Why study English in the Philippines?
English is an official language of the Philippines. Most people understand and speak it, so you practise all day: in shops, on the street and with new friends, not only in the classroom.
Courses cost far less than in Canada, Australia or the US, and that difference pays for something those countries rarely offer: daily one-to-one lessons. Most of our courses include one-to-one time with a teacher every day, from one lesson a day in General English to three a day in our True Beginner course.
Why Boracay?
Boracay is one of the safest and most beautiful islands in the world, and English is spoken everywhere. The island has 12 beaches; White Beach Station 3 is the closest to our school.
Living on a small island keeps life simple: school, beach and friends are minutes apart, and there is an immigration office on the island, so you never have to leave Boracay to sort out your visa.
- Study in the morning, swim or kite-surf in the afternoon
- Students from over 80 countries, so English is the language you share
- Courses all year round, for every level
Choose your course
Every course mixes small group classes with one-to-one lessons. The difference is how many classes you take each day. Not sure about your level? Take our free five-minute level test first.
Most students — our most balanced course
General English
Feel like a full-time student again. Five classes a day will make a real difference to your English.
Career and academic goals
Intensive English
The fastest way to improve. Most popular with students learning English for work or university.
Holiday learners and short stays
Budget English
Perfect if you want to enjoy relaxed beach life on Boracay while improving your English. Study in the morning or the afternoon.
Complete beginners
True Beginner English
Built for students with very little or no English. Learn everyday words, expressions, basic grammar, speaking, reading and writing.
Exams and professional English
IELTS, TOEIC & Business
Business English or exam preparation for IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, FCE and CAE.
German employees on educational leave
Bildungsurlaub
Paradise English is the only language school in the Philippines accredited for Bildungsurlaub by the German government.
What does it cost?
Here is a real example from our 2026 price list. Longer stays cost less per week: from 4 weeks, most courses have their biggest discount.
| General English, 4 weeks | $801 |
|---|---|
| Student dorm, shared standard room, 4 weeks | $308 |
| Registration fee | $130 |
| Special Study Permit (SSP) | $200 |
| Total | $1,439 |
Not included: flights, meals (optional school lunch $50 per week) and a visa extension if you stay longer than 29 days (about $85). Prices are 2026 rates.
Where you will live
Choose between our student dorm (a 3-minute walk to school), a home stay with a local family, our Annex hotel and a 4-star resort. A shared room in the dorm starts at $148 for one week.
Accommodation and room prices in BoracayVisa and Special Study Permit
Many nationalities receive a free tourist visa on arrival, valid for 29 days. If you stay longer, you extend it for another 29 days (the first extension costs about $85), and then every 60 days for up to one year.
Every student in the Philippines also needs a Special Study Permit (SSP), which costs about $200. Our office prepares the documents and helps you through the process each week. Visa rules differ by country, so check the rules for your passport before you book your flight.
How to get to Boracay
There are many daily flights from Manila to Caticlan or Kalibo. Caticlan is 2 km from Boracay; Kalibo is a 90-minute bus ride away. We also offer Caticlan airport pickup and drop-off for $48.
- 1Fly to Caticlan
Daily flights from Manila. Kalibo is the other airport, 90 minutes away by bus.
- 2Tricycle to the jetty
A 5-minute ride from Caticlan airport to the jetty port.
- 3Boat to Boracay
A short boat ride across to Cagban jetty port.
- 4Arrive at Paradise English
A short ride from Cagban to the school.
When to come: the weather
Boracay is warm all year, and courses run all year round.
- November to March: warm days, cooler nights, calm and clean water, 25–32 °C
- April to June: hot and mostly dry, 28–38 °C
- June to October: south-west winds with moderate to heavy rain, 25–32 °C
Daily life: money, phone and health
- Money: the currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). ATMs all around the island accept foreign cards.
- Phone: buy a local prepaid SIM card from Smart or Globe for calls and data. The campus has free Wi-Fi.
- Food: the school cafeteria serves fresh lunch and dinner to students who sign up.
- Health: there are several medical clinics on the island. Tap water is not safe to drink; the school has water dispensers on campus and at the dorm.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to study English in the Philippines for a month?
At Paradise English, 4 weeks of General English with a shared dorm room, registration and the Special Study Permit comes to $1,439 in 2026. Flights and meals are extra.
Do I need a visa to study English in the Philippines?
Many nationalities get a free 29-day tourist visa on arrival, which can be extended on Boracay. All students also need a Special Study Permit (about $200); our office prepares it for you. Check the rules for your passport before booking.
What level of English do I need?
None. We teach every level, and our True Beginner course is built for students with very little or no English.
Is Boracay a good place to study English?
Yes: English is spoken everywhere on the island, the school is minutes from the beach, and you study with people from all over the world, so you use English all day.
How do I get to Boracay?
Fly from Manila to Caticlan (2 km from Boracay) or Kalibo (90 minutes by bus), then take a 5-minute tricycle to the jetty port and a short boat ride to the island.