Student Life in the Philippines
～ Photo Gallery ～
Life at B&D English School is more than just studying English. In the beautiful and safe environment of Dumaguete, you will spend irreplaceable time with your teachers and fellow students. From our intensive and high-quality 1-on-1 lessons to weekend excursions and heartwarming school events, explore the real atmosphere of studying abroad with us through these photos.
1. Rapid Progress! Intensive 1-on-1 Lessons
The greatest advantage of our school is the **All One-on-One Lessons** tailored to each student. Unlike group classes, you have significantly more time to speak, allowing your communication skills to improve dramatically in a short period.
With our effective 55-minute sessions, our friendly instructors provide personalized guidance for everything from IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC preparation to daily conversational English.
Maximizing speaking time in 1-on-1 sessions
Personalized guidance for all levels
Fun 1-on-1 lessons for children
Attentive instructors focused on your progress
Practical task-based learning
Presentation practice (Special sessions)
2. Like a Second Home! Our Welcoming Community
At B&D English School, we take pride in our "warm and home-like" atmosphere. Even after classes end, students and teachers relax together in the dining area or on the rooftop, where natural English conversations flow easily.
Whether you are considering Senior Study Abroad or a safe Family Study Plan for your children, you will quickly find a supportive community here.
To ensure you feel comfortable during your first time living abroad, we also provide details on dormitory facilities and the local Dumaguete environment.
Chess matches with teachers during breaks
Sharing sweet moments together
Fun snack time after school
Lots of laughter in English chats!
Friendly bonds: Great for young learners
Enjoying a fun pizza party
Evening chats on the rooftop
Unforgettable memories on the rooftop!
Refreshing rooftop yoga sessions
Rooftop English discussions on weekends
Free talk sessions under the blue sky
Weekend lunch parties for everyone
3. Safety First! Enjoy Weekend Outings & Dining Out
Dumaguete is one of the safest cities in the Philippines. With restaurants and bars within walking distance of the school, you can enjoy going out with teachers and staff with peace of mind.
Compared to studying in Cebu, Dumaguete offers a lower cost of living, making it the ideal environment for those seeking affordable and high-value study abroad options. Use "real-life English" while enjoying delicious local cuisine and drinks in Dumaguete.
Dining out with the owner
Bar only 30 sec from school
Safe dining with school staff
Weekend beach refreshment
Invited to a teacher's home party
Visit the stunning Sandbar!
Scenic driving trips with everyone
Trip to the refreshing waterfalls
Full-on fun! School activity group
Off to dolphin watching by boat
Dinner gathering with everyone
Fun times riding a Jeepney
Trip to the mystical Siquijor Island
Local shopping at a Sari-Sari store
Interacting with local kids at the beach
Boat ride to the scenic Sandbar!
Party at a local restaurant
Night beach walk with teachers
4. Christmas, Birthdays & More! Unforgettable Events
Filipinos love to celebrate! From Christmas and Valentine's Day to local festivities, B&D hosts various events throughout the year.
Through unique cultural exchanges at B&D English School, you will build deep bonds and memories that go far beyond standard classroom learning.
Christmas party on the rooftop
Special festive dinner time
Invited to a local birthday party!
Celebrating teacher's birthdays together
Famous Lechon (Roasted Pig) feast
Valentine's Day party celebration!
Lively celebrations around the table
Anniversary party: Lechon cutting
B&D Anniversary commemorative photo
Delicious buffet feast for all
Say "Cheese" on the boat activity!
Tired but happy: Post-activity smiles
5. Emotional Farewells… The Moving Graduation Ceremony
The finale of your study abroad life at B&D is the graduation ceremony. Many students find themselves moved to tears as they say goodbye to teachers and friends they’ve shared such intensive time with.
We are proud of our high rate of returnees, with many promising, "I will definitely come back!" This is the testament to the trusted study abroad experience at B&D Dumaguete.
Surrounded by teachers at graduation
Congratulations on your graduation!
Special memories with close friends
Even at age 4, a moving graduation ceremony!
All together on the rooftop! Perfect weather
Graduation in our familiar dining room
Graduating with hearts full of memories
We are all part of the B&D Family
The final goodbye at the school entrance
A moment from our home-like ceremony
Our most recent graduates
Smiles all around at our recent ceremony
6. A Heartfelt Send-off: Teachers See You Off at the Airport
The deep bond between teachers and students is a hallmark of the B&D experience. It is a common sight to see our dedicated instructors and friends voluntarily heading to the airport to say their final goodbyes.
Meet the proud Filipino instructors and staff of B&D English School who support these emotional moments and lifelong friendships.
Teachers coming to the airport for a send-off
One last group photo at the airport
Farewell for now... see you again soon!
Have a safe flight home!
Many friends gathered for the send-off
Thank you for the best memories!
7. The Perfect Sightseeing Hub! Weekend Trips to Seas, Mountains, and Hot Springs
Did you know that many world-famous attractions often associated with Cebu—such as the **Whale Sharks in Oslob or Apo Island**—are actually **much closer and easier to access from Dumaguete**?
By choosing Dumaguete as your study abroad base, you can enjoy affordable weekend trips to breathtaking spots. It is the ideal location for those who want to balance intensive English study with visits to nearby attractions like Apo Island and Oslob.
Mystical Pulangbato Falls
Relaxing at Red Rock Hot Spring
Refreshing views from the summit
The Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Swim with turtles at Apo Island!
Impressive Whale Sharks (Oslob)
World-class clarity! Apo Island
Trip to the mystical Siquijor Island
The breathtaking Sumilon Island
Ready for the Whale Shark adventure!
BBQ lunch on the boat!
Emotional sunset at Sipalay
Life in Dumaguete: Frequently Asked Questions about Philippines Study Abroad
Q. How is the Wi-Fi environment in the dormitory?
A. The dormitory is equipped with Wi-Fi, suitable for SNS, voice calls, and video streaming. However, due to the general infrastructure in the Philippines, speeds may be slower than in Western countries or temporarily unstable. Please also check B&D's comfortable dormitory facilities and internet environment for more details.
Q. Is the food suitable for international students?
A. Yes, absolutely. As a school with Japanese management standards, we provide healthy, well-balanced meals. We avoid excessive oil or spice, focusing on nutritional balance. You can see our pride in meals and facilities that support a healthy study abroad life here.
Q. Can I fit in if I participate alone?
A. Definitely! Our school is characterized by a small-group, home-like atmosphere. Interaction happens naturally in the dining area or on the rooftop, so even solo participants make friends quickly. For real feedback, please see the Philippines study abroad experiences from our graduates.
Q. Is there a curfew?
A. The curfew is 11:00 PM on weekdays, with no curfew on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays. While Dumaguete is significantly safer than Cebu, we recommend following the rules and avoiding solo walks late at night for your safety.
Q. Are school activities mandatory?
A. No, all activities are optional. Many students enjoy school-organized events on weekends, while others arrange their own trips to Apo Island or Oslob for Whale Shark watching. You can flexibly plan your weekends at a low cost.
Q. Is it okay for seniors or mature students?
A. Yes, we welcome you! Many students in their 50s to 70s choose us for the calm environment of Dumaguete. In our Active Senior Study Plan, you can learn at your own pace with all-one-on-one lessons.
Q. How are children's meals handled in Parent-Child programs?
A. We prepare flavors that are easy for children to eat. If your child has any allergies or dislikes, please feel free to consult our staff. With our comprehensive family study abroad support, parents can focus on their studies with peace of mind.
Q. How do I handle laundry?
A. We offer a free laundry service (2-3 times a week) within the school. Simply leave it with us, and it will be returned dried and folded. Our proud Filipino staff take care of cleaning and laundry so you can focus entirely on your English studies.
Q. I am concerned about insects and hygiene.
A. Our dedicated staff cleans daily and performs regular pest control. While it's difficult to prevent them 100% in a tropical country, we maintain high standards of cleanliness. If you are sensitive, we recommend bringing insect repellent. Please check the photos of our clean dormitory, maintained to Japanese standards.
Q. Even if it's safe, are there any precautions?
A. Dumaguete is one of the safest cities in the Philippines, but basic caution is necessary. Please avoid carrying expensive items or walking alone late at night. Learning about the environment and safety of Dumaguete beforehand will ensure a more comfortable stay.