How Much Does a 4-Week Study Abroad Program in the Philippines Cost? Is It Worth It? (2025 Edition)

Thinking about studying English in the Philippines for a month? Whether it’s a company sabbatical, school holiday, or a career break, a 4-week ESL program in Cebu can be a life-changing experience — and it’s more affordable than you might expect.

Estimated Total Cost:USD 2,300–3,200

Based on other school’s standard plan (ESL + dormitory, 4 weeks).

✈️ How to Reduce Study Abroad Costs

• Choose schools with more affordable tuition + dorm packages.

• Stay in shared rooms (double, triple) to cut accommodation fees.

• Avoid high-intensity courses if you want time for self-study.

• Book budget flights early (LCCs like Cebu Pacific are ideal).

• Consider travel insurance with minimal coverage or credit card coverage.

• Be mindful of local spending but still enjoy your stay.

Is a 4-Week ESL Program Effective?

Despite some online comments saying one month isn’t enough, many students do see real progress in 4 weeks — especially beginners.

What to expect by week 4:

• You understand most of what your teacher says in class.

• You gain confidence speaking English, especially in daily conversation.

• English becomes a part of your routine — not something to fear.

• However, it’s not enough for advanced fluency or professional English.

How to Maximize Results

• Study before your trip – especially vocabulary and grammar terms (in English!).

• Practice speaking online – even short sessions can help.

• Learn local expressions – phrases like “Salamat” (Thank you) go a long way.

Final Thoughts

A 4-week English program in Cebu is great for daily conversational fluency and international experience — but if your goal is business or academic English, consider extending to 8–12 weeks. That said, even one month can change how you think and feel about English forever.

About Studying at 3D ACADEMY for 4 Weeks

If you’re considering studying at 3D ACADEMY for one week, we promise it will be a rewarding experience—both academically and culturally. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated cost for a two-week program at our school.

Basic Fees:

• Registration Fee: $100
• Tuition: $1,100–$1,650
• Total (Registration + Tuition): $1,200–$1,750

Compared to the average cost of ESL schools in Cebu, our pricing is more affordable.

Total Estimated Cost for 2 Weeks at 3D ACADEMY:

Approximately $1,300–$1,700

If you choose to study with us, don’t miss the opportunity to join our weekend school trips. These trips usually take place every Saturday and are led by one of our ESL teachers. It’s more than just sightseeing—it’s a fun and practical way to learn and practice English in real-life situations.

Top Tourist Attractions in Cebu City for 4-Week Students

If you’re staying in Cebu for just four weeks, make the most of your weekends! Here are four must-visit places that give you a great taste of the city — from historical landmarks to scenic viewpoints and modern malls.

1. Tops Lookout – Panoramic View of Cebu

Located in the highlands of Busay, Tops offers the most breathtaking panoramic view of Cebu City and Mactan Island. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and take photos — especially at sunset. You can get there by taxi or habal-habal (motorbike ride) from the city.

Travel time: About 30 minutes from 3D ACADEMY
Best time to visit: Late afternoon to early evening

2. SM Seaside City Cebu – The Ultimate Mall Experience

As one of the largest malls in the Philippines, SM Seaside is a destination in itself. It features hundreds of shops, restaurants, cinemas, and even an ice skating rink. It’s a great weekend hangout for shopping, dining, or just cooling off in the air-conditioned space.

Travel time: 20–30 minutes by taxi
Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop Sky Park for views and photo spots

3. Basilica del Santo Niño – Oldest Church in the Philippines

Founded in 1565, this historical church houses the image of the Santo Niño (Holy Child), one of the most revered religious icons in the country. The church remains active and draws thousands of visitors and devotees. Even for non-Catholics, it’s a culturally rich and moving experience.

Located near Colon Street in downtown Cebu
️ Combine with a visit to nearby Magellan’s Cross

4. Magellan’s Cross – A Symbol of Cebu’s History

Just a short walk from Santo Niño Church, this wooden cross was planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It marks the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines and is a must-see for history lovers.

A quick but meaningful stop during your city tour
Perfect for photos and learning local history

️ Final Tip for 4-Week Students:

Try to plan one major trip each weekend — city landmarks one week, beaches the next. With careful time management, even four weeks in Cebu can be packed with unforgettable memories!

Weekend Getaways During Your 4-Week Stay in Cebu

A two-week stay in Cebu isn’t just about studying English — it’s also a great opportunity to explore some of the Philippines’ most stunning natural attractions. Here are three popular destinations that are perfect for weekend adventures while you’re studying at 3D ACADEMY.

️ Bohol – Chocolate Hills and Tarsiers

Just a 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu City, Bohol is a must-visit island filled with unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Top highlights include:

• Chocolate Hills – Over 1,200 dome-shaped hills that turn brown in the dry season, resembling giant chocolate drops.

• Tarsier Sanctuary – See one of the world’s smallest primates, the adorable Philippine tarsier, in a peaceful natural setting.

• Loboc River Cruise – Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with buffet lunch and live music along a lush riverside jungle.

• Panglao Island – Known for its white sand beaches and coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Bohol is ideal for those who want to combine nature, culture, and a bit of island adventure during their study break.

Moalboal – A Paradise for Snorkelers and Divers

Located on the southwestern coast of Cebu Island, Moalboal is a beach town famous for its vibrant marine life — perfect for a weekend escape.

Must-see spots:

• Sardine Run – Watch millions of sardines swim in mesmerizing formations just meters from the shore.

• Turtle Point – Swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat.

• Pescador Island – A diving hotspot filled with coral gardens, tropical fish, and occasional reef sharks or dolphins.

• White Beach (Basdaku) – A long stretch of soft sand and calm blue water, great for relaxing after a week of study.

Moalboal offers a chill, beachy vibe and is easily accessible for an overnight trip from Cebu City.

️ Caohagan Island – A Small Island with Big Charm

Only 45–60 minutes by boat from Cebu, Caohagan Island is a peaceful, lesser-known gem — perfect for a half-day or full-day island-hopping tour.

What to do:

• Snorkeling – Explore shallow, crystal-clear waters full of tropical fish and coral.

• Island BBQ Lunch – Enjoy freshly grilled seafood, prepared by locals on the beach.

• Cultural Interaction – Meet friendly island residents and experience their sustainable and simple lifestyle.

• Beach Time – Relax under the sun and recharge before another productive study week.

Caohagan offers a more local, authentic experience for students who want to discover the real island life of the Philippines.

Real Experiences: What 4 Weeks at 3D ACADEMY Can Offer

When planning to study English in the Philippines, many people ask: “Can I really improve my English in just one month?”
At 3D ACADEMY in Cebu, the answer is clear — yes. Four weeks might seem short, but with the right environment, it’s more than enough to build strong language skills and lasting memories.

“At first, I struggled to follow the lessons and speak up in class. But by the third week, I was answering questions confidently and even helping my classmates. The dorm life also helped — we spoke English every day after class, and I made friends from Thailand, Taiwan, and Mongolia.”
— R, Japanese university student (female)

Located inside JY Square Mall, 3D ACADEMY provides an incredibly convenient lifestyle. Students can easily grab food, groceries, or a quick coffee — all within the same building. This makes it easy to focus on what really matters: learning English and experiencing life in Cebu.

“The school’s system works. One-on-one classes helped me improve my speaking and grammar, while group classes gave me the chance to use English in a more natural way. I noticed a big difference by week 4. I no longer translated everything in my head — I just spoke.”
— H, Brazilian IT professional (male)

In four weeks, students have enough time to settle into a rhythm. The first week may feel overwhelming, but by the second and third weeks, you’re learning faster and speaking more naturally. By the fourth week, many students feel ready to take on new challenges — in English and beyond.

“Weekends were unforgettable. I swam with whale sharks, visited Bohol Island, and joined the city tour with friends. These experiences were not only fun, but also gave me real opportunities to practice English with locals and classmates.”
— T, Korean exchange student (female)

The 3D ACADEMY team ensures that students feel supported throughout their stay — from airport pickup to class scheduling to weekend travel advice. Whether you’re a university student, working professional, or someone between jobs, a 4-week stay at 3D ACADEMY is a great way to recharge, refocus, and improve your English in a global setting.