How to Book Your English Course at Paradise English: Step by Step

Booking a course at Paradise English takes six steps, and only one of them involves money. You choose a course, tell us your plans, receive a personal quote, confirm with a deposit, prepare your trip, and arrive on Boracay. This guide walks you through each step so you know exactly what happens, what it costs and what we need from you.

All prices in this article are our 2026 rates in US dollars. They update automatically when our price list changes.

Step 1: choose your course

Start with your goal and your level. If you want real progress with time for the beach, look at Budget English. If you want the rhythm of a full-time student, General English is our most balanced course. For the fastest route to fluency, choose Intensive English. Complete beginners start with True Beginner English, and students with an exam or a job in mind take IELTS, TOEIC & Business.

Not sure about your level? Take our free English level test. It takes about five minutes, needs no sign-up and suggests the course that fits you. Our post on one-to-one vs group classes explains how the courses differ.

Step 2: tell us your plans

Use the enquiry form on our contact page. It asks for the things we need to prepare your quote:

• Your English level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, or "I don't know")
• The program you are interested in, or "not sure yet"
• Your preferred start date
• How long you want to study: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks or more than 4 weeks
• Accommodation: no accommodation, student dorm, home stay, annex hotel or 4-star resort
• Anything else you want to tell us

If you prefer chatting, message us on WhatsApp. We answer in English, and our student managers also speak Japanese and Chinese. We only use your details to answer your enquiry.

Every course page also has an estimator. Choose your weeks and your room, see the estimated total, and click "Email me this quote" to get the same numbers in your inbox, in your language.

Step 3: receive your personal quote

We reply within one working day with a free personal quote. It lists your tuition, your accommodation if you booked a room through us, the one-time registration fee of $130 and the Special Study Permit of about $200. The estimator on the website gives a close estimate based on 2026 rates; your personal quote confirms the final price for your dates. Rates depend on availability, and additional rates may apply in peak seasons such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Holy Week.

Your quote also confirms the practical details for your dates, such as your arrival day and when your classes begin.

Step 4: confirm with your deposit

To reserve your place, a 20% non-refundable deposit is required 4 weeks before your start date. Payment details come with your quote. Once your deposit arrives, your course and room are confirmed. Please note that deposits, and school closures beyond our control such as weather or holidays, are non-refundable.

If your start date is less than four weeks away, tell us when you enquire and we will let you know what is possible.

Step 5: prepare your trip

With your booking confirmed, four things remain:

• Flights. Fly to Manila or Cebu, then on to Caticlan or Kalibo. Our guide on how to get to Boracay explains the airports, the boat and the jetty fees. International and domestic airfare are not included in our prices.
• eTravel. Every traveller registers online, free of charge, within 72 hours before arriving in the Philippines. Read how to register for eTravel.
• Airport pickup. If you want to be met at Caticlan airport and taken to the school, add pickup and drop-off for $48. This optional extra may change in peak seasons.
• Packing. You need very few clothes on Boracay. Our packing checklist covers what to bring and what to buy on the island.

Check the visa rules for your passport before you fly. Many nationalities receive a free 29-day tourist visa on arrival, which can be extended on Boracay if you stay longer. Our visa and Study Permit guide has the details.

Step 6: arrive and start

Two one-time items are part of every stay: the registration fee of $130 and the Special Study Permit of about $200. Your quote tells you when each is due. Every student in the Philippines needs a Special Study Permit, whatever the course or length of stay. Our office prepares the documents and helps you through the process, and there is an immigration office on Boracay, so you never leave the island for paperwork. Bring your passport; our team will tell you if anything else is needed for your case.

Then it is time to learn. Read about a typical day at Paradise English to see how classes, lunch and free time fit together.

What your price includes and what it doesn't

Your tuition covers your classes. Accommodation booked through us is listed separately on your quote. Not included: international and domestic airfare, meals unless stated (the home stay includes breakfast daily and lunch and dinner on weekdays), the tourist visa extension and documentation fees, and textbooks at $16 per book. For a full budget, see how much a month in the Philippines costs.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

Your deposit is due 4 weeks before your start date, so booking at least a month ahead keeps things simple. Earlier is better around Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Holy Week, when demand and rates are higher.

Is the deposit refundable?

No. The 20% deposit is non-refundable, as are school closures beyond our control such as weather or holidays.

Do I pay everything before I arrive?

Your quote explains how and when to pay. The registration fee and the Special Study Permit are one-time items; your quote tells you when each is due.

Can I book a room somewhere else?

Yes. Choose "no accommodation" in the form and arrange your own stay. Most students book through us because our rooms are close to school and simple to arrange; see our accommodation page.

Can I change my course or dates after booking?

Tell our office as early as possible and we will let you know what is possible for your dates.

Ready? Send us your plans and we'll reply within one working day with your free personal quote.