What to Prepare Before Coming to Cebu

Your Complete Checklist for a Smooth English Study Experience

Planning to study English in Cebu? Congratulations—you’re about to embark on an exciting and life-changing journey! But before you hop on that plane, it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared. From essential documents to what to pack, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get ready for your stay in the Philippines.

Whether you’re joining 3D Academy for just a few weeks or several months, proper preparation will help you avoid stress, save money, and make the most of your time abroad. Let’s dive into the key things you should prepare before coming to Cebu!

1. Travel Documents You’ll Need

Don’t get caught at immigration—have these ready.

To enter the Philippines and enroll in your English program smoothly, you’ll need the following travel documents. Make sure all of these are prepared well in advance:

✅ Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival.

• Ensure that you have blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

✅ Return or Onward Ticket

• Immigration may ask for proof of your departure.

• A round-trip ticket or an onward ticket is often required at check-in.

✅ Letter of Acceptance (LOA)

• Provided by 3D Academy after your booking is confirmed.

• Show this if requested at immigration or during visa extension.

✅ Travel Insurance

• Highly recommended, though not mandatory.

• Covers medical emergencies, lost baggage, and trip cancellations.

✅ Visa Information

• For most nationalities, no visa is needed for stays under 30 days.

• If you plan to stay longer, you can extend your visa in Cebu with our support.

• We help students process SSP (Special Study Permit) upon arrival.

2. Financial Preparation

Budget smart so you can focus on learning, not worrying.

Managing your finances before you arrive in Cebu will save you time, stress, and unnecessary fees. Here’s what you need to prepare:

Tuition and Accommodation

• Make sure to settle your balance (if not already paid) before arrival or bring enough cash to pay upon check-in.

• 3D Academy accepts payments via bank transfer or cash. Credit card payments are not available on site.

Local Fees in Philippine Pesos

• Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay local fees like the SSP (Special Study Permit), visa extension fees, and deposits in cash (PHP).

• You’ll receive a breakdown of these in your booking confirmation email.

Cash vs. Card

• Cebu is mostly a cash-based society—especially for transportation, small stores, and markets.

• Credit cards are accepted in malls and major restaurants but not widely used in daily life.

ATMs and Currency Exchange

• There are ATMs near the school, but daily withdrawal limits and fees apply.

• It’s often better to exchange a portion of cash before arrival or at the airport upon landing.

• We recommend bringing at least 10,000–15,000 pesos for your first week.

3. Packing Essentials

Bring what you need, but travel light and smart.

Packing for a study trip to Cebu is all about preparing for a tropical, laid-back, but practical lifestyle. Here’s a checklist to make sure you have everything you need:

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm, humid weather

• A light jacket or hoodie (air-conditioned rooms can get cold)

• Swimwear for weekend trips or school-organized beach outings

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

• Umbrella or raincoat (rainy season is from June to October)

School Supplies & Electronics

• Laptop or tablet (recommended for online materials and self-study)

• Notebooks, pens, highlighters, and other basic stationery

• Headphones or earbuds for listening activities or private use

• Universal power adapter (Philippines uses Type A/B plugs, same as Japan/USA)

Toiletries & Medicine

• Bring personal care products (some brands may not be available locally)

• Sunscreen, insect repellent, shampoo, toothbrush/paste

• Prescription medications (with a doctor’s note if possible)

What Not to Bring

• Avoid packing too many formal clothes—classes are casual

• Expensive jewelry or high-value items are not recommended

• Cooking appliances are not allowed in dormitories

Pack light but wisely—and remember, Cebu has shopping malls everywhere in case you forget something!

4. Cultural & Mental Preparation

Open your mind—and your heart—to Cebu’s way of life.

Studying abroad isn’t just about language—it’s about adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. Here’s how to prepare mentally and socially before arriving:

Be Open to New Experiences

• The Philippines is warm and welcoming, but daily life may be different from your home country.

• Be ready for different standards in punctuality, service, or noise levels.

• Enjoy local food, street culture, and island-style living—even if it’s out of your comfort zone at first.

Learn Basic Local Phrases

• While English is widely spoken, locals also use Bisaya (Cebuano) and Tagalog.

• Simple greetings like “Salamat” (Thank you) or “Maayong buntag” (Good morning) go a long way.

Talk to Classmates

• 3D Academy is an international school—you’ll meet people from many countries.

• Practice English not only in class, but also in the dorms, café, or on weekend trips.

Know What to Avoid

• Don’t compare everything to your home country—it can create unnecessary frustration.

• Avoid topics like politics or religion unless you’re sure it’s safe and respectful to do so.

• Respect the local customs, and always ask if unsure.

Manage Expectations

• It’s normal to feel homesick or overwhelmed at first.

• Stay connected with family and friends, but also engage with your new environment.

• Remember: growth happens outside your comfort zone.

5. Health & Safety Tips

Stay safe, stay healthy—your well-being comes first.

Your health and safety should always be a top priority while studying abroad. Cebu is generally a safe and friendly city, but like anywhere else, it’s important to take precautions and be prepared.

Vaccinations and Travel Health

• Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, etc.) should be up to date.

• No specific vaccines are required, but hepatitis A/B and typhoid are sometimes recommended.

• Talk to your doctor before traveling if you have any concerns.

Personal Hygiene

• Bring a basic hygiene kit (hand sanitizer, tissues, masks, etc.)

• Be cautious with tap water—3D provides safe drinking water in the dorms.

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before meals.

Medical Needs

• Bring enough prescription medication for your stay.

• Cebu has modern hospitals and pharmacies, but brand availability may vary.

• Inform the school in advance if you have any medical conditions.

️ Safety Tips

• Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.

• Keep valuables secure—use lockers and avoid flashy jewelry.

• Always follow school rules regarding curfews and off-campus activities.

Emergency Contacts

• 3D Academy provides emergency contact numbers upon arrival.

• Register with your home country’s embassy if recommended.

• Keep a copy of your passport and insurance in a safe place.

6. School-Specific Recommendations (3D ACADEMY)

Make the most of your experience at 3D by understanding how things work.

At 3D Academy, we go beyond just teaching English—we offer a supportive, diverse, and well-organized learning environment. To help you settle in smoothly, here are a few tips tailored to our school:

Check-In & Check-Out Schedule

• Check-in is on Sunday from 8:00 AM

• Check-out is on Saturday at 12:00 PM (noon)

• Try to plan your flights around these times for a smooth transition

First Day Schedule

• 8:00 AM – Entrance Test

• Afternoon – Orientation + Campus Tour

• For short-term students (1–2 weeks), optional 3 one-on-one classes may begin the same afternoon if requested in advance

️ Meals & Facilities

• All dormitory plans include 3 meals per day (including Halal options)

• Free laundry twice a week, Wi-Fi, filtered drinking water, and shared study spaces

• Our school is located inside JY Square, a secure complex with a supermarket, pharmacy, cafés, and a gym

‍ Class Format

• Personalized 1:1 lessons, group classes, and optional modules

• Programs available for all levels—from complete beginners to IELTS/TOEFL preparation

Digital Readiness

• Students should bring a laptop or tablet for self-study and class materials

• Power outages in Cebu do happen, but 3D is equipped with backup generators and strong water pressure due to its prime location

7. Final Checklist Before Departure

One last review to ensure you’re ready to go.

Before you board your flight to Cebu, make sure you’ve double-checked the following items. A smooth start begins with good preparation.

✅ Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months)

• Printed or digital copy of your Letter of Acceptance

• Return/onward flight ticket

• Travel insurance policy details

• Emergency contact list

✅ Finances

• Local currency (₱ PHP) for your first week (recommended: ₱10,000–₱15,000)

• Confirmation of tuition/accommodation payment

• ATM/debit card with international withdrawal capability

✅ Personal Items

• Lightweight clothing + light jacket

• Toiletries and prescription medicine

• Electronics (laptop/tablet, charger, power adapter)

• Backpack or day bag for weekend trips

• Face masks, sanitizer, and travel-size wipes

✅ Mental & Cultural Prep

• Ready to speak English every day

• Open-minded attitude toward a new culture

• Positive mindset to make new friends and grow

✈️ Flight Planning

• Confirm check-in at 3D Academy is Sunday from 8:00 AM

• Confirm check-out is Saturday by 12:00 PM

• Notify the school if your flight is delayed or arrives late at night