AHaving learned English as a second language, Filipinos in general speak the language with an accent. For the most part, they speak American English. However, not many Filipino teachers can speak like native speakers, and their students are sometimes not able to understand them because of their accent. At CIA, though, teachers speak with almost a neutral accent to slightly accented English. Their way of speaking is clear enough for the students.
ADespite the low level of English proficiency, complete novices or beginners are trainable. CIA offers man-to-man beginner classes to help them advance through the higher levels until they attain the proficiency level required for one to study abroad.
ACIA is presently located in A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City. AS Fortuna is a lively street lined with restaurants, convenience stores, and wellness spas. Also, a nearby shopping mall is within walking distance of the school.
ASSP or Special Study Permit is a special enrollment permit issued by the Philippine government to foreign students so that they can legally study in the Philippines. All students who wish to enroll at CIA must secure the said permit.
A visa extension is required of foreigners staying in the country for over thirty (30) days or five (5) weeks. For your information, a tourist visa, which is valid for thirty (30) days, is free of charge. Such kind of visa requires a return ticket, and the tourist’s passport should be valid during his or her stay in the country plus six (6) months or more. A student enrolled in CIA with a tourist visa is allowed to stay for four (4) weeks or less. However, for students who wish to extend their stay, the staff will assist them in getting a visa extension.
AStudying in the Philippines has many benefits. First, a student can learn the English language at a very affordable price, which is considerably lower than the cost of studying in Western countries. Second, man-to-man classes are long enough and are paced to make sure that one achieves proficiency and that the learning objectives are met. Third, a studentcan have many opportunities to use English in communication since the locals use it, too, in everyday situations, such as shopping and eating at restaurants. Finally, a student not only can have a fulfilling student life but also can enjoy other things that the country can offer, such as the famous beaches in Cebu.
AThe Philippines has a tropical climate. It is warm throughout the year; the country’s average annual temperature is around 27ºC. The rainy season lasts from June to October, while the dry season is from November to May. Other regions in the country like Cebu, though, may experience very rainy or very sunny weather throughout the year. For this type of climate, it is fine to wear summer clothes and accessories like sunglasses and hats, all of which can be purchased at local shopping malls and markets. When the weather is very hot, people frequent places with air-conditioning like shopping malls.
ACompared to your home country/ country of origin, Cebu has good security measures. Public safety has improved particularly in cities and towns. There is low crime rate making the place safer to live compared to any other areas in the Philippines. However, the gap between the rich and the poor is high, making robbers, burglaries, as well as casualties common. Tourists should then follow basic precautions, such as staying in instead of going out at midnight or secure their own belongings like bags, phones and money in public places.
Yet, at CIA, there is 24-hour security. Only students, teachers, and other staff members are allowed to enter the school premises. For overall safety, students must observe necessary precautions when going out.
AIn general, medical services for foreigners in the Philippines are expensive, so you should get insurance for possible emergencies. You may catch a cold because of sudden change in weather or have a stomachache from eating exotic food or drinking water or contract a disease peculiar to Southeast Asia (e.g., dengue). Also, it is possible that you can meet a road accident. Although there has been a few of these cases, it’s highly recommended that students get health insurance.
AOn average one’s expenses total around $150 per month. The expenses exclude school-related fees like SSP (special study permit), dormitory deposit, visa extension fee, and electricity bill, all of which are to be paid after the orientation on the first day. some students who do not often eat out to dine out or go sightseeing only spend about $50 a month for daily necessities. However, those who enjoy recreational activities like scuba diving, golfing, and traveling should prepare a little more than $500. Also, one should set aside pocket money for the entire stay. On the first day at CIA, students is accompanied by a staff member and will proceed to money changer at nearby mall to have their money changed into Philippine peso.
APlease pay attention to your baggage allowance. Pack only the bare essentials. Do not bring liquids, such as shampoo, rinse, and lotion, anymore. Upon your arrival in the country, you can go to a shopping mall near CIA for your needs. Also, pack clothes enough for at least a week, including casual and travel clothes. Bring light, inexpensive ones that can be regularly washed. (For your information, CIA offers laundry services to its students.)
ANo. CIA has its specific curriculum that students and teachers follow in each course. However, you may still bring your personal materials for self-study.
AFilipinos are generally optimistic and cheerful. They are mostly Catholic, so they uphold Christian values and beliefs. Also, they are very good at communicating with foreigners, making them suitable English teachers.
AApproach, competence, and support are vital to the success of Philippine language training. CIA currently takes a student-centered approach to teaching English. With the students in mind, the school uses up-to-date and suitable materials for language instruction and continues to develop and improve its courses and assessments. Also, CIA employs competent teachers, who are skilled at both using and teaching the language. Using appropriate strategies and techniques, they provide meaningful learning experiences to their students according to their level and needs. Lastly, CIA provides excellent student support where staff works hard to make students’ stay pleasant and enjoyable while studying.
AOf course. A student-centered approach to teaching English, which is used by CIA, would be very beneficial to a student of any level even if he or she can hardly speak English. At CIA a new student will take a test to determine his or her level of English proficiency then attend classes that cater to that level. Classes are designed for students of different levels, from beginner to master’s level, and they are from Mondays through Fridays.