Can High School Students Study English Abroad in the Philippines Safely?

Is Studying English Abroad in the Philippines Suitable for High School Students?

We receive many questions regarding studying English in the Philippines and many questions are about English for children. This comes as no surprise as many parents today look into their children’s future and understand how important for them is to have high level of English. Many parents want to send their children to study English abroad and of course they want to be sure that their children will be safe and comfortable. So is studying English abroad suitable for high school students? Is it safe?

The short answer is YES. High school students can safely and effectively study English abroad. Summer, winter or spring break are good time. In some schools there are special English camps especially designed for children and include many activities additionally to in class studies. Paradise English is famous for their summer and winter camps.

Can High School Students Study Abroad in Cebu Philippines?

The most common age group of people who study English in the Philippines are university students and people who already work and want to increase their job opportunities. But during summer and winter vocation there are many high and middle school students who come for a month or two to improve their English. One of the questions that parents and students ask is if they will be able to have friends of the same age and would be English classes with the same age group. So no worries here. There is also some advantage to meet with the people of different age group with the same goal – to improve English. This might give additional life and study experience.

Where do Student Stay while Studying English in the Philippines?

Students can stay at the dormitory but some school offer homestay options as well. Homestay in ETHOS English school is one of the best options especially for high school students. Students will stay with an American teacher and his family near the language school (1-5 minutes walking distance).  Parents will be sure that their children are safe and well looked after when they stay in the teacher’s family. It is also a chance to actively interact with native English speakers all day long.

What do Students Say Themselves?

We asked 3 high school students who studied English abroad in ETHOS Cebu, Philippines about their experience. All students agreed that their English improved a lot in one month, but also all of them said that to make their English perfect they feel that they need at least 3 months of active English studying.
Here are some more questions we asked them:

Why did you decide to study English in the Philippines?

I decided to study at ETHOS because I wanted to study from the Americans but my parents thought that the USA is too expensive and unsafe. So we found this school in the Philippines where all teachers are Americans and it is safe and the cost is much lower than if I would go to study English in the USA.

Did you worry about anything before studying English abroad by yourself?

I was afraid that my level of English is not good enough and I would not be able to understand the class and what do they say. I must say that I felt very good at school and even starting with the low English level I felt comfortable and was able to understand everything in the class. Teachers are very professional and know how to adjust to each student.

Are you happy that you decide to study English in the Philippines?

Yes, I am very glad I made this decision. And I am happy I chose ETHOS English school in Cebu. The teachers here are all Americans. Everyone in the Philippines speak English but their English accent is different from the American accent. It was a good decision to study from the Americans.

Were you able to follow the class?

First few days were difficult but teachers made sure I understand everything and were very helpful. Second week was much easier to understand and during the third week I was able to ask many questions in English and felt very confident in speaking and understanding.

Did your English improved a lot in a month?

My listening skills grew a lot. My speaking has improved too but it’s not perfect yet. The first time I went to order food and was asked if I want to take food out or eat at the restaurant, I didn’t understand them properly. Two weeks later I was ordering food without any problems and was able to understand everything they said. I feel if I stay for 3 months my result will be even better.

Would you like to come back and would you recommend any of your friends to come here?

Yes, I want to come back and plan to do so next summer. I would recommend this school to all my friends and everyone who want to study English in the safe and caring environment.