2025年5月10日
Which Area is Better for English Study: Cebu City or Mactan Island? A Detailed Comparison Between 3D ACADEMY and Genius English
Which Area is Better for English Study: Cebu City or Mactan Island?
A Detailed Comparison Between 3D ACADEMY and Genius English
If you’re considering studying English in Cebu, Philippines, one of the first decisions you’ll face is: “Which area should I choose?” Cebu City offers a convenient, urban environment, while Mactan Island delivers a relaxing, resort-like atmosphere.
Choosing the right location means understanding the pros and cons of each area and how they match your learning style and lifestyle preferences. In this article, we’ll compare two schools—3D ACADEMY, located in the heart of Cebu City, and Genius English, situated on Mactan Island—to help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison Item | 3D ACADEMY (Cebu City) | Genius English (Mactan Island) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Located in a central shopping mall | Quiet area near the beach |
| Surrounding Area | Restaurants and gyms within walking distance | Close to beach resorts and hotels |
| Price Range | From approx. 1,200USD/month－ (6-bed room) | From approx. 1,500USD/month (3-bed room) |
| Study Environment | Includes study rooms and daily activities | Dorms with ocean views available |
| Student Nationalities | 50–60% Japanese, others from Asia & Middle East | More Arab, Mongolian, and Chinese students |
1. About Cebu Island and Mactan Island
Many people may have heard of Cebu Island but are unfamiliar with Mactan Island—especially those who have never visited Cebu. Mactan Island is not only home to the international airport but is also a renowned beach resort area. On the other hand, Cebu Island is where Cebu City, the central urban area, is located and serves as the island’s commercial and cultural hub.
While Mactan offers resort-style accommodations and stunning seaside views, most of Cebu’s major tourist attractions—shopping malls, historical sites, and nightlife—are located in Cebu City. This means tourists often stay in beach hotels on Mactan Island and take taxis into Cebu City for sightseeing and shopping.
2. Location and Daily Convenience
3D ACADEMY is located in the heart of Cebu City, inside a shopping mall, making it extremely convenient for daily life. Everything you need—restaurants, cafes, gyms, convenience stores—is within walking distance. In contrast, Genius English is situated closer to the airport and offers a quiet, tropical resort-like atmosphere that appeals to short-term learners.
For 1–2 week stays, Genius English is highly recommended due to its calm environment. However, for long-term stays of 3–6 months, the location may be less convenient, as accessing major shopping centers like SM and Ayala Malls from Mactan Island typically takes 30–40 minutes by taxi.
3. Learning Environment and Campus Facilities
3D ACADEMY offers a well-equipped campus with features such as a 24-hour self-study room, a women-only powder room, and a cafeteria with a shared kitchen. Its biggest advantage lies in its incredibly convenient location—next to McDonald’s and Jollibee, and with a supermarket on the ground floor. Access to SM and Ayala malls, Cebu’s two major shopping centers, is just 5–10 minutes by taxi.
Genius English, on the other hand, is fully integrated within a resort zone. It offers its own gym, dormitory (condominium style), swimming pool, beachfront, and cafeteria. A supermarket is also just a 2–3 minute walk away, so daily necessities are easy to obtain. Both schools provide 24-hour entrance security, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students.
4. Accommodation and Meals
Both schools offer dormitory accommodation with meals included. 3D ACADEMY is especially popular among cost-conscious students due to its 6-bed room option, which provides excellent value. Genius English, by contrast, mainly offers smaller room types, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment.
In terms of meals, 3D ACADEMY offers a Japanese-supervised menu and also provides halal meals for Arab students. Meals rotate on a 6-week cycle to prevent monotony for long-term students. Genius English offers a buffet-style system where students choose 2 out of 3 main dishes, with unlimited access to salads, fruits, and soups. For long-term stays, the variety and planning at 3D ACADEMY make it the winner in terms of meal satisfaction.
5. International Atmosphere and Cultural Exchange
3D ACADEMY has a diverse student body, with a strong presence from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In recent years, it has welcomed more students from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and European countries, providing great opportunities for cross-cultural interaction.
Genius English tends to attract students from Arab countries, Mongolia, and Russia. Since the school is internationally managed, the percentage of Japanese students remains low—typically around 20–30%, occasionally reaching up to 40%. This environment is ideal for learners who want to immerse themselves in English and avoid speaking Japanese during their stay.
On the other hand, 3D ACADEMY remains a Japanese-managed school, offering robust support not only for Japanese students but also for international learners. For non-Japanese students who wish to meet Japanese peers, 3D is a good choice.
Summary: Which School is Right for You?
- ✅ Want an active, city-based experience → 3D ACADEMY (Cebu City)
- ✅ Prefer a calm, relaxing environment → Genius English (Mactan Island)
- ✅ Need an affordable option → 3D ACADEMY
- ✅ Want a tropical resort vibe → Genius English
If you’re still unsure which is best for you, feel free to contact us for a free consultation! We can provide detailed estimates for both 3D ACADEMY and Genius English based on your preferred length of stay and room type.