Benefits of Studying English in Cebu, Philippines: A Comparison with Western Countries

Introduction

While studying English in the United States, the UK, or Canada is a common choice, studying in Cebu, Philippines has been gaining significant attention in recent years.
With the rising strength of the US dollar, more students are choosing to study in the Philippines before heading to expensive destinations like the US, UK, Canada, or Australia.
For beginners, Cebu is often considered the most accessible and supportive place to start learning English.
In this article, we will explore why Cebu is becoming such a popular destination by comparing it with other countries.

Cost Advantages

The biggest advantage of studying in Cebu, Philippines is its outstanding cost performance.
A 4-week study program—including tuition, accommodation, and meals—can cost as low as 1,200USD～ (based on 3D ACADEMY’s Mini ESL plan with a six-person room).
This is about one-third to one-fourth the cost of studying in Western countries.
Note that some local fees, such as SSP (Special Study Permit), may apply separately.
At 3D ACADEMY, for example, students receive 3 to 8 one-on-one lessons per day, offering high learning value at a low price.

Lesson Style: One-on-One Focus

In Western countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, it’s common to have group classes of 20 to 30 students led by native teachers.
Many first-time study-abroad students report they had few chances to speak during class and saw little improvement in speaking skills.
In contrast, Cebu offers 3 to 8 one-on-one lessons per day as standard.
This format allows students to practice speaking intensively and build confidence faster than in group settings.

Highly Skilled and Friendly Filipino Teachers

All teachers at our academy are required to hold a university degree.
In the Philippines, higher education is conducted in English, and many Filipino graduates are known to speak internationally understandable English.
In fact, many Filipinos work in English-speaking roles across the world.
At 3D ACADEMY, we prioritize personality as much as qualifications—ensuring a friendly and supportive environment ideal for beginners.

Accessibility and Ease of Living

From Japan, Cebu is just a 4–5 hour direct flight away, with only a one-hour time difference.
It’s also easily accessible from Taiwan (under 3 hours), South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
With the rising cost of studying abroad in Western countries, students are increasingly coming to Cebu from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia, Brazil, and European countries like France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy.
Living costs are low, and there are many Japanese restaurants and clinics, making it easy even for first-timers to adjust.
Our school offers daily after-class activities, allowing students to use English in social settings.
Weekend trips to resorts like Cebu or Bohol are common, and 3D ACADEMY always includes a teacher to guide the trip and ensure English usage throughout the experience.

English Quality and International Environment

While Philippine English is sometimes said to have a slight accent, our teachers are all university graduates with internationally acceptable pronunciation and fluency.
Many of them are qualified to teach TOEIC, IELTS, and business English.
As mentioned earlier, students from Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia, Mongolia, Turkey, and Europe (Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium), and even South America (e.g., Brazil) come to study here.
This creates a dynamic and diverse international environment.

Why Cebu is the Best Place in the Philippines

Cebu is the second-largest city in the Philippines and offers both convenience and access to beautiful beaches, such as those on nearby Mactan Island.
Students can enjoy a balanced lifestyle—studying on weekdays and relaxing at the beach on weekends.
Compared to Manila, Cebu is considered much safer.
At 3D ACADEMY, our campus is located inside a convenient shopping mall and monitored by security guards 24/7, providing a safe environment for students new to international travel.

Bisaya vs. Tagalog: Why Cebuanos Are Special

The Philippines is home to many languages, but people in Manila mainly speak Tagalog, while those in Cebu and the Visayas region speak Bisaya.
These two groups differ not only in language but also in temperament.
It’s often said that Cebuanos are especially kind and honest.
For example, I once encountered a rare honest taxi driver in Manila—he turned out to be from Cebu.
This reflects the warm and trustworthy nature of Cebuanos.

Recommended for These Types of Students

If you are nervous about studying abroad for the first time, want to make rapid progress in a short period, aim to keep costs down, or are looking for maximum speaking practice,
then studying in Cebu, Philippines is an excellent choice.
It offers the ideal balance of affordability, speaking opportunities, safety, and international exposure.

Comparison Table: Philippines vs. Western Countries