by the school director. Please check with the director prior to booking your return ticket from the Philippines to the States for your vacation plans.

Curfew

A curfew is imposed on the students to be back in their dormitories by a set time each evening. Generally, the time is 10 pm. It is done solely for the student's own protection since its not advisable for a young foreign woman to be out late at night in a third world country.

Canadian Applicants

If you are Canadian and wish to enroll in our program, we encourage you to visit the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) website for detailed information regarding direct-entry midwifery in your Province.

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Legal Notification: Newlife School requires each student to sign a Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, Indemnity and Release upon arrival in Davao City. This document serves to protect the interests of Newlife School and fully releases the school from any liability or claim that may arise while a student is enrolled.

See pg 2 for additional important information