Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study examined how family values, expectations, support, sacrifices, and responsibilities influenced students’ decisions to continue their education at the graduate level. Filipino students who were contemplating or had already opted for graduate studies were purposively selected because they had family influence in their decision to continue their studies in a graduate program. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data and thematic analysis was used in the analysis to discover patterns, meanings and common experiences that emerge in the narratives of participants. The results confirmed that it was a combination of personal aspirations and family oriented values that influenced the choice for pursuing graduate studies. Students were encouraged to learn and motivated by parents’ emotional support; values of respect, responsibility, perseverance and gratitude contributed to students’ determination to pursue further studies. Family sacrifices and the desire to help families were also important factors in their decisions about education. This result shows that graduate education choices for Filipinos are not only personal but are also a function of the interconnected dynamics between family expectations, obligations, and aspirations and personal goals. The study will help to illustrate the role of family values in further educational endeavors of the Filipino, and understand the influence of these values on education in general. The results could be used to help students ponder their learning motivation, to inform parents of their impact on their students’ educational decisions, and to support teachers and higher education institutions in creating more culturally responsive student support and graduate education programs.