[2025 Edition] How Much Does a 24-Week Study Abroad Program in Cebu, Philippines Cost? Is It Worth It?

[2025 Edition] How Much Does a 24-Week Study Abroad Program in Cebu, Philippines Cost? Is It Worth It?

1. Introduction

24 weeks — roughly six months. A six-month study abroad experience in Cebu, Philippines can be truly life-changing. For many students, 24 weeks is the perfect duration to gain real results. After completing this program, some students choose to pursue further studies in English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US, or the UK. Others even return to Cebu to work as interns or staff at 3D ACADEMY.

If you dedicate yourself to learning English for 24 weeks, it’s more than realistic to aim for upper-intermediate or even advanced level proficiency.

2. Estimated Costs (Total: Approximately $8,000 – $20,000)

Key breakdown:

• Tuition & Dormitory: $5,500 – $15,000

• Visa extensions, SSP, and admin fees: $600 – $700

• Airfare (round-trip): $250 – $1,000

• Living and social expenses: $1,000 – $2,000

A 24-week study abroad experience typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000. Note that students staying more than 60 days in the Philippines are required to apply for an ACR-I Card (Alien Certificate of Registration). Fortunately, most language schools, including 3D ACADEMY, handle the entire process on your behalf — including safekeeping of your passport.

3. How to Save on Costs

Choose a school with affordable tuition and dormitory fees
The difference in total cost between staying in a 6-person dorm at a budget-friendly school and a private room at a more expensive school can be as much as $10,000 over six months. If you prefer the comfort of a private room, consider schools that offer off-campus (non-dormitory) options to keep expenses down.

Opt for shared accommodation
The cost difference between a single room and a 6-person room can reach $4,000 over 24 weeks. For long-term stays, choosing shared dormitories is a key strategy for keeping costs manageable.

Reduce the number of classes to allow more self-study
Taking fewer classes gives you more flexibility to explore Cebu and maintain your motivation.
✴︎ For short-term stays (up to 4 weeks), we recommend more class hours.
✴︎ For mid- to long-term stays (like 24 weeks), it’s often more effective to take up to 7 classes per day (standard ESL) or opt for lighter options such as Mini ESL or 5 one-on-one classes per day, allowing for more self-study and a better work-life balance.

Book budget airlines early
Consider affordable routes via Manila or South Korea to save on airfare.

Choose the right travel insurance
If your stay exceeds 12 weeks, credit card travel insurance will no longer cover you.
Be sure to research independent travel insurance options that offer comprehensive coverage at a reasonable price for longer durations.

4. What Results Can You Expect from a 24-Week Program?

Significant improvement in listening skills
24 weeks is more than enough time for a beginner to reach upper-intermediate or even advanced levels.
We recommend watching movies with English subtitles as early as possible to strengthen listening and comprehension skills. Also, spending more time with students from other countries — like China, Vietnam, or Russia — will train your ear to understand a variety of global English accents.

Dramatic improvement in overall English proficiency
Over 24 weeks, you can secure between 720 to 840 hours of study time. Regardless of your starting level, this is a realistic timeframe to aim for advanced-level English.

Boost in motivation and long-term vision
Many students who study for 24+ weeks go on to succeed abroad — whether it’s through international employment, continued education, or migration.
While it’s common to fall in love with Cebu during your stay, we recommend using this momentum to step forward — through local internships, two-country study programs, or careers overseas.

5. How to Maximize Your Results

Don’t spend weekends only with students from your own country.
Instead, join school-organized trips (with English-speaking teachers), connect with students from other countries, and make time for regular self-study.

24 weeks is a long period. To maintain motivation, it’s important to take breaks and enjoy your experience as well.

To preserve the English skills you develop in the Philippines, it’s crucial to stay in an English-speaking environment after your program ends.
Most long-term students go on to thrive in English-speaking countries or bilingual workplaces after completing their time at 3D ACADEMY.

If You Study for 24 Weeks at 3D ACADEMY

3D ACADEMY is known for its excellent cost performance, offering a potential savings of up to $4,000 over 24 weeks compared to other schools.

The total cost for a 24-week program, including local expenses like SSP and airfare, is estimated to be around $8,000 to $13,000.
Please note: airfare varies depending on your country of departure.

At 3D ACADEMY, you can save at least $3,000 compared to many other English schools. To make the most of your 24-week stay, we recommend:

• Making international friends

• Participating in weekday activities (yoga, movie night, English game night, Zumba)

• Visiting Cebu’s famous tourist spots on weekends

Below, we introduce the most popular after-school activities, Cebu’s sightseeing highlights, and our school trips.

6. After-Class Activities at 3D ACADEMY

After your lessons — it’s time to use English for fun!

At 3D ACADEMY, we offer various after-class activities where students can practice English while relaxing, enjoying themselves, and building friendships. Here are four of our most popular activities:

‍♀️ Yoga Class (Once a Week)

Restore your mind and body — and boost your listening skills naturally.

Perfect for unwinding after a full day of classes, this relaxing activity helps students get used to listening to English instructions in a casual setting. Great for all levels — even beginners can join easily.

• Time: Evening or night

• Cost: Free (yoga mats provided)

• Highlight: Relaxation + English listening practice

Zumba Dance (Once a Week)

Move your body to music — a fun, high-energy way to connect with others across cultures.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout, perfect for staying active and having fun. With English instructions guiding the rhythm, you’ll experience a new way to engage with the language — by moving!

• Time: Evening or night

• Cost: Free

• Highlight: Feel the beat — and learn to move in English!

English Game Night (Approx. Once a Week)

Play and learn! Practice real conversation while having fun.

Games like team quizzes, gesture challenges, and English word games (like UNO or Shiritori) help break the ice and encourage spontaneous conversation. A perfect setting to meet new friends beyond your class.

• Examples: Trivia quizzes, English UNO, charades

• Frequency: Around once a week

• Highlight: A casual, friendly environment for speaking practice — ideal for beginners!

Movie Night (Approx. Once a Week)

Watch English movies with subtitles — learn naturally through entertainment.

One of our most popular activities for improving listening skills. With English subtitles, students can strengthen both listening and reading comprehension. After the film, there’s often a short discussion — perfect for speaking practice.

• Examples: Hollywood films, animated features, documentaries

• Frequency: Once a week in the evening

• Highlight: Absorb natural English expressions in a fun, immersive way

All these activities are free and completely optional at 3D ACADEMY.
English isn’t just something you study in a classroom — it’s something you use, enjoy, and experience every day.
Make the most of our after-school programs and take your English (and your friendships) to the next level!

7. How to Spend Your Afternoons & Weekends at 3D ACADEMY (for 24-Week Students)

A 24-week stay — roughly 6 months — is the perfect opportunity to go beyond classroom learning. The real key to boosting your English is how you use English outside of class and how you immerse yourself in local culture. At 3D ACADEMY, we offer free after-school activities and exciting weekend trips, creating the ideal balance between study and real-world experiences.

Popular After-Class Activities (1x/week or more)

‍♀️ Yoga Class
Relax your mind and body in a calm environment — and naturally boost your listening skills by following English instructions!

Zumba Dance
Move your body to upbeat music while practicing English listening and response. A fun and active way to use English without even thinking about it!

English Game Night
Play English UNO, quiz battles, Shiritori, and more. Enjoy using English through games — perfect for beginners, too.

Movie Night
Watch Hollywood films with English subtitles. Improve your listening and vocabulary skills while being entertained!

5 Must-Visit Weekend Spots in Cebu (Perfect for Long-Term Stays)

SM Seaside City Cebu
The biggest mall in Cebu — offering shopping, dining, cinema, and an observation deck. You’ll never run out of things to do here.

• Travel Time: Approx. 30 minutes by car

• English Tip: Practice casual conversation while shopping or ordering food

Lapu-Lapu Shrine
A historical site on Mactan Island honoring the Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu. Read historical plaques in English and reflect on the country’s fight for independence.

• Travel Time: Approx. 1 hour by car

• English Tip: Practice reading English history plaques and interpreting guide explanations

Tops Lookout
A stunning mountaintop view overlooking Cebu City and Mactan. Sunset and night views are especially beautiful.

• Travel Time: Approx. 40 minutes by car

• English Tip: Share the experience with friends in English while taking photos

⛪ Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
The oldest Catholic church in the Philippines. Feel the local spirituality and cultural depth through its architecture and atmosphere.

• Travel Time: Approx. 20 minutes by taxi

• English Tip: Read English info panels and chat with fellow visitors

✝️ Magellan’s Cross
Located next to the basilica, this small chapel holds a cross marking the start of Christianity in the Philippines.

• Visit it together with Santo Niño Church

• English Tip: Try explaining the history in English — great for practice!

How to Make Your 24 Weeks Truly Valuable

With half a year, you can cycle through:
Study → Practice → Reflect → Retry
multiple times.

Visit the same place twice and feel the difference in your understanding the second time — thanks to your growing English skills.

Using English beyond the classroom, in daily experiences, is what turns learners into confident speakers.

8. Weekend Adventures for Long-Term Students: A Complete Guide (24-Week Edition)

Spending 24 weeks in Cebu? Don’t just “see the sights” — live them in English.
By turning every weekend into a mini language immersion, your English and global perspective will both expand dramatically.

Here are 3D ACADEMY’s most recommended weekend activities — tailored for long-term students.

Oslob — A Second Encounter with Whale Sharks
Oslob is famous for whale shark watching, and it’s worth visiting twice.
On your second visit, you’ll understand more of the guide’s English and confidently share your excitement with classmates — all in English.

• Travel Time: 3–4 hours one way (early departure)

• Activities: Snorkeling, Kawasan Falls combo

• English Tip: Practice asking questions, following instructions, and expressing your amazement in English

Moalboal — Learn to Describe the Ocean in English
Home of the famous Sardine Run and sea turtles, Moalboal is a place you’ll want to return to with new friends and fresh perspectives.
As your English improves, so does the depth of your experiences.

• Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours one way

• Activities: Snorkeling, island hopping

• English Tip: Write your thoughts in a journal or post about your trip in English on social media

Bohol Island — From Sightseeing to Real Experience
Bohol offers more than just Chocolate Hills and tarsiers.
After a first-time visit, long-term students can go deeper — try local food, plan a DIY trip, or chat with locals in English.

• Travel Time: 2 hours by ferry from Cebu Port

• English Tip: Challenge yourself to speak with locals, plan your itinerary in English, and write a trip report

9. Real Stories from Around the World: How 24 Weeks at 3D ACADEMY Changed Lives

Russia (Graduate Student, 24, Female)
“I can now present my research in English.”
I’m pursuing a master’s degree in international studies and needed to write my thesis in English. At first, I could read English but couldn’t speak it. After six months of one-on-one classes, I gained the ability to confidently give presentations in English. My time in Cebu became a major turning point in my academic career.

Saudi Arabia (Working Professional, 30, Male)
“I can confidently express my opinions in English.”
As my job increasingly required international travel, I realized I needed stronger English skills. I chose Cebu for a 24-week study abroad, and with Halal meals and a prayer room available, I felt safe and supported. Now, I have the confidence to speak at international conferences.

Japan (University Student, 21, Male)
“English became part of my daily life—and I changed.”
I took a leave of absence from university and spent six months in Cebu. At first, I was so nervous I couldn’t even talk to staff at the supermarket. But through daily classes and cultural exchange, English shifted from something I studied to something I used. Now I aim to join a global company in the future.

Taiwan (Working Professional, 27, Female)
“I’m ready to work in an English-speaking environment.”
I wanted to transition to a career in marketing, so I committed myself to studying English for six months. I surpassed a TOEIC score of 850, and my teachers at 3D helped me prepare for English job interviews. I truly feel I’ve transformed from a student to a user of business English.

Vietnam (High School Graduate, 18, Male)
“I’m finally ready to study in Australia.”
I needed a higher IELTS score and chose to study in the Philippines. I tackled weaknesses in pronunciation, grammar, and writing—and improved from 6.5 to 7.0. These six months became my true starting line toward my dream.

Mongolia (University Student, 22, Male)
“I became confident in giving presentations in English.”
At first, I couldn’t understand anything my teachers said. But after speaking every day, my ears adjusted. By the end, I delivered my graduation speech in English with confidence. I’m now considering graduate school in Japan.

Brazil (Working Professional, 26, Female)
“My first experience living abroad in English!”
This was my first time in Asia and my first English study abroad. I experienced some culture shock at first, but the 3D staff and teachers were kind and supportive. Now I can travel, post on social media, and live daily life in English with confidence. My world has expanded.

Turkey (Student, 23, Male)
“I can now engage in debates in English.”
To prepare for university in Europe, I focused on improving my English. Over 24 weeks, my speaking skills skyrocketed, and I can now participate in discussions and exchange ideas in English. The deep conversations I’ve had with international friends are the greatest treasure.

Spain (Graduate Student, 25, Female)
“I gained confidence in English and made progress toward an international career.”
I used to be shy and passive when it came to English, but after six months at 3D, I became someone who starts conversations in English. The experience helped me gain not only language skills but also leadership and cultural awareness. It was truly a “boot camp for life.”

Why Is 3D ACADEMY the Best Choice for a Long-Term Stay of 24 Weeks or More?

When studying abroad for as long as six months, it’s essential to have an environment that is easy to study in, comfortable to live in, and sustainable over the long term. 3D ACADEMY offers all of that and more.

✅ Outstanding Cost Performance

One of 3D ACADEMY’s greatest strengths is its ability to offer high-quality education at an affordable price.

• Even when including tuition and dormitory fees, students can save over $4,000 compared to other schools over 24 weeks.

• By choosing a six-person room, students can live comfortably while significantly reducing their expenses.

• Long-term discounts are available, allowing students to save money without compromising quality.

✅ A One-on-One Focused Curriculum That Promotes Intensive Learning

With 24 weeks, students can go beyond just “knowing” English and reach the point of confidently “using” it. At 3D ACADEMY, the curriculum centers around one-on-one classes tailored to each student’s pace and goals.

• Up to seven classes per day for complete English immersion

• Various specialized programs available: IELTS, TOEIC, Business English, and more

• Access to a self-study room and writing support helps students stay motivated throughout their long-term stay

✅ Comfortable Dormitory Life for Long-Term Stays

The longer you stay, the more important a comfortable living environment becomes. 3D ACADEMY’s dormitories are located within the same complex as the school, making access convenient and daily life easy.

• Room options range from six-person shared rooms to private rooms (shared rooms are especially popular for long-term stays)

• All rooms include air-conditioning and Wi-Fi; cleaning and laundry services are provided twice a week

• Meals are served three times a day (options include Japanese, Korean, international, and Halal food)

• Conveniently located within walking distance of malls, cafes, and pharmacies

✅ Experienced Instructors and a Truly Multinational Environment

All instructors at 3D ACADEMY are selected through a strict hiring process and trained extensively. They are not only skilled but friendly, and they adapt their lessons based on each student’s personality and goals.

Moreover, the student body is incredibly diverse, with learners from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and many more countries. During your long-term stay, you’ll naturally form cross-cultural friendships and gain communication skills through real, meaningful English interactions.

Six Months of Language, Global Awareness, and Personal Growth

Do you want to make English your weapon?
Are you ready to change your environment and truly transform yourself?
Are you eager to pursue international education or a global career?

If so, 24 weeks at 3D ACADEMY could be a life-changing six months for you.
If you’re still hesitating—just take the first step. 3D ACADEMY is here to support your journey with everything we’ve got.