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How to Prepare for Studying English in Cebu, Philippines: 6 Things to Do After You Apply

Visa & Travel Info, English Study Tips

How to Prepare for Studying English in Cebu, Philippines: 6 Things to Do After You Apply

1. How Can I Study English Before Going to the Philippines?

Improving your English skills even a little before departure will make your learning experience much smoother once you arrive. Simply applying to an English school in Cebu doesn’t automatically improve your English — your language learning begins the moment you apply.

Here are some recommended ways to start preparing:

  • Review junior high school level English grammar

  • Use vocabulary apps like mikan or Anki to build your word bank

  • Get used to English listening by watching YouTube or Netflix

  • Practice basic conversations using apps like Cambly or italki

Your progress in Cebu will largely depend on whether you already have a solid foundation. Pre-departure preparation is the key to getting the most out of your study abroad experience.

2. What Should I Prepare for Studying in Cebu?

To ensure a smooth stay in Cebu, here’s what you should bring:

  • A valid passport (with at least 6 months before expiration)

  • Cash (USD 500–1,000 or JPY 50,000–100,000 for initial expenses)

  • Light clothing (Cebu has a tropical climate year-round)
    Note: Classrooms in English schools are often very well air-conditioned, so we recommend bringing a few long-sleeved tops as well.

  • Any necessary medications or prescription drugs from your country
    Tip for women: bring your usual skincare and cosmetic products if you’re particular about them.

  • An international debit card or a credit card
    Tip: A credit card with cash advance capability can be very helpful in emergencies.

  • A smartphone and laptop (especially for those planning to do remote work or assignments while studying)

As for communication, having access to mobile data is important. You can easily buy a local SIM card at shopping malls in Cebu, and staff there will help you register it (passport required).

Here are some items you don’t need to bring:

  • Electronic dictionary
    → Modern smartphones and apps can replace them completely.

  • Hair dryer
    → The voltage in the Philippines is different, and using the wrong device may cause power outages or accidents. It’s better to rent one from the school or purchase one locally. A dryer rated for Philippine voltage is okay.

  • Luxury or delicate clothing
    → Laundry is typically done at school, and delicate items aren’t hand-washed. Avoid bringing expensive or high-maintenance garments.

  • Prohibited or restricted items (such as fresh food)
    → Items like meat or fruit usually require pre-approval and may be confiscated by customs. We do not recommend bringing them.

3. Do I Need a Visa? How Do I Get One?

For most nationalities, you can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days (as of May 2025).
However, if you’re staying for more than 30 days (e.g. an 8-week program), you will need to extend your visa locally.

In most cases, your school will handle the visa extension process on your behalf. You don’t need to visit the embassy or arrange anything before departure. The school will guide you after you arrive, so don’t worry.

Is there such a thing as a student visa in the Philippines?

This is one of the most common questions we get. In the Philippines, student visas are only issued when you enroll in a local high school or university.
For English language schools in Cebu, there is no official “student visa.” Even for those whose nationalities are not visa-free, applications made at embassies are typically for tourist visas.

You can read more about visa requirements for studying in Cebu through the link below:

➡️ Do You Need a Student Visa to Study English in Cebu?

4. How Do I Book My Flight?

You can book your flight using comparison sites like Skyscanner or Expedia, or directly from airline websites such as Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. When booking, keep the following in mind:

  • Set Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) as your destination.

  • Compare direct flights and connecting flights (via Manila, Seoul, etc.) before making a decision.

  • Try to arrive on a Sunday, as most schools in Cebu start their programs on Monday and offer Sunday check-in.

Booking early is key to saving money. During peak seasons (e.g., summer), it’s best to secure your ticket 2–3 months in advance.

Do I Need an “Exit Ticket” to Enter the Philippines?

To enter the Philippines, a return or onward ticket is required.

This raises a common question:
“If I’m staying long-term, do I still need a return flight within 30 days (also known as an ‘exit ticket’)?”

Answer: Yes and No.

In most cases, showing your round-trip ticket and Letter of Acceptance from your English school is enough. Students are typically allowed to enter without issues.

However, some immigration officers may ask for proof of departure within 30 days, regardless of your stay duration. If this happens, you can quickly book a low-cost flight out of the Philippines (e.g., Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia) before or even at the airport using your phone.

5. Is It Okay to Transit Through Manila?

Yes, but make sure to allow plenty of time between flights. Here’s why:

  • Transferring between domestic terminals can be time-consuming.
    Manila’s airport layout is confusing even for experienced travelers. Shuttle buses are available between terminals, but signage can be unclear. It’s essential to ask airline staff (especially for Philippine Airlines) exactly where and how to transfer terminals.

  • You may need to go through immigration and re-check your luggage.

  • If both flights are with the same airline (e.g., Philippine Airlines), the transfer is usually smoother.

If this is your first time traveling to the Philippines, we highly recommend choosing a direct flight to Cebu. If you must go through Manila, don’t book flights with tight layovers. Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for transfer.

6. Should I Request an Airport Pickup Service?

Absolutely. Especially if it’s your first time traveling to the Philippines or studying abroad, using your school’s airport pickup service is strongly recommended.

  • Staff will meet you even for late-night or early-morning arrivals.

  • It reduces the risk of getting overcharged by taxis or dealing with other transportation issues.

  • You’ll get to your dormitory smoothly and safely.

Some schools offer this for free or for a small additional fee (around 2,000–4,000 yen). Be sure to check when you apply.
※ At 3D ACADEMY, we provide pickup service for a fee of 1,500 pesos.

Is Grab Safer Than a Taxi for Airport Transfers?

Yes, in general, Grab is safer and more reliable than regular taxis. While Cebu is considered safer than Manila in terms of taxi use, there have still been cases where drivers refuse to use the meter, especially when picking up passengers from the airport.

With Grab, you can:

  • View the driver’s rating and profile

  • Avoid price negotiations or overcharging

  • Enjoy more peace of mind when arriving in a foreign country

We highly recommend installing the Grab app before your trip.

About 3D ACADEMY

3D ACADEMY is an English language school located in JY Square Mall, right in the heart of Cebu City, Philippines. Since its founding in 2012, the school has welcomed thousands of students from around the world.

Its most notable feature is the one-on-one lesson system, which allows students to receive personalized instruction based on their individual goals and English levels. Courses include daily conversation, business English, and test preparation (IELTS, TOEIC, etc.). The campus is also equipped with self-study areas, a cafeteria, an infirmary, and Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable and productive learning environment.

At 3D ACADEMY, students don’t just study English — they experience cultural exchange on a daily basis. With classmates from countries like Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Spain, Russia, and Vietnam, students develop friendships and global perspectives that extend beyond the classroom.

To support students from all backgrounds, 3D ACADEMY offers full Japanese-language support. Our Japanese staff members assist with everything from airport pickup to health and lifestyle consultations, ensuring students can study with peace of mind.

Whether you want to improve your English, transform your environment, or connect with people from around the world —
3D ACADEMY is the perfect place to begin your journey.
Why not take your first step in Cebu and change your future through English?

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