Lived Experiences of Filipino College Students in Academic Course Selection: A Phenomenological Study

Academic course selection is a critical developmental task for college students, particularly within collectivist cultures where family plays a central role in decision-making. This study explores the lived experiences of Filipino female college students from one private university in selecting their academic courses within the context of Filipino family life. Guided by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis as both the methodological and analytic framework, the study employed qualitative methods grounded in Filipino psychology, specifically “pakikipagkwentuhan” and “pagtatanung-tanong.” Five purposively selected female students from the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA–Molino Campus participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed themes related to family influence, emotional responses to expectations, limited autonomy, motivation rooted in family circumstances, and self-reflection. Findings suggest that family expectations, cultural values, and socioeconomic realities shape course selection. While family guidance provided motivation and direction, it also contributed to emotional pressure and restricted autonomy among participants. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive academic advising and career guidance programs that balance family involvement with student autonomy in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.