ESL Program: Learn English as a Second Language in the Philippines
ESL Program Tour in the Philippines
The ESL program or the English as a Second Language program in the Philippines aims to teach English to non-native English learners with the help of Filipinos.
Filipinos are non-native English speakers themselves but many of them have become fluent in the English language after many years of studying and using English.
In the view of many, the fact that Filipinos are non-native English speakers who have successfully mastered English lures to the Philippines thousands of language students.
These students want to become like the many Filipinos who can use English as a Second Language effortlessly and confidently.
The ESL program in the Philippines is made unique because it incorporates learning English with a tour of the Philippines, a Southeast Asian country that has 7,107 islands and countless tourist spots.
Because it features learning English with traveling, this ESL program in the Philippines has become very popular among Asians, particularly South Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese.
During the ESL program, ESL learners are immersed in an English-speaking environment wherein they are taught to use ESL in real-life situations and in their interactions with other people.
They do these as they tour the scenic sights in the countryside and absorb local culture.
Reasons for Enrolling in the ESL Program in the Philippines
ESL program in the Philippines has been popular for some good reasons:
- Many Filipinos can speak, read, write and listen to English with ease.
- English is widely used in Philippine business settings.
- Schools and universities in the Philippines use English as a medium of instruction.
- Many Filipinos learn English in schools at an early age.
- Philippine ESL program offers quality ESL training that meets global standards.
- It is relatively more affordable than other ESL programs overseas.
- The Philippines has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in both cultural and natural categories that ESL students can visit. These sites, together with other destinations in the Philippines, are popular for their outstanding beauty and great importance to history.
- Filipinos are generally warm people.
Duration of the Philippine ESL Program
The ESL program in the Philippines can be customized to meet each student’s English needs and objectives.
Thus, a beginner ESL learner must expect to spend one month in the Philippines in order to extensively learn as many English lessons as possible.
Advanced ESL learners can spend as little as one week in order for him/her to take daily, intensive English classes.
Outdoor activities and tours are embedded into the ESL program to give students an environment that encourages learning.
Usually, these outdoor activities and tours are scheduled in the weekends to give students something exciting to look forward to at the end of the study week.
Some of the beautiful places in the Philippines that ESL learners can visit during the ESL program include:
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
- Tubbataha Reef
- Banaue Rice Terraces
- Vigan
- Baroque Catholic Churches in the Philippines
- white-sand beaches in the Philippines
- memorable Philippine travel destinations
Costs of Enrolling in the ESL Program
Comparatively, the cost of enrolling in the ESL program in the Philippines is much lower than that of other countries.
This is because the cost of living in the Philippines is relatively low.
Thus, costs for transportation, accommodations, meals, tours, and instruction fees are within the means of many students.
Instruction fees, however, vary depending on several factors:
- duration of the ESL course
- type of instruction (group study or one-on-one tutorial)
- facilities of the ESL school
- number of ESL students
For an estimated total cost of enrolling in the ESL program, refer to the Inventory of the Department of Tourism - ESL Partner English Training Centers or contact the Department of Tourism of the Philippines.
Department of Tourism
Office of Product Research and Development
Planning, Product Development & Coordination
Rm. 412, DOT Building
T.M. Kalaw Street, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 523-1930, 526-7545
Fax No. (632) 523-1929
Requirements for Enrolling in the ESL Program
To successfully enroll in the ESL program, ESL students must secure their Entry Requirements before leaving their country and Special Study Permit upon arrival in the Philippines.
The list of Entry Requirements can be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines website. The Philippine embassy or consulate in the prospective ESL student’s country can also provide this list.
For the Special Study Permit, ESL students must visit the office of the Bureau of Immigration once they are in the Philippines.
Other requirements for enrolling in the ESL program may be found at the website of the Philippine Department of Tourism.
Copyright © 2011 Kerlyn Bautista
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