Q: Is it OK if I can only study there for a short period?
A: Yes, you can apply for a minimum of 1 week of duration.
Q: Do I need a visa?
A: It is unnecessary to obtain a visa in advance. If your stay in the Philippines is longer than 30 days, you will need to extend your visa. We will process the visa application on your behalf.
Q: I am not good at English. Is there anything I should prepare in advance?
A: We recommend that students study basic grammar and basic vocabulary at the junior high school level in advance so that they can smoothly participate in English conversation classes after enrollment.
If you are not sure what specific preparations you need to make, please contact us in advance. We will give you appropriate advice based on your English level.
Q: Is it possible to extend my study after enrollment?
A: It depends on room availability, but we will accommodate you if possible.
Q: How is the English level of Filipino teachers?
A: Our Filipino teachers have a very high level of English proficiency, including those with long experience as English teachers and those with pedagogical qualifications.
Q: Is it possible to combine not only the Daily English Conversation Course but also other courses?
A: Yes, it is possible. We offer not only the Daily English Conversation Course, but also a variety of other courses, such as the Qualification Course (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), Business English Conversation Course, Medical English Conversation Course, and Christian English Conversation Course.
When you are a little more comfortable with daily English conversation, we can add those courses to the curriculum in the middle of your study if you wish (optional fees will be incurred from the time you add them). We are flexible, so please consult with us.
Q: What kind of textbooks do you use? Do I need to purchase them?
A: We have about 30 textbooks for general speaking, depending on the level. In addition, we also have textbooks for business English, TOEIC, IELTS, and other qualifications. There are many topics that cannot be covered in textbooks alone, so the instructors will use his/her own original materials in class.
The purchase of textbooks is up to the student. For long-term students, we recommend purchasing them, but for short-term students, we will use shared textbooks or photocopies to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Q: What is the curriculum like?
A: All of our classes are individualized. We listen carefully to each student’s goals, weak points, and priority areas and customize an original lesson that is best suited for each hour. We believe that the most effective way to improve your English is to have a curriculum that is focused on your level.
Therefore, every student’s lesson is different. For example, if you work in a jewelry store and want to be able to serve customers in English, we will set up an English conversation class based on that situation. For those who want to learn English that they can use when traveling abroad, we have classes where students practice English while learning frequently used phrases and vocabulary.
Q: Do I need to pay for anything other than the cost of studying?
A: Other than study expenses, you will mainly need to pay for visa extension, ACR-I card (Alien Registration Card), SSP (a kind of student visa), entertainment expenses, etc.
*Entertainment expenses … We recommend that those who wish to enjoy travel and leisure activities on weekends and holidays bring enough money to cover these expenses. If you only go to restaurants or shopping, 10,000 to 30,000 yen per month should be sufficient.
Please refer to “Course Contents and Expenses” for information on visa extension, ACR-I card, and SSP acquisition fees.
Q: How can I get airline tickets?
A: Many of our students choose to fly with low-cost carriers (LCC). Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Airasia, etc. are the most popular airlines.
Q: Is it possible for children under 15 years old to study there without a parent or guardian?
A: If a minor under 15 years of age wishes to study in the Philippines without a parent or guardian, he/she must apply for WEG in advance.
The guardian and the minor must have the same last name. If the surname is different, the guardian (person with parental authority) will not be considered a parent or guardian and will not be allowed to enter the Philippines.
For more information, please refer to the following link
https://tokyo.philembassy.net/ja/consular-section/services/visa/waiver-of-exclusion-ground-weg/
Q: How can I get to the school from the airport in the Philippines?
A: If you utilize our transportation service, our staff will pick you up at the airport upon your arrival at Manila International Airport. If you prefer to come by public transportation, we will provide you with information on how to take a cab or bus from the airport to our school.
(1) Pick-up service … 6,000 yen / one way *Available 24 hours a day
(2) Taxi service from the airport … approx. 8,000 yen (subject to negotiation) *available 24 hours a day
(3) If you take a bus and a cab … approx. 1,000 yen *Buses are difficult to catch after 10 p.m., so you may have to wait at the bus stop for a long time.
Q: Is there a specific day of the week for arrival?
A: We basically ask students to arrive on Sundays. If you would like to arrive on a different day of the week, please let us know in advance. We will check the room availability and make a decision if it is possible or not.
(For example, sometimes a student who arrives on Saturday may find that the room is still occupied by another student who has already stayed.)
Q: What is the procedure after arrival?
A: On your arrival day, you will stay in your room to rest. On the following Monday, we will have an orientation and explain about the school. We will also have a brief discussion to determine the direction of your future classes. After that, we will go to a nearby shopping mall to exchange money and purchase daily necessities. Classes will begin after returning from the mall (classes generally start at 1:00 p.m. on Mondays).
Q: Is there a specific date for leaving the dormitory?
A: Basically, the graduation ceremony is held on the Friday of the last week of study. You can stay in your room until the following Sunday morning. Many students return home on Saturdays.
Q: Is it possible to have the number of days of study pro-rated (for example, 3 weeks + 2 days only)?
A: We can be flexible depending on the availability of rooms.
Q: Are meals provided on Saturdays and Sundays?
A: Meals are generally provided from Monday through Friday. No meals are served on Saturdays and Sundays (and some national holidays).
There are many restaurants and cafeterias nearby, and we recommend that you try one of them. You can also have fast food delivered to your door. We also have a kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals.
Q: Are there classes on Saturdays and Sundays?
A: As a general rule, we do not have classes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. However, additional classes (for an additional fee) can be taken on Saturdays or Sundays.
Each class is 50 minutes (500 pesos), and a minimum of two classes is required. For details, please contact us after your arrival.
Q: Are there classes on national holidays?
A: In the Philippines, there are two types of holidays (regular holidays and special non-working holidays). In case of a regular holiday, the school is closed, and no classes are held. However, if a holiday follows in a row (e.g. 3 consecutive holidays), we try to provide free extra lessons so that students do not lose their English lessons.
Q: Can I access the Internet?
A: Yes, you can. We have WiFi in our dormitories for business use, so browsing websites is generally not a problem. However, the Internet environment may become unstable at certain times of the day or due to problems with the provider. Please note that the school cannot control the speed of the Wi-Fi.
If you wish to use Wi-Fi exclusively by yourself, you can purchase a free SIM for 100 pesos after your arrival and apply for a month-long high-capacity plan for about 1,000 pesos (An unlocked phone is required. If you do not have one, you can purchase a pocket Wi-Fi separately (about 1,500 pesos). Please ask for more details after your arrival.
Q: What about cleaning and laundry?
A: Our housekeepers will clean your room 2-3 times a week. Bed sheets are changed every week. Laundry is done 3 times a week and is returned after drying. Please note that some detergents and other ingredients are different from those used in your home country, and colors may fade in rare cases. Please be careful not to bring too expensive clothes. Also, your attire may be lost. In such cases, our staff will ask each student to search for the missing clothes, but please understand that the school will not be able to compensate for the lost clothes.
Q: Is it possible to prepare my own meals in the dormitory?
A: Yes, it is possible. Many students buy ingredients at a nearby supermarket or market and cook for themselves, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
Q: Please tell me the details of the dormitories and school buildings.
A: We have the following buildings;
・Chilchil House (main dormitory)
・General dormitory (closed at certain times of the year, please ask for details)
・Condominium dormitory
・Classrooms (in Hillcrest Plaza)
Q: Please tell me what the rooms are like.
A: Please refer to the “Lifestyle” page of the website for more details.
Please refer to “Courses & Fees” for fees.
Q: What is the ratio of students’ nationalities?
A: It depends on the time of year, but about 80-90% of the students are Japanese. Other nationalities include Thai, Taiwanese, Filipino, Korean, Saudi Arabian, etc.
Q: What is the age range of the students?
A: We have a relatively balanced mix of students of all ages. The ratio changes a little depending on the time of the year, but basically, most students are in their 20s and 30s, followed by teens, and we have a certain number of students in their 40s to 60s, so middle-aged and senior students are also welcome.
Q: I would like to obtain a diving license.
A: Yes, it is possible. There are famous diving spots such as “Anilao” and “San Luis” about 2 hours drive from our school. We also have a partnership with a Japanese diving store, so if you need to go diving, please contact us after arrival.
Q: Will I encounter any insects?
A: Insects are common all over the Philippines, but there are relatively few at our school due to our location in the high-altitude area. Cockroaches and centipedes are not common, but they do appear from time to time. On the other hand, mosquitoes and ants are often seen. We do not recommend that you come to the Philippines under the assumption that there are no insects.
Q: How is the safety in the Philippines?
A: Compared to Japan, the safest country in the world, it is undeniably less safe. This is true not only in the Philippines, but also in other parts of Asia, Europe, and the United States. However, our school is located in Tagaytay City, one of the safest areas in the Philippines (selected as one of the top 10 safest cities in the Philippines every year), so it is safer than downtown areas. Please be sure to use common sense in your behavior, such as not walking alone in the dark back alleys in the middle of the night.
Q: There are reports on TV about Islamic countries, etc. Is the Philippines dangerous?
A: The Philippines is a Christian country where most of the population is Christian (the state religion is Christianity). Muslims live only in Mindanao, but they are far away from Tagaytay City, where our school is located. Therefore, they are not affected by the situation. Students who come to study at our school often tell us that the area is very safe and secure, unlike what they had imagined.
Q: What should I do if I get sick?
A: Our Japanese representative is a licensed nurse and will take care of you (in his absence, our staff will check on you).
Also, once a week, a doctor from one of our partner hospitals makes a house call, so you can easily get a checkup. There is also a general hospital (Tagaytay Medical Center) near the school, and our staff will accompany you there if necessary.
Q: Should I get a rabies vaccination?
A: Currently, most short- and mid-term students come to our school without being vaccinated. We do not see any rabid dogs on the grounds where we are located. On the other hand, stray dogs sometimes enter our premises. If you are bitten by a dog, you should go to a hospital as soon as possible because rabies has a relatively long incubation period (it does not occur if you get vaccinated).
Q: Are there any rules regarding alcohol and smoking?
A: Smoking is prohibited in the dormitories and school buildings (separate smoking areas are provided). Drinking alcohol is allowed as long as it does not disturb other students. However, please note that problems related to drinking (such as intoxication and making a fuss) will be subject to punishment (warnings, forced expulsion, etc.).
Q: Do students have a curfew?
A: On weekdays, the curfew is 10:00 pm. No curfew on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. In principle, we respect the independence of our students and have established school rules.
※ Overnight stay is basically prohibited for minors. If necessary, a separate permission form (parental consent form) is required.
Q: Can I use my mobile phone in the Philippines?
A: If you roam a mobile phone from your country in the Philippines, you will be charged international rates for both calls and e-mails. We recommend that you change your own settings so that you do not receive unnecessary e-mails (please contact your cell phone company for more details).
There are many free Wi-Fi spots in the Philippines, so it is convenient to bring your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop so that you can use the Internet when you are out of the school/dormitory. If you are planning to stay in the Philippines for a long period of time, you can also purchase a prepaid mobile phone locally. The price is about 1,000 yen if you only need to make calls, or 7,000-8,000 yen for an inexpensive smartphone that can access the Internet and view video clips.
Q: Do you have an EOP (English Only Policy)?
A: We basically recommend an EOP, but it is not mandatory. We have a free EOP night once a week, and you can experience it if you want to try it.
Q: Is there drinking water available?
A: We have a water dispenser, so you can freely bring your own water and hot water.
Q: Is it possible to change the course in the middle of the stay?
A: It is possible to upgrade your course (from Light to Standard or Standard to Intensive), but an additional fee will be charged. Downgrades (e.g., from Standard to Light or from Intensive to Standard) are not refundable.
Q: I am worried about disasters such as typhoons.
A: The Philippines is known for its typhoons. Small ones will not be a big problem, but please understand that power and water outages may occur during large typhoons (unforeseen circumstances due to natural disasters).
In lower areas such as Manila, there are cases of flooding or inundation during typhoons, which you may occasionally see on the news, but please be assured that this is not a concern in Tagaytay City, where our school is located, since it is 700 meters above sea level.
Q: Please tell me about the rainy season.
A: The rainy season is from around June to October. We recommend that you purchase an umbrella.
Q: What is “counseling”?
A: Counseling is available only for those who request it. Please feel free to discuss any concerns you may have about your studies, career path, life in the Philippines, etc., with our Japanese representative.
The consultation time is about 30 minutes to 1 hour per session. Of course, it is free of charge, so please feel free to contact us.
Q: What is the basic information about the Philippines?
A:
Climate
The Philippines has a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 26°C to 27°C. November to May is the summer dry season with little rainfall, and especially March to May is the hottest season (maximum temperature around 37°C, minimum temperature around 30°C).
The months of November through February are cooler and more pleasant (highs around 30°C, lows around 20°C). June through October is the rainy season, with brief squalls several times a day, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures fluctuate relatively little, with highs around 30°C and lows around 25°C.
Population
Approximately 105 million, with an average age of around 24 years, making it a very young and vibrant country.
Languages
Tagalog and English are the official languages, making it the third most English-speaking country in the world. People are familiar with English from an early age, and English is used in school classes and on television. The country has by far the highest level of English proficiency in the world and was ranked first out of more than 150 countries in the BEI (Business English Index), which indicates international English proficiency.
Cost of Living
Prices are about one-half the cost of living in Japan. Food and transportation costs are about 1/3 of those in Japan (Japanese food and famous restaurants are expensive). On the other hand, electric appliances and cars are expensive, and some of them are not much different from those in Japan.
Q: What happens to classes when it is a national holiday?
A: Classes are canceled on national holidays according to the Philippine calendar. In case of natural disasters or unforeseen accidents, regular classes will not be held. Please note that there will be no make-up classes or refunds of tuition fees on national holidays.
Please also note that public holidays may be suddenly established by the Philippine government.
※ If a national holiday falls on a weekday, the school may offer free classes.
Q: Please let me know the schedule for the year-end and New Year holidays.
A: The week of New Year’s vacation over Christmas is the biggest one in the Philippines, which is a Christian country. Many teachers go back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. Our schedule will also change. Basically, the schedule is as follows
◎End of year and New Year’s week…During this week, there is no charge for studying. Our students are free to use the dormitory. No meals, cleaning, laundry service, etc. are provided.
Q: Is it possible to cancel or extend the course after classes have started?
A: Please refer to the school’s Terms and Conditions and Agreement.
