Admission Requirements for 1st Term, AY 2023-24

FAQs

1. Will you be accepting Deaf and Hard of Hearing applicants in the BSLI program?

          The BSLI program will start accepting D/HH applicants by AY 2025-26. This is to give
the SDEAS-IEP sufficient time to modify the curriculum content as well as have the necessary
institutional accommodations in place.

2. I already know sign language. Do I still need to take sign language subjects required in the
course?

         For students who already have competency in sign language, you will be required to
take the Filipino Sign Language competency assessment (to be administered by SDEAS) to
determine your skills level. Note however that advance placement in the BSLI program’s FSL
courses will only be limited until FSL-102 (or an equivalent of six (6) units).

3. I am already a working sign language interpreter without any formal degree in interpreting but
with a previous bachelor’s degree in another field. Am I still required to take all courses in the
program?

          Working interpreters can be accepted for AY 23-24, however they will be required to
take all courses within the program. No accreditation for previously taken courses will be made
at this time.
          For working interpreters who would like to have previously taken courses be accredited,
the intake will be for AY 23-24. You will be required to submit your college credentials (transcript
of record, certificate of graduation) for accreditation procedures. You will also need to take the
Filipino Sign Language competency assessment to be administered by SDEAS.

4. How will courses be taught: online or face-to-face?

          As of academic year 2023-2024, the BSLI program has been modified such that some
courses will be taught in blended (a mix of online and face-to-face sessions) format and others
are fully face-to-face, specifically the laboratory courses.

5. There are other programs in the country that offer short courses (certificate/diploma) on
interpreting. Why should I enroll in this three-year program?

          Research shows that an interpreting program offered by as a degree by a college or
university is a major contributing factor to professional readiness of sign language interpreters
(Napier & Webb, 2015). The BSLI program not only trains you on the linguistic aspect of
interpreting, but also on relevant knowledge (theories of interpreting), skills (translation practice,
mentoring sessions), and attitude (ethical practices). The curriculum was developed through
collaborative efforts of Deaf leaders, interpreting practitioners, and local (Philippine Federation
of the Deaf, Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters) and international
(World Association of Sign Language Interpreters, Rochester Institute of Technology-National
Technical Institute for the Deaf) partner institutions to provide a more holistic and
comprehensive approach in interpreter training. It will also be taught by faculty who have
credentials as interpreting trainers and trained sign language experts.

6. How long will the program be?

          The BSLI program will run for three (3) years or an equivalent of nine (9) terms. This amount
of time gives sufficient theoretical and practical exposure to students to build a solid foundation
on general sign language interpretating work. Classes will be held at the De La Salle-College of
Saint Benilde Manila campus.

7. What is the schedule of the BSLI classes?

          Generally, classes are held from Monday to Friday between 0800h to 1800h. In some
cases, where availability of the faculty or conflict in schedule of working students is a concern,
classes can be arranged during Saturdays or weeknights (1800h to 2100h) to accommodate
them.

8. What is the cost to enroll in the BSLI program?

          The cost to enroll in the BSLI program varies each term, depending on the number of course
units assigned to the student in a particular term. The average fee per term (which includes
tuition, laboratory, and course miscellaneous fees) is around PhP 70,000, or a total of PhP
630,000 for the whole program. This does not include other expenses such as books (if any),
membership to professional organizations, living allowance, among others.

          To support deserving students, SDEAS and MLITEDCE through the support of The Nippon
Foundation of Japan is offering this 1st Term a limited study grant to cover the tuition and fees
for the duration of the program.

Source:
Napier, J., & Webb, S.L. (2015). Job demands and resources: An exploration of sign language
interpreter educators’ experiences. Conference of Interpreter Trainers.