From February 28th to March 4th, at the invitation of the Cebu Association of Language Academy (CALA), TASS Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, participated in a tour and survey of 10 leading English language training schools in Cebu, Philippines. This is one of the company's efforts to expand its network of partnerships with overseas educational institutions to diversify its educational tourism products, especially innovative English summer camps for young Vietnamese people.
Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy (Director of TASS Company) poses for a photo with the Principal of EMO Academy.
The schools visited during this trip included: Blue Ocean, Cella, CG, CPILS, English Fella, EMO, EV, Philinter, SKK, and UV. The survey served as a basis for evaluating the learning model, teaching quality, and facilities, while also providing a firsthand experience of life in the Philippines through trial classes, dining, and accommodation at several schools. Simultaneously, the company signed preliminary agreements and received official representation certification in Vietnam.
The certificate designating TASS as the official representative in Vietnam was awarded by the CPILS Academy.
The Philippines is highly regarded for its English communication skills, thanks to the natural advantage of its throat structure. Therefore, among Asian countries with compulsory English education, Filipinos speak English best, surpassing even Singapore and India. In their education system, learning English is mandatory from the first grade, and English is considered a second language, not a foreign language. Their learning method also encourages learners to think directly in English, rather than translating from their native language to English as we currently do.
Philinter Academy's sample curriculum
The Philippines has over 300 international English language schools for foreign students, with the highest concentration in Cebu and Baguo. Most schools are designed as integrated campuses combining lecture halls and dormitories, and are largely funded by foreign businesses, notably from South Korea, Japan, Russia, and France.
The green campus of EV Academy
In addition to regular programs like ESL, TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS, some schools offer intensive English courses in various fields such as business, academics, aviation, etc., as well as training for English-speaking teachers (TEASOL), university preparatory programs, English summer camps, or internships at international companies.
The curriculum structure for teenagers (studying alongside students from international schools) at EMO Academy.
Another significant difference is that the 8-lesson-a-day schedule is usually structured into 4 or 5 one-on-one lessons (tailored to the student's level), and 3 or more small group lessons (under 10 people), giving students ample opportunity to practice all the necessary skills. In addition to the 8 mandatory lessons, students can choose 2 extra self-study sessions on various interesting topics. Furthermore, the English Zone in the dormitory and cafeteria mandates English-only use; violations result in penalty points, fines, or other forms of punishment such as being prohibited from going out on weekends. With the SPARTA program, official classes end at 8 PM and self-study continues until 10 PM, with no going out on weekdays. The J-SPARTA program is more relaxed, allowing students to go out in the evenings. Because they live and study in such an environment, many students, even those with an initial IELTS score of just above 3.5, can achieve a score of 6 or 6.5 after 3 months of training.
One-on-one classes at Philinter Academy
Small group classes at Cella Academy
The schools' facilities are modern and convenient, including swimming pools, indoor and outdoor gyms, saunas or massage rooms, movie theaters, libraries, etc. Dormitory rooms offer a variety of options, from single rooms to four-person rooms. For teenagers and children participating in English summer camps at the school, dormitories even include teacher beds for easier supervision.
The children's dormitory rooms at EMO Academy have beds provided by their caregivers.
Buffet meals at CPILS Academy
Studying hard during the week is a challenge, but weekends are a time to relax and have fun with international friends through various extracurricular activities and excursions. Cebu is an ideal tourist destination with its clear blue waters and many exciting diving activities, from snorkeling to scuba diving or even whale watching. The incredibly rich marine life offers amazing experiences. From Cebu, you can also travel to many nearby destinations such as Bohol and explore over 1700 green hills (chocolate hills) as well as many beaches in Boracay, Palawan, and more.
Take a glass-bottom boat tour to watch snorkeling in Cebu.
Obtaining a visa to study English in the Philippines is quite easy. If your study period is less than one month, you don't need a visa; you can simply travel as a tourist. For two months, you can apply for a 59-day visa at the Philippine embassy in Vietnam for approximately 790,000 VND. For longer periods, you can renew your visa monthly for approximately 3,500 pesos per renewal, plus additional fees for a temporary residence permit for foreigners (3,000 pesos) or an SSP certificate for foreigners studying English in the Philippines (6,500 pesos). However, schools often waive these fees for students who enroll in longer courses. English courses and summer camps vary in duration, from one week to six months or even a year. The cost of tuition is flexible and reasonable, depending on the programs and institutions, and can range from $1000 - $1500 per month for an average of 8-10 hours of English study per day with various learning methods.
TASS's Creative English Summer Camp was held in Malaysia and Singapore in 2016.
Following the innovative English summer camps in Malaysia and Singapore in 2016, such as the Asian Science, Mathematics and Arts Camp and the Asian Young Leaders Forum, the English summer camps in Cebu (Philippines) organized by the Tourism and Science Services Company Limited (TASS, USSH) will be a highlight in the system of educational tourism products in 2017.
Thu Thuy - TASS
Author:Thu Thuy - TASS
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