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Specials
>>Philippines ESL Tour Program
PHILIPPINES ESL (English as a Second
Language) TOUR PROGRAM
What Is
the ESL Tour Program?
ESL Tour Program is a tourist activity in which the study of English
as a second language forms part of a structured tour package. The study
of English becomes more exciting and fun through dynamic and creative
ways of learning where participants get to interact, practice and use
English more often in real-life settings thru games, outdoor activities,
excursions and immersions. Aside from learning the English language,
participants get to see the beautiful sceneries of the Philippine countryside
and immerse with the local culture.
Why study
English in the Philippines?
The Philippines has the following advantages as your alternative destination
for the study of English not too far away from your home country:
- English is widely spoken in the Philippines. It is used as the business
language as well as the medium of instruction in schools and universities.
93.5% of Filipinos can speak and understand English well.
- The Philippines offers the same quality English education at a much
affordable cost.
- The Philippines prides itself with rich natural and cultural resources
that fascinate visitors.
What are
the Requirements for Foreign ESL Students?
- Entry Requirements
Visit the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country
to apply for a tourist visa. For prior information, you may refer
to the Philippine website at www.dfa.gov.ph.
Requirements for tourist visa:
- Completed application form
- Passport size photo
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the maximum stay being
applied for )
- Return airline ticket
- Proof of financial capacity
- Waiver of exclusion for minors 14 yrs. old and below
- Any other documents as may be required by the consular officer
- Visa Fee - $30
- Special Study Permit (SSP)
The Philippine Government, through the Bureau of Immigration
(BI) requires all foreign tourists who wish to enroll in a non-degree
course for less than one (1) year (which include short English courses)
to secure a Special Study Permit (SSP) upon arrival in the Philippines.
- Requirements for SSP Application
- Letter of request prepared by the applicant enrollee
- Affidavit of support prepared by the applicant enrollee
or by parent/guarantor duly notarized by an attorney together with
a bank certification (with English translation) in dollars and a
minimum deposit of $800.
- Parent or guarantor stating financial support for
the applicant enrollee (for applicant below 18 years old)
- Self support stating the applicant enrollee's financial
capacity to shoulder related expenses (for applicants 18 years
old and above)
- Photocopy of passport reflecting the applicant's valid
stay
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Acceptance from the school. Note: The
school must be authorized by BI to accept foreign students. A list
of BI-authorized schools may be secured from the Philippine Embassy
in your country.
- Any other document as may be required
- SSP Fee - P3,730 or $68 (approximate)
- Procedure for SSP Application:
- Prepare all the required documents.
- Present documents to your preferred school or Philippine
tour operator to check if all documents are in order.
- Submit application with supporting documents to the
Bureau of Immigration or thru the school or tour operator. SSPs
are issued within one (1) week upon application.
- Visa Extension
Holders of tourist visa are allowed to stay in the
country for a maximum of 59 days. Extension may be applied with the
Visa Extension Section of the Bureau of Immigration.
Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Photocopy of photo, data, and latest arrival pages of the passport
- Visa extension fee - $ 65 (approximate)
• Nationals who enjoy 21-day visa-free stay
may apply for another 38-day extension. Visa waiver application fee
is $37 (approximate).
How long
are the English courses?
The duration of English courses vary depending on the need and/or objective
of the student. Modules may range from one (1) week to one (1) month
depending on the level of proficiency of students. In 1-week modules,
English lessons are conducted daily. Excursions, immersions and other
outdoor activities are integrated in the program to provide the students
opportunity and conducive venue for practical application of what they
learned in the classroom. For 1-month program, overnight out-of-town
tours are arranged during weekends. In-depth English courses for more
than a month can be arranged by the schools.
What are
the costs?
Costs of English courses are dependent on the duration of the course,
number of enrollees, type of instruction (group or one-on-one basis)
and facilities/amenities provided by the school. Refer to insert for
indicative fees.
Where do
I get more information about ESL tours offered in the Philippines? How
do I avail of these packages?
For information about ESL tours, you may get in touch
with the following:
Office of Product Research and Development
Planning, Product Development & Coordination
Rm. 412, OPRD, DOT Building
T.M. Kalaw, Manila , Philppines
(632) 524-2423, 523-1930, 524-4315
E-Mail: rcbueno@tourism.gov.ph
DOT
FIELD OFFICES
For detailed information on the English courses, please download the list of participating English Training Centers:
INVENTORY OF BI-AUTHORIZED PARTNER ENGLISH CENTERS-PER SURVEY (esl_centers.xls)
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