(Excerpt from Study Abroad Application Rules)
Should you decide to withdraw from the training program after enrollment, it is imperative to submit a written cancellation request to our school.
Reimbursement is only applicable for tuition and accommodation fees; other expenses are non-refundable.
(Refund Policy)
1. Cancellation within the first 25% of the total training period will result in a 50% refund of the training fee. This refund applies to the period from the week following the cancellation request until the scheduled completion date.
2. If cancellation occurs between 26% to 50% of the total training period, a 20% refund of the cost will be issued for the period from the week after the cancellation application until the scheduled completion date.
3. No refunds will be granted if the cancellation takes place after 51% of the total training period has passed.
4. Applications with a duration of 4 weeks or less will not be eligible for refunds, regardless of the remaining period.
Compensation or refunds will not be provided for missed or unattainable classes due to holidays, progress tests, visa-related procedures, hospitalization, outpatient visits, etc.
In the event that force majeure, such as natural disasters, labor and management disputes, local political situations, etc., prevents the provision of classes, no compensation or refunds will be offered.
Upon application for a course extension, if you decide to cancel the extension after payment, a 50% refund of the training fee (tuition fee + accommodation fee) will be processed.
No refunds will be issued for any reason if you are compelled to vacate the dormitory.
The training period is non-transferable to a third party.
Throughout the year, the distribution of our customer base is as follows: 50-70% Japanese, 10-30% Taiwanese, 5-10% Korean, 5-10% Thai, 5-10% Russian, and 1-10% from other countries such as Vietnam, the Middle East, Mongolia, etc. (2019).
It is important to note that these percentages may vary depending on the season.
Upon your arrival at the orientation, you will be billed separately. Payment is to be made in cash, specifically in Philippine pesos, using the local currency.
Should you prefer to make your payment via credit card, we kindly ask that you reach out to us at the venue. It is important to note that a separate credit card transaction fee will be applied in such cases.
GLC regularly organizes one-day volunteer programs (study tours) as school-sponsored activities. Additionally, we feature a range of study tours conducted by local NGOs and NPOs in Cebu on the school's bulletin board, providing individuals with the opportunity to participate or apply directly.
If you are eager to engage in a meaningful volunteer experience, we highly recommend GLC's "English Plus" volunteer course. This specialized program offers a unique and enriching opportunity to contribute to the community while enhancing your English skills.
All GLC teachers are dedicated Filipino educators, equipped with teaching skills that rival or surpass those of native speakers. Among our esteemed faculty, we boast instructors holding prestigious qualifications, such as the Cambridge-accredited CELTA certification—an esteemed credential in the English-speaking world—and educators with a wealth of experience exceeding 10 years in the field of English language instruction.
Our team is diverse and proficient, with expertise extending to the following qualifications.
*TESOL (Qualification for teaching English in non-English speaking countries)
*CELTA (Qualification for teaching English in English-speaking countries)
The CELTA certification, acknowledged by the University of Cambridge as a globally respected qualification for TESOL and beyond, is imperative for those engaged in teaching English to international students in English-speaking nations and for educators working within esteemed institutions like universities. It serves as a hallmark of excellence, ensuring that our instructors possess the requisite skills and knowledge to provide high-quality English language education.
A diverse range of age groups, spanning from 5-year-olds to seniors, engage in studying abroad. Approximately 70% of international students fall within the age bracket of their 20s.
Various accommodation options, ranging from student dormitories to hotel dormitories, are available, providing the flexibility to commute to school. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to individual preferences and age considerations.
Yes, you can switch courses by paying the price difference. No extra fees to pay. However, if you switch to a cheaper course, we can't refund the difference.
In principle, you have the option to extend your stay in the same room or reserve a night before your scheduled departure. However, it's important to note that during peak seasons (January to March and July to September), our rooms may experience high demand and could be fully booked. In such instances, you may be directed to the hotel dormitory for accommodation. To ensure a smooth process, kindly inform us of your intentions either when applying for study abroad or before embarking on your journey.
Usually, students arrive in Cebu on Sunday (move-in day), have orientation on Monday, graduation day on Friday, and fly back home on Saturday (move-out day). If you want to arrive on a Saturday or during the week, or leave the dorm on a different day, just let us know when you apply.
Please fill out the form for changing classes, teachers, or subjects (you can get it at the administration office) and turn it in every Wednesday between 9:00 and 4:00. Usually, you'll have a consultation (interview) the next day, and the changes will take effect starting the next Tuesday. For changing teachers, we only accept valid reasons like the teacher's negative attitude or incompatibility, so each request is reviewed
Even if your package is set to arrive before you do, you won't be able to access it until you get here. So, it's best to have it delivered after you arrive. Also, keep in mind that the transportation system in the Philippines can be tricky. Even with EMS or FedEx, there can be big delays or, in rare cases, lost items. Some people only get their packages when they're back home, so it's not practical to send stuff back. Be careful with this. Don't send valuables like cash or credit cards through the mail. Also, watch out for high tariffs on electrical appliances, food, and similar items.
In the Philippines, the voltage is 220V. Most outlets in dorms and hotels use type A plugs. Many chargers for electronics work with international voltages, but double-check to be sure. Using the wrong devices can be risky. Heating tools like hair irons might not work, so consider getting ones that are internationally compatible. You can buy transformers locally if needed. A hair dryer is also provided in the room.
The Philippines has a summer climate all year round, so summer clothes are fine anytime you come. But schools, malls, and restaurants have strong air conditioning, so you might get cold. It's a good idea to bring a jacket or hoodie you can wear over lighter clothes. Mosquito bites are common here, and dengue fever can be a problem sometimes. To avoid bites, wear long sleeves and pants when you're outside.
GLC doesn't have a nursery or on-site childcare.
If you need a Filipino babysitter while you're here, we can arrange it for a fee. Let us know ASAP if you're interested since you need to book at least a month in advance.
The babysitter placement fee is $100 per week for 8 hours of care each day.
You can pay by bank transfer or credit card (Flywire). Just follow the instructions on the invoice that will be sent to you after you apply.
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls. But some places only take VISA and MasterCard, and some don't take credit cards at all. So, it's a good idea to check what payment methods are accepted before you go in.
If you have a VISA or MasterCard credit card, or a VISA debit card, you can withdraw local currency (Philippine peso) from ATMs. Just know that American Express and JCB cards might not be accepted everywhere.
For credit cards, make sure you have a cash advance agreement set up beforehand. Without it, you can only use your card for payments. Check your credit card agreement to know your cash advance limit.
Mactan Island, known for its beach resorts, is about 30 minutes away by car. Hotels like Movenpick, Crimson Cebu, Plantation Bay, and Pacific Cebu Resort have private beaches. With their paid day-use service, you can spend a whole day at the resort, including lunch and dinner buffets.
There are big hospitals like ChongHua Hospital Mandaue, UC Med, and Cebu Doctor's University Hospital, just 10-15 minutes by car from the GLC campus. If you have insurance, you can get cashless services, especially through the Japanese Help Desk and Cotovia Clinic. Just keep in mind that some cashless payments might not be accepted for credit card incidental insurance. In such cases, you can use the reimbursement method: get a free consultation, collect a medical certificate and receipts for any meds you paid for, and submit them to your insurance company when you get back home to get reimbursed.
Also, we have a school nurse available on weekdays (Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00), and a doctor visits the school three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). This makes it easy for students to get medical help when they need it, either by consulting the school nurse or getting treatment and prescriptions from the visiting doctor without having to go to the hospital.
Tipping isn’t mandatory. If you get great service at a shop or from an activity guide, a tip is appreciated but totally up to you.
In schools, tipping isn't allowed. You don't need to tip for services like room cleaning, even in hotel dorms. Just remember, tipping is optional in these places.
There’s no rental service at the airport or school. You’ll need to use an overseas Wi-Fi rental service from your country or buy one at a nearby mall.
If you have a SIM-free phone, you can get a SIM card for unlimited local internet. Check with your carrier about unlocking your SIM and other details.
Yeah, there's Ayala Mall, a big shopping spot in Cebu, just a 5-minute drive from the GLC campus. It has a lot of shops and a convenient supermarket. Around the campus, you’ll also find 7-Eleven stores, drug stores, cafes, supermarkets, and restaurants with everything from drinks to sweets. Plus, there’s a shuttle service that takes you from the school to Ayala Mall and nearby cafes, making it easy to get around.
If you're 18 or older and staying in a student dorm or hotel dorm, there’s no curfew, but we recommend getting back by 11 PM. Just keep in mind that curfews and restrictions might be put in place due to things like disasters or emergencies.
Also, smoking is a big no-no in public places in the Philippines, so no smoking on school grounds, in dorms, or hotel rooms. There’s a designated smoking area you can use. And remember, no VIPE (Very Important Personal Electronics) allowed. Thanks for understanding and following these rules!
Smoking in public places is illegal in the Philippines (and is punishable by fines). As a result, smoking is not permitted within the school, student dormitories, or hotel rooms. Please smoke in the designated smoking area on the premises.
*VIPE is prohibited. please note.
Regarding the school and student dormitories, the consumption and introduction of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited within the school premises. It is imperative to refrain from bringing alcohol into the campus or student dormitories. Violation of this policy will result in a warning and, in severe cases, may lead to expulsion from the dormitory.
If you are staying at the dormitory, it is permissible to consume alcoholic beverages, but it is crucial to exercise caution and moderation. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol is strongly discouraged.
Please be aware that underage drinking will be met with severe consequences. Any instance of underage drinking will lead to expulsion from the dormitory.
Yes, it’s possible but it cannot be delivered to your room, so please pick it up at the entrance of your school or accommodation.
Philippines food delivery service:
Grab Food
Food Panda
Special meals for allergies cost an extra $40 a week or Php 2,000. Just make sure to mention your allergies during your application, but they might not always be able to do it.
We offer a variety of international cuisines designed for our international students. Our menu includes Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Korean, and Thai dishes, creating a delicious fusion of flavors to satisfy your taste buds.
For example, we serve dishes like Tonkatsu, fried chicken, Thai curry, adobo, bibimbap, and more.
In Cebu, there aren't many public transport options like trains or monorails, so taxis are the main way to get around the city. Just a heads-up, it's best to steer clear of motorcycle taxis and jeepneys—they can be risky. Taxis have gotten better with fewer issues, but it's still smart to be cautious and put safety first.
Lately, ride share apps like Grab have become really popular here. They have Grab Taxi for regular taxis and Grab Car for other rides. You can pay with cash or credit card, which is super convenient. Lots of people, locals and tourists alike, use these apps for getting around
→Download the Grab app here.
Yes, the school organizes activities on a regular basis.
These include volunteer activities, marine activities, island tours, and more. Information will be sent to your LINE account upon your arrival and will also be posted on bulletin boards within the school. Therefore, it is recommended to check this information before participating.
We don't have classes on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, which is a great chance for students to dive into fun stuff and soak up the local vibe. Lots of international students love things like shopping, hitting the beach, checking out cute cafes, and enjoying good meals. Plus, our school sets up cool events, like island trips and volunteering gigs, at really good prices. It's all about making the most of your time here and building awesome memories!
The tap water in the Philippines isn't safe for drinking. To make things easier, GLC set up water servers in the school or dorm for students to use. Just a heads up, there are no cups/glasses, so it's smart to bring your own cup or bottle.
GLC has a full-time nurse on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM (schedule might change). If you need to miss class because you're not feeling well, fill out the absence form at the office before class. If you can't come to school, talk to the nurse or ask the school staff. A doctor also visits once a week.
Usually, if you have overseas travel insurance, you can see a doctor without paying upfront. But if you don't have insurance or only have credit card insurance, cashless payment might not be possible. So, it's best to get overseas travel insurance before you travel.
On the first day of orientation, GLC staff and students will go to the mall to help you get your essentials. We'll also show you where to find the currency exchange spot there.
It's smart not to swap all your cash at once if you're staying a while. Try exchanging smaller amounts regularly to play it safe with your money. And remember, there are currency exchange spots all over the city, not just in malls. You can ask the staff or chat with other international students to find the best rates.
It depends on how often you go sightseeing and do activities outside school. Prices in the Philippines are generally cheaper and the cost of living is low, so you don't need a lot of money. But if you spend carelessly just because things are cheap, you could still end up spending a lot.
* This doesn't include things like the SSP (Special Study Permit), visa extension fee, textbook fee, electricity fee, etc.
Cebu is pretty safe, thanks to government efforts and rapid economic growth. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing and snatching can still happen, just like anywhere else. As a foreigner, make sure to take basic precautions. If you follow the usual safety tips for living abroad, you can greatly reduce your risk of any incidents.
→Click here for safety information
GLC staff will be at the airport waiting for you. When you get here, they'll help you get to your accommodation using a school vehicle. Before they take you to your room, they'll also give you the schedule for your first day of school.
GLC staff members in charge of picking up students come from different nationalities such as Japanese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Thai and more
If you can't find our staff at the airport, please stay at the designated spot. If you still can't connect with them, check the 'GLC Travel Guide' or the 'Airport Pickup Confirmation' you got before your trip
→For comprehensive information regarding your arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, particularly when entering the country via an international flight, please consult the immigration guide provided below.
Yes, if you arrive at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, we can pick you up anytime, 24/7.
Yes, we have an airport transfer service available for a fee. This service is for local applications only. Please talk to the school staff at least one week before you leave. The service is run by a local provider and costs Php1,000 per vehicle. GLC international students can also share rides.
Yes, GLC has a pool. Also, there are resort pool facilities nearby. Please refer to the following.
Western lagoon
https://goo.gl/maps/kVdazZDgNEih6xRY6
Sky Water Park
https://goo.gl/maps/Jo1AeEAfHsfw76xWA
We are delighted to announce the presence of a small fitness gym right here on our campus, exclusively available for resident students. The best part? It's absolutely free of charge! Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or looking to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, our gym facilities are here to support you on your journey.
However, we kindly request all users to come prepared with indoor shoes dedicated for gym use. This not only ensures a cleaner and more hygienic environment but also helps maintain the longevity of our equipment.
The school does not provide the item; however, you can buy it inexpensively at your local supermarket. We will provide guidance on shopping during the orientation on the first day, allowing you to make the purchase at that time.
In the student dormitory, there is no security box available; however, each student is provided with a lockable closet for their personal belongings. It is essential to make use of this closet to ensure the security of your possessions. Similarly, the hotel lacks a security box facility. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you secure your valuables in a lockable suitcase during your stay. Taking these precautions will help safeguard your belongings and ensure a worry-free experience.
The outlets in the Philippines are the same type as in most countries, but the voltage is different. The Philippines uses 220V, so double-check your devices before plugging them in. Regular PC and smartphone chargers usually work fine without adapters.
For heat appliances like hair irons and dryers, make sure they’re designed for international use, or consider buying ones here to avoid any issues.
Hotel dormitory: single room, double room
*Double rooms can be booked by friends, couple, or a family.
Student dormitory (inside): single room,double room, triple room
On School Campus:
Yes, there's free Wi-Fi on campus. You'll get a voucher and instructions during orientation. You get 10GB of free data every 30 days, and if you need more, you can buy an extra 10GB for 200 pesos at the office.
Student Dormitory:
In the dorms, you can use Wi-Fi in your room. Like on campus, you'll need a voucher and instructions from orientation. You get 10GB of free data every 30 days, and extra data is 200 pesos for 10GB.
Hotel Dormitory:
The hotel dormitory offers free Wi-Fi, so you’ll stay connected during your stay.
When Going Out:
When you're out, you can find free Wi-Fi at cafes, malls, and other places. It might not be as fast as what you're used to, but it's good for apps like LINE and Skype. If you need faster internet, talk to our staff about unlimited SIM and Wi-Fi options available in the Philippines
If you are staying in a student dormitory, kindly ensure that you bring your own bath towels and hand towels. Conversely, guests staying in our hotel dormitories will find bath towels and hand towels provided for their convenience.
Student dormitories and hotel dormitories are both equipped with hair dryers.
We do not offer coin laundry facilities for personal use; however, you have the convenience of utilizing our complimentary laundry service twice a week, with a weight limit of 9kg per week. Please be aware that this service may not be available during year-end and New Year holidays, as well as extended breaks.
It's essential to note that our laundry service is outsourced to a professional laundry company. Consequently, the school cannot be held responsible for any damage, color transfer, loss, or similar issues. To avoid potential complications, we advise against bringing expensive clothing or delicate undergarments for laundry.
When availing yourself of the laundry service, kindly bring your laundry to the designated collection window inside the school on the specified laundry collection day. Laundry bags have a tendency to go missing, so we recommend preparing an opaque plastic bag for your laundry.
No, you can't. You'll need a round-trip ticket or a ticket to a third country. If you only have a one-way ticket, you might not even be allowed to board the plane at your departure airport, so make sure you have the right tickets.
1. Passport and Immigration Card:
You might be asked to show your return ticket, so have it ready.
2. Other Questions:
Usually, you won't be asked much, but if they ask about the purpose of your trip, just say, 'Study English at GLC.' If they ask about an SSP, tell them you'll get it through GLC after you arrive. Sometimes, they might ask, 'Why don't you have a student visa?' Just say, 'My ESL school, GLC, will handle it after I arrive.'
For the latest info on any additional documents, check the announcements from the relevant organizations.
- Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
- Ministryof Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website
The immigration card will be given to you on your flight, so keep it until you go through immigration. You'll need to show it during the inspection.
It is used for immigration applications.
・5cm x 5cm
・White background only
・Do not wear glasses, etc.
Since there are many cases where it isnot possible to prepare before traveling due to the size setting, which is notcommon in Japan, GLC will prepare a photo for application for 100 pesos (about250 yen).
*Rates are subject to change withoutnotice.
You can make your own arrangements with each airline or travel agency.
Major airline homepages:
Philippine Airlines
https://www.philippineairlines.com/ja-JP/jp/home
Cebu Pacific Air
https://www.cebupacificair.com/ja-jp
Major flight comparison sites:
Skyscanner
https://www.skyscanner.jp/
If you don't have one yet, apply at least 3 months before you leave.Ideally, you should have your passport sorted out before applying for your study abroad program.
When booking your flight ticket, make sure to enter your passport information.
SSP stands for Special Study Permit.
In the Philippines, you don't need to get a visa beforehand if you're coming to study. Instead, you'll get a tourist visa (30 days) when you enter the country. However, to legally study English here, you'll need a study permit (issued by the Immigration Department), also known as an SSP.
If you're 15 years old and above, you don't need to apply beforehand.
For Japanese and Korean nationals, a 30-day tourist visa is issued upon arrival in the Philippines.
If your stay is longer than four weeks, we'll handle the proxy visa extension by collecting your passport. You won't need to miss school to go to the immigration office for the application process. (Information as of December 2022)
*Tourist visa issuance conditions:
(1) Your passport has more than 6 months remaining on the length of stay.
(2) Persons under the age of 15 who have a round-trip ticket or a departure ticket to another country are required to apply for WEG (Waiver of Exclusion Ground) in advance at the Philippine Embassy in your country.
It's optional, but we strongly recommend getting overseas travel insurance.
GLC doesn't cover any medical expenses, which can be really costly depending on the situation.
No special vaccinations are required, but if you are concerned, you may want to get vaccinated against measles, hepatitis, rabies, etc. (As of February 2022)
*There are cases where it is necessary to be vaccinated as part of border measures against corona infections.
For the latest information, please refer to the announcements by the following organizations.
- Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs OverseasSafety Website
It doesn't matter if you attend classes or not. However, according to Philippine law, if you are staying at a student dormitory or a hotel designated by our school, or if you are going to a language school, you must obtain an SSP (Special Study Permit) even if you do not attend classes.
*Click here for recommended courses for parents and children studying abroad.
Absolutely!
We've had many seniors join us before. We also have international staff on hand, so you can feel at ease. If you have a chronic illness, we might ask for an English medical certificate in advance.
The program is general English, and there is an English course for juniors and kids that can be taken from the age of 5.
We hold junior camps for children (ages 8 to 17) three times a year (spring, summer and winter). If you are worried about traveling alone with your child, this is a program with accompanying support for the entire schedule, so you can participate with your child with peace of mind.
Under the Philippine Immigration Law, it is prohibited for children under the age of 15 to travel alone or with someone other than their parents (on the family register). By submitting a WEG（Waiver of Exclusion Ground）application to the Philippine Embassy in your country in advance, you will be exempted from entry exclusion regulations and will be permitted to travel.
As a general rule, tuition payments are not accepted locally. However, if you are already in Cebu and can enroll immediately, it may be possible, so please contact us once. Payment can be made locally by credit card, local currency (Philippine peso), Japanese yen, and US dollar.
If there's availability, we can process your application within a week if you submit it with payment in advance.
We suggest applying 3 to 1 month before your intended start date so we can prepare and guide you to your preferred room. Keep in mind that if there are no available rooms, we won't be able to accommodate you.
Especially during busy periods like January to March and July to September, rooms fill up quickly, so it's best to apply at least 3 months ahead.
I'm sorry but as a general rule, we do not accept installments for study abroad expenses.
Applicationscan be made using the online application form. Pleasefill in the necessary information and apply.
Yes. It is possible.
Depending on the availability of the room, we may not be able to accommodate it, so please let us know as soon as possible if you are considering an extension.
Yes, it's possible.
You'll need to explain the reason for the room change in detail to the local staff. However, depending on the reason or room availability, we may not be able to accommodate your request. If there's a fare difference due to the change, payment is required upfront. Also, please note that there's no refund for any price difference if you downgrade your room.
Prior to embarking on your study abroad journey, I strongly advise a thorough review and preparation of the vocabulary and grammar concepts you acquired in junior high school. This preparation is crucial to ensure a solid foundation for your academic pursuits in a foreign country.
At the very least, it is imperative to recall essential grammatical terms such as relative pronouns, interrogative sentences, and indefinite sentences, alongside understanding parts of speech like nouns, adjectives, and verbs, as well as various tenses – past, present, and future.
All classes and textbooks during your study abroad experience will be conducted in English.
Only one-on-one lessons are available, excluding holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter. Please be aware that advance registration is not feasible, except for groups and junior programs. Kindly make inquiries with the on-site staff for further details.
An additional fee of US$25 (Php 1,250) per session per class applies for one-on-one tuition. Local payments are accepted exclusively.
Yes, it is indeed possible.
Whether you are enrolled in a General English Course, an Intensive Exam Preparation Course, or any other program, it is imperative to register and make the necessary payments well in advance of the official exam date. We strongly advise reaching out to our local representatives or contacting the agency directly or our school before making any travel arrangements. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Yes, it is indeed possible. However, for group classes, the consent of other participating students is required. You are responsible for obtaining the consent of the international student in the group class yourself, and it should be recorded under your own responsibility.
The Philippines is renowned as "the country with the highest business English proficiency in the world," as confirmed by the Global English Corp survey. Additionally, being the country with the third-largest English-speaking population globally, it is gaining attention as a new destination for studying English worldwide.
Generally, Filipinos who have graduated from college possess the skills to communicate in English on par with native speakers and articulate very clear American English. While Filipinos may have varying accents, similar to American English, British, Aussie English, etc., English learners need not worry about these nuances.
GLC stands out as the sole English teacher training institution in the Philippines accredited as a Cambridge University CELTA training center. We are dedicated to delivering enrolled classes with top-notch instructor quality. Our accreditation from Cambridge University adds credibility to our commitment to providing high-quality English language education.
The Philippines has been recognized as "the country with the highest business English proficiency in the world," as confirmed by the Global English Corp survey. Additionally, being the country with the third-largest English-speaking population globally, it is garnering attention as a new destination for studying English.
At our school, we conduct an online English level check test before students embark on their language learning journey. We categorize students into 12 levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a globally accepted standard for objectively evaluating English proficiency.
In addition to the level assessments, we offer a Basic level (A0) program designed for English beginners. Rest assured that we have developed a customized learning program tailored to each proficiency level, ensuring a comprehensive and effective learning experience.
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