Student reviews: studying in the Philippines (A-Work students)

• Cebu International Academy (CIA)

• “After taking the CNN class for about a month and a half, the reactions around me were more surprising than my own. Not only the tutor but also my classmates who had been studying with me from the beginning reacted enthusiastically, telling me that my listening had really improved and my speaking had gotten so much better.”

• “I took classes in a 1:1, 1:4, and 1:1 format... The strength of the Philippines is 1:1 classes, so I thought I should take more 1:1s and make the most of them while I'm here... But I also heard that 1:8 classes were quite good...”

• “My 1:1 tutors pointed out not only my weaknesses and areas to improve, but also my strengths and distinctive points, and later we chatted comfortably just like close sisters. … Also, as CIA is known to have the most regular tutors among academies in the Philippines and is often praised as the best in terms of teaching staff, I had no complaints or bad memories regarding the teachers.”

• CG Academy

• “The reason I think the food at CG is delicious is that there are plenty of side dishes (at least two kinds of meat every day?) and the food, including the soups, is Korean-style (egg soup, seaweed soup, radish soup, etc.)! It might not be authentic Korean food, but it suits Korean palates well...”

• “I was very worried about the weather since it was the rainy season, but the sky was clear and the campus looked just like it did in the CG brochure! The purple dormitories and the large swimming pool were exactly as I had imagined, giving off a European vibe... And the pool in the center of campus is surprisingly large and deep!”

• “In the center of the campus, there was a lounge-like area where students could gather during every break and lunch to eat, order food, hang out, and share many things. It also had a basketball court, badminton court, ping-pong table, and a tiny gym, so it looked pretty good for working out as well!”

• CPILS

• “On the other hand, 1:1 classes can sometimes get a bit tedious, and 1:8 classes, although taught by native teachers, have the disadvantage of offering few chances to speak. In contrast, 1:4 classes are discussion-based with up to four classmates, which feels to me like the most ideal class format.”

• “Each class, lasting about two hours, was distinctly different, and the 1:1 one-on-one class was particularly so challenging that I broke into a cold sweat due to my limited English skills... Practicing conversation in English with foreigners and the core learning through it ultimately made a tremendous contribution to improving my English skills.”

• “The advantage of the 1:1 classes was that I could speak a lot and focus on the areas where I was lacking. If I made a mistake during a conversation, the tutor corrected it right away, and they also checked my diary with simple grammar explanations and corrections, so I didn't feel the need to study grammar separately.”

• SMEAG-Capital Campus

• “The two 1:1 classes are conducted with teachers using textbooks, but having to hold daily conversations in English with teachers who do not speak Korean and looking up unfamiliar words to answer their questions has helped me immensely now that my program is coming to an end. In addition, we have daily homework to write an essay on a chosen topic, and comparing my first page with my latest makes me proud to see how much richer my expressions have become.”

• “In terms of classes, I am very satisfied. Whenever I tell each teacher what I want to focus on, they readily agree and conduct the lessons accordingly. For example, during L/S class, if I say I want to focus purely on speaking instead of using the textbook, they agree and do only speaking every day; during R/W, if I say my grammar is weak and I'd like to study grammar instead of the standard textbook, we study with a different book.”

• “Both the 1:1 and 1:4 classes have their own unique characteristics. The two 1:1 classes are conducted with teachers using textbooks, but beyond that, looking up unfamiliar words to converse in English with teachers who don't speak Korean and to answer their questions has been a huge help now that my language study is coming to an end.”

• PELIS

• “The teachers are very considerate of each student's level and tailor the lessons accordingly, so participating in class has been much smoother than I expected. I take 4 hours of 1:1 classes and 3 hours of group classes. For 1:1 classes, you can choose the subjects you want to take…”

• “I was worried that the 1-on-1 classrooms were smaller than expected and might feel cramped, but they are just right for studying with Filipino teachers. Rather than being too far apart, you talk and take lessons at a comfortable distance, just like chatting with a friend. If I had gone to the US or Canada for language study, this kind of one-on-one class would be hard to find and unimaginable.”

• “One of the biggest advantages of 1-on-1 classes, which are the highlight of studying in the Philippines, is that you can ask questions immediately whenever you don't understand something. They also correct my clumsy pronunciation, which helps a lot with improvement. Group classes vary a bit, but my favorite part is picking a topic and having a free-talking session.”

• Philinter Academy

• “Since I was in a double room, it was relatively spacious and comfortable. Each room had its own bathroom and came equipped with a personal closet, chair, desk, TV, refrigerator (extra fee), etc., which was better than most local hotels. Whenever there was an inconvenience or something broke, they repaired it right away, and cleaning was provided twice a week, so I felt no inconvenience living there.”

• “I registered for the two-month general ESL course at Philinter, and it was truly wonderful to have diverse experiences and make friends from many different countries during that short time. In fact, I had never lived away from home before, and it was a small wish of mine to experience dormitory life sharing a room with a foreign friend. I was able to fulfill that wish at Philinter, sharing a room with a Japanese roommate.”

• “At Philinter Academy, the general course includes 4 hours of 1:1 classes and 3 hours of group classes. I liked the 1:1 classes because I could work on my weaknesses and ask the teachers questions right away.… On the other hand, I remember the group classes being even more fun than the 1:1 sessions.”

• EV Academy

• “MTM consists of two 1:1 classes with different teachers, which is a great opportunity to rapidly improve your weak areas in English. All the teachers are kind and competent, always doing their best to give students as much as possible. If you tell them in advance what you want to focus on, they will prepare the lessons accordingly.”

• “Because the classes are diverse, including one-on-one and group lessons, time flies by quickly. The first week was tough because I wasn't used to it, but as I gradually adjusted to this life, I now play badminton and table tennis after class. In fact, I even feel like I don't have enough study time now.”

• I.BREEZE Academy (formerly BOC)

• “During classes, the teachers listened to me kindly and pleasantly, and whenever I made mistakes, they corrected my sentences so that I could easily understand. The one-on-one classes gave me opportunities to speak with foreigners that were hard to find in Korea, and with teachers being so kind and making learning easy, I completely understood why people want to study abroad.”

• “The academy's facilities were also clean, and because laundry and cleaning were done three times a week, I had a comfortable dormitory life. The meals were better and more delicious than nearby Korean restaurants, so I was worried about gaining weight from eating too much. Also, there were many partnered restaurants, massage parlors, and nail salons nearby, which allowed me to use them at affordable prices.”

• CELC (Cebu English Language Center)

• “Learning English was always fun. I learned new words every day, and whenever I used them and the teacher understood, I felt a sense of pride. I also went on trips to Kawasan Falls and Bantayan Island. Traveling with my batchmates and other academy students was truly a wonderful experience.”

• “CELC has 4 hours of one-on-one classes, 4 hours of group classes, and daily vocabulary tests, which might not seem that special at first glance. However, once you actually take the classes, unlike Korean classes where you just listen passively, the teachers serve as great assistants so that students can actively participate.”

Study Abroad in Cebu

• API BECI (BECI Baguio)

• “Rather than self-study after school, I joined both the Night Class and the Native Class, clocking nearly 10 hours of classes a day, which helped my English improve rapidly. Of course it was tough. Sleeping only 4 hours a day and reviewing everything left me exhausted, but taking walks around Green Valley Village in the morning and evening helped immensely to refresh my mood.”

• “Having chosen the Speed ESL course, I took four hours of 1:1 classes and two hours of group classes; I was intimidated beforehand at the thought of having a 1:1 conversation with a foreigner for the first time in my life. However, with Jesse, my very first teacher in my first class, we became close right away as if we were friends who had just talked on the phone the night before.”

• “Rather than just doing self-study after school, I attended both the Night Class and the Native Class, taking nearly 10 hours of classes a day, which made my English skills improve rapidly. … Taking walks around Green Valley Village in the morning and evening helped immensely in refreshing my mind.”

• HELP English Institute-Baguio

• “Starting a week before Halloween, we decorated the classrooms and created cobwebs on the walls and ceilings to get into the Halloween spirit. …Because there were few students, we were closer to one another and helped each other with costumes and makeup. I had also been practicing songs with my teacher for the Halloween performance…”

• “The picnic spot we went to today was Camp John Hay. If there's one thing I haven't gotten used to since coming to the Philippines, it's the suffocating air pollution, but Camp John Hay had amazingly clean air. The air was great and barbecue facilities were set up so we could grill food anytime.”

• “I thought it would be a quiet event because there were fewer students than expected, but with fewer students, we were closer, helping each other with costumes as we prepared for Halloween. I had also practiced songs with a teacher for the performance and somehow ended up singing four songs.”

• PINES International Academy-Baguio

• “They helped, encouraged, and advised me whenever times were tough. Thanks to them, I had a great time in the Philippines for 4 months, became more comfortable with English, and gradually developed an interest in it. I don't know exactly how much my skills improved, but I feel much better than before, and now I want to keep studying English.”

• “It is true that there were many classes, but thanks to the diverse teaching styles and the teachers' dedicated efforts, I never once found them tough; in fact, I looked forward to them. Above all, even though I lacked confidence in English, being able to express my thoughts and words in English—even if not perfect—was truly astonishing to me.”

• “I am not sure how much my English improved, but I feel it is much better than before, and now I want to keep studying English. I am leaving PINES with wonderful memories and great experiences. The reason I was able to endure the four months without giving up is also thanks to PINES.”

Study Abroad in Baguio

• Polyglot International Academy

• “Once I arrived, I found that the teachers were wonderful and the atmosphere was great, so I even extended my stay and had a really good time! I recommend it to anyone hesitating, and as long as you don't spend all your time partying, your English will improve a lot.”

• “The staff members were all wonderful and the teachers had great teaching skills, so I learned a lot thanks to them. It is a language school I would readily recommend to acquaintances. I wish you all the best and continued success.”

• “The facilities were great and the surrounding infrastructure was so convenient that I was able to stay comfortably without any worries. Many people might worry about safety, but I didn't feel in danger at all, and the locals were so friendly. I genuinely and highly recommend it to anyone who is hesitating!”

• MK Academy

• “The classes with the tutors were truly the best. They don't have a Filipino accent, and since the people here are naturally optimistic, there is very little stress. I had been feeling anxious about my future, but the tutors encouraged me, believed in me, and cheered me on every day, which made me really happy.”

• “The MK Westwood dormitory is located right in Westwood Village, which is like a luxury villa complex in Gangnam if compared to Korea. The village is surrounded by perimeter walls, and guards at the entrance gates check everyone who comes in and out. It's extremely safe, and the surrounding houses are truly wonderful.”

• “The facilities are truly clean, and the bed is fluffy and Korean-style, unlike many other places that use Filipino cotton mattresses. … Many people get upset stomachs due to poor food hygiene, but here, not only the food but everything is handled hygienically, so there are no such issues at all. It tastes very good, too—Korean style, of course.”

Study Abroad in Iloilo

• CNK International Academy

• “Above all, many people might worry about safety, but here in Clark, an economic special zone provides a secure environment, so there are no issues for studying. I was also very pleased with this aspect throughout my four months of study.”

• “A month was not nearly enough time to study English. Of course, it was a wonderful period for mothers to get some rest… If there are any mothers considering a family language program, please come and experience it. After being here, I completely agreed with the saying that mothers love it even more.”

• “Above all, many people might worry about safety issues these days, but Clark is a special economic zone with a secure environment, so there are no problems for studying. I really liked this aspect during my 4 months of study. The purpose of coming to the Philippines for a language program is to study, and CNK International Academy has an environment well set up for studying.”

• HELP English Institute-Clark

• “Unlike the Martin Campus, the Clark Campus has a high proportion of Japanese students, with about 80% Japanese and 20% Korean. Also, it has a semi-Spartan style with a bit more study freedom than Martin, but living here, it doesn't seem very different from the Baguio Martin Campus.”

• “Unlike the Martin Campus, the Clark Campus has a high proportion of Japanese students, around 80% Japanese and 20% Korean. …Also, the biggest advantage is that the Filipino teachers are all young, so you can interact with them like friends. It's easy to get close, and the friendly, ESL-oriented atmosphere makes Clark a great setting for me to practice speaking and using English.”

Study Abroad in Clark

• English Drs Academy

• “In terms of studying, I immersed myself in English with a daily schedule of 6 hours of 1-on-1 classes and 2 hours of group classes. The 1-on-1 classes basically follow the textbook, but if you want to focus on speaking, you can keep doing free talking, allowing you to create a class style tailored to your goals together with the teacher.”

• “Most classes at EDA are 1-on-1, and all lessons proceed according to one's own level and pace. I basically focused on classes based on textbooks, but when I couldn't concentrate, I did free talking with the teacher, played simple games, or watched movies.”

Study Abroad in Davao

• Phil Ace

• “I'd like to say that the learning environment here is entirely set up to make students study... For me, the greatest gain has been none other than confidence. I can proudly say that my anxiety whenever I see a foreigner is truly gone now.”

• “First of all, the Tagaytay area is really great. It's nice that there are no entertainment facilities, so it was truly the perfect place to study. Even though it's in the Philippines, it's not too hot and has cool weather, so living there was very comfortable. Also, the teachers at the academy were wonderful.”

• “Compared to other places, the facilities seem a bit lacking. However, please understand that I do not mean it is bad. Secondly, in terms of the environment, I cannot help but express immense satisfaction. In fact, having been away from studying English for over 20 years, I had a lot of worries and concerns…”

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