Determination from the Unforeseen: Undergraduate Overseas Filipino Workers in the Quest of their Ambitions in Qatar

Randy C. Nilles MAIE, Paul Angelo R. Acabado, RayverRuan M. Tingchuy, Andrea Nikole E. Adriano, Eliana Jahleel P. Ignacio, Shayra Ayah S. Laja, Hafsa P. Musibba, Mary Hannah D. Reyes, Luisa Hubert B. Torayno

Overseas Filipino Workers, Undergraduate, State of Qatar

The Philippines is one of the significant exporters of human resources. Due to a lack of opportunities and resources, a substantial number of students fail to finish their studies. This study utilizes qualitative phenomenological research which involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand lived experiences of Undergraduate Overseas Filipino Workers who worked in the State of Qatar. Through a twenty-five-question interview, the respondents were asked the central question “What are the motivations and setbacks of the undergraduate Overseas Filipino Workers?” The data acquired from the interview underwent analysis through an inductive approach in the theme exhaustion. Based on the verbal musings of the participants and the clustering of their responses, four themes were created. These major themes are Ensuring Finances which includes the subthemes: enduring difficulties and establishing stability. Another major theme is Appreciating Relationships which contains the subthemes: acknowledging support and fulfilling priorities. As setbacks were also experienced by the participants, Surpassing Setbacks is one of the major themes while its subthemes are adjusting strategies and facing discrimination. The last major theme is Achieving Ambitions which includes promising objectives and paving opportunities. Undergraduate OFWs hope to achieve stable finances, fulfill relational obligations, and surpass setbacks.

https://doi.org/10.31871/IJNTR.8.1.6