Student Testimonials
Student Testimonials & Stories
Real Experiences at B&D English School Dumaguete
About the Multilingual Digest
This page features selected highlights from our official student testimonials, translated for our international community.
While we are continuously adding more stories, please note that some nuances may vary slightly from the original Japanese text due to translation. For the most detailed accounts, we encourage you to also visit our Japanese testimonial page.
Privacy Protection & Image Policy
The photos in these articles are valuable personal records provided by our students. To protect their privacy, unauthorized downloading or reproduction is strictly prohibited. Images have been optimized for web viewing.
We appreciate your cooperation in respecting the privacy and safety of our students and staff. Some photos are used across our website with the explicit consent of the students involved.
Post-Pandemic Reopening
(2024–Present)
Mariko & Family (Family Study Program)
Family Sparta Course
July 2025 (5 weeks)
Message from Management:
Mariko first visited us back in 2018 with her two daughters (aged 4 and 1). I still remember how the youngest would point at the free-roaming cows and shout "Cow! Cow!" despite being so tiny! Seeing them return years later, now grown up and accompanied by their younger brother, was incredibly moving. Welcome back to your second home!
Q1. Why did you choose B&D and what made you decide to come back?
A. We actually stayed here for several months in 2018. Back then, the deciding factors were the affordable pricing and the positive reviews from other parents who had done family study here. This time, it felt like a "homecoming" to celebrate B&D's reopening after the pandemic.
Smiles all around! 😊
Q2. What were your impressions of the lessons and teachers?
A. Even with many lesson hours, the teachers were very creative to keep the kids engaged. They started classes with dancing, used drawing during reading sessions, and included gesture games. My children never got bored.
Q3. Tell us about life at the school and the atmosphere.
A. After classes, we often played badminton on the court behind the school with other students and teachers until we were soaked in sweat! Another fond memory is going to the "Sari-Sari" store (local convenience shop) right in front of the school with teachers to buy snacks and ice cream.
Snack time with our favorite teachers 🍭
Q4. How was the environment in Dumaguete for a family?
A. Dumaguete is incredibly safe—perfect for families. I found the facilities, even toilets, to be cleaner than what I saw in parts of Malaysia. For medical concerns, there are several large hospitals in the city that provided surprisingly high-quality care. Also, the whale shark watching spot is much closer from Dumaguete than from Cebu city. Even my 1-year-old could experience it!
Fun weekend trips together 🚐
Q5. Any advice for future students and what makes B&D special?
A. For long stays with kids, bringing some instant food from home is a good idea as a backup. Regarding safety, since school meals aren't provided on weekend evenings, we liked to eat out for lunch and be back before dark, which is safer for women and children.
The best part about B&D is that the Japanese owner, Mr. Kikuchi, lives in the same dormitory. It’s so reassuring to have immediate help in emergencies. Also, having teachers live on-site means you get to interact with them naturally after class. You make friends for life here—even 10 years later, we still keep in touch with students we met during our first stay. B&D is our second home, and I hope my kids return one day as student managers!
Sharing meals like a big family 🍴
Q6. Tell us about the photo by the sea.
A. This was taken on the Dumaguete boulevard with the two teachers who looked after my girls like second mothers. You can actually see Cebu Island across the water from here!
Memories by the beautiful Dumaguete coast 🌊
Q7. What was the most memorable weekend activity?
A. The dolphin watching and boat BBQ organized by B&D. The ocean was crystal clear, and we saw dolphins swimming right alongside the boat! It was a magical experience for the whole family.
Swimming and exploring with teachers 🐬
Hinako
Light Course
July 2025 (4 weeks)
Message from Management: It is incredibly moving to see Hinako return! She first visited us as an elementary student at our old campus and has now returned as a university student. Time flies!
Q1. What made you choose B&D and what were the deciding factors?
A. I chose B&D because I had stayed here before and had wonderful memories of the school.
Q2. Any memorable episodes regarding the lessons or teachers?
A. Learning about Filipino culture directly from the teachers was particularly fascinating. The lessons focused heavily on conversation, and having my pronunciation corrected in real-time was extremely helpful for my speaking confidence.
Q3. How was the school life, campus atmosphere, and dormitory facilities?
A. Stargazing from the rooftop at night was a beautiful experience. I also loved the interaction outside of class; teachers living on the same floor lent me a fan and we exchanged small souvenirs. It felt like a real community.
Q4. Tell us about living in Dumaguete and the city's atmosphere.
A. I loved exploring the city by bicycle on my days off. Dumaguete is safe and easy to navigate; I could easily bike to the seaside or wander around downtown without any worries. It’s a very accessible and peaceful city.
Q5. Any advice or useful items to bring for future students?
A. I recommend bringing at least one roll of toilet paper or buying some immediately upon arrival for your first day.
Q6. What did this study abroad experience mean to you personally?
A. Connecting with so many local Filipinos was the highlight. These conversations gave me a broader perspective on my future career. This trip has inspired me to take my university studies to a global level.
Q7. Tell us about a memorable experience from your photos.
A. After school on a Friday, the teachers took me into town. The photo was taken at a local eatery in a corner of downtown I never would have found on my own. We shared a rich chocolate drink and a dessert made of sticky rice with warm chocolate sauce and condensed milk. I was nervous since it was only my first week, but the teachers were so welcoming and made it an unforgettable memory.
Dining out with the teachers 🍴
Another highlight was snorkeling at Apo Island during a holiday. I thought I was used to seeing the ocean, but the beauty of Apo Island was overwhelming. The water was so clear I felt like I was floating above the coral reefs. I even managed to capture a photo of a sea turtle. Even through a waterproof phone case, swimming so close to them was a truly precious experience.
A sea turtle encountered at Apo Island 🐢
Support Messages & Alumni Stories
Yuria
Standard Course
May 2017 (16 weeks)
Message from Management: I personally witnessed Yuria’s incredible dedication throughout her 16-week stay! I was also deeply touched that she visited the school after graduation. Hearing that she is now thriving in Australia, continuing the path she envisioned during her time here, is truly inspiring. We wish you continued success!
■ Message for the School Reopening
I am rooting for you from afar!
■ Memories of Lessons
Before studying abroad, I could barely speak or write English. By the end of my 16 weeks, I found myself naturally enjoying conversations with the teachers in English.
■ Memories of Campus Life
From going to nearby bars after class to visiting beaches and shopping centers on weekends—I have nothing but happy memories!
A photo from a peaceful weekend at a Dumaguete beach.
■ School Atmosphere & Staff
Both the staff and teachers were incredibly kind and friendly, creating a wonderful atmosphere. At the time, the campus was in a great location near bars and shopping centers.
■ Advice for Prospective Students
Dumaguete is much safer and more laid-back than Cebu. B&D staff and teachers are warm and supportive, so I highly recommend it for anyone considering the Philippines.
■ Message to Readers
Thanks to my time at B&D, I am now living in Australia without struggling with English. Dumaguete is a wonderful city, and I want more people to discover its charm. Good luck with the post-pandemic reopening!
■ Before → After
I started with zero speaking or writing skills, but I successfully reached a level where I can communicate confidently.
A heartfelt photo with "B&D" written in the sand.
Message from Management: Seeing a student voluntarily take a photo with our school's name as a souvenir makes me incredibly happy. It reminds me why we strive to keep B&D a "second home" for everyone.
Kohei F
Standard Course
April 2019 (4 weeks)
Message from Management: Kohei always brightened up the room—friendly, charismatic, and loved by everyone! After his graduation, we even went on a motorcycle trip to Moalboal, Cebu together. His positive energy made it an unforgettable trip!
■ Message for the School Reopening
I hope to visit B&D again someday.
■ Memories of Lessons
Teacher Thana has perfect pronunciation. By mimicking her during our 1-on-1 sessions, I was able to significantly improve my own accent.
Selfie with Teacher Thana and friends
■ Memories of Campus Life
Dumaguete is a safe and tranquil city. I was able to experience an exotic atmosphere while feeling completely secure throughout my stay.
■ School Atmosphere & Staff
Some of my happiest moments were just chatting with the teachers on the rooftop during breaks or on weekends.
Commemorative photo with teachers on the rooftop
■ Advice for Prospective Students
The owner and teachers are incredibly supportive and trustworthy. You are in good hands.
A night out at a nearby bar with the owner and teachers
■ Message to Readers
I recommend this school with full confidence!
■ Before → After
Since graduating, I’ve had many opportunities to speak English during overseas travels and for work, and I can now communicate without any hesitation.
Kohei’s friend bringing laughter to the group at a local bar
A rooftop yoga session organized by a fellow student who is a yoga instructor
The actual study desk setup where I focused on my lessons
Celebrating a friend's graduation at B&D
Memorable moments with friends and teachers during Kohei’s stay
Message from Management: These photos perfectly capture Kohei’s bright personality and how much he was loved by everyone! Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories. Let's go for another motorcycle trip in the Philippines someday!
※ Students in these photos provided permission before the pandemic. Some faces have been blurred to respect their privacy due to the time passed.
Modern Campus & Private Facilities
(From August 2018 onwards)
Takahiro Nakamura
Spartan Course
2018 (12 weeks)
My sister had previously studied at this school, and after hearing about her positive experience, I decided to enroll as well.
When people think of the Philippines, they often imagine busy tourist hubs like Cebu or Manila. However, Dumaguete is a charming, smaller city that feels safe and peaceful. The local people are incredibly friendly, and I will never forget their genuine, carefree smiles. It is a place where you can truly relax and focus on your studies.
I arrived during the off-season when there were only a few students, but since several Filipino teachers stayed in the same dormitory, it was the perfect environment for immersion. The home-like atmosphere made it very comfortable. I chose the Spartan Course, so my weekdays were dedicated to intensive study, but my nightly routine included visiting nearby bars for a drink. On weekends, I enjoyed local food, diving, and trekking.
There was never a dull moment—from being invited to teachers' home parties to rooftop Christmas celebrations and New Year's fireworks. The staff were exceptionally kind, and both the teachers and students were wonderful people. I had the best time both in and out of the classroom. My 12 weeks flew by, and while I couldn't speak English at all when I arrived, I reached a level where I can now communicate effectively with others. If I ever study abroad again, I will definitely come back here.
A.K
Standard Course
2019 (4 weeks)
I heard about this school from a senior at my university who had studied here a year prior. They told me that their IELTS speaking score improved significantly after just a short stay. I decided to spend my one-month spring break here to prepare for my own exams in a meaningful way.
In your own country, it can be difficult to find opportunities to practice speaking English. I felt that preparing for the IELTS speaking test alone was nearly impossible. Therefore, I chose to focus my lessons at B&D on practical skills that are hard to study solo: speaking, listening, vocabulary, and pronunciation, all taught by local Filipino teachers.
When I mentioned my goal of taking the IELTS, the teachers prepared specific practice materials and questions before each class. They even recommended apps for self-study so I could keep practicing speaking when I was alone. For vocabulary, I felt a real sense of progress by immediately using new words in our 1-on-1 speaking sessions. It was so rewarding to see myself using new phrases naturally! (^▽^)
Since my primary goal was to improve my IELTS speaking score, I customized my curriculum accordingly. One of the best things about B&D is that you can tailor the content of your private lessons to your specific needs. Even though it's a "private lesson" format, everyone's study plan is completely different. By learning English in a way that fit my personal style and addressed my weaknesses, I gained much more than just exam skills—I had many life-changing experiences and emotional connections.
Most students also participated in group lessons. Since classes are small, it was easy to communicate with the teacher and listen to other students' opinions, which made learning fun! I found that being proactive in group discussions was excellent practice for my speaking skills.
Outside of class, Dumaguete is a very safe city. On after-school hours and weekends, I enjoyed sightseeing, shopping with friends and teachers, and even taking ferries to explore nearby islands. Every time I discovered differences in food, clothing, or daily life, I felt a deep curiosity and connection to this city. I wish I had more time to visit even more islands!
My one month here passed in the blink of an eye, but every day was so intensive and fulfilling that I don't feel I missed out on anything. If you have a specific goal, you can focus on your studies while enjoying activities on the side. If your goal isn't clear yet, coming here to find your purpose is also a great idea. The insights I gained here went beyond academics and truly changed my perspective on life.
The local staff and Filipino teachers are all bright, kind, and thorough. I have no complaints about the lessons or my daily life here—it was a truly wonderful experience!
P.S. I highly recommend trying the fruit "Lanzones" (they look a bit like potatoes, but they are delicious!).
The mangoes were also amazing!
I also recommend the local nail salons—they are much more affordable than in Japan, and the work is very careful and cute! Please don't hesitate to try new things here!
The Founding Years: Our Roots in Dumaguete
(October 2014 – July 2018)
N.S
Standard Course
2 weeks
I had always been interested in studying abroad, so I decided to join B&D right when it newly opened.
The price was incredibly attractive, especially since it was an all-inclusive package covering both accommodation and all meals within the school facility.
The building was brand new, very clean, and extremely comfortable. The location was also excellent, with a large shopping center nearby, making daily life very convenient.
The teachers were all very kind. Even though I started with almost zero English skills, they made every lesson fun and engaging.
The entire staff was friendly beyond just the classroom. Having opportunities to chat with everyone outside of lessons made my short 2-week stay very productive.
Even after returning home, I stay in touch with my teachers via Facebook. Exchanging messages with them continues to be a great way to keep practicing my English.
During my stay, I took many photos with the teachers and other students. I gave a handmade message card to the teachers as a thank-you gift, and I was so happy to hear that they still have it displayed at the school.
I would love to go back if I have the chance again!
Yusuke Harada
Spartan Course
4 weeks
The School:
B&D is truly an "all-in-one" school for living and learning in the Philippines. Thanks to the thoughtful management by Mr. Kikuchi and Mr. Sugano, I had a fantastic time. Since I stayed during the holiday season, I also enjoyed events like the Christmas party.
Accommodation:
The facilities were new and very clean. I stayed in a quad room, which was spacious and well-equipped. It was very comfortable! However, the single rooms are more compact, which might be a surprise at first. Regarding the internet, there were occasional interruptions, so I hope for even more stability in the future.
The Teachers:
As expected of Dumaguete, known as a "University Town," the teachers were highly skilled. Their professionalism, patience, and ability to adapt were outstanding. I was particularly impressed by how they adjusted their teaching methods and speaking style perfectly to match my level.
Meals:
Having regular, prepared meals made me realize how much it contributes to health. While it wasn't Japanese food, being able to enjoy delicious local Philippine cuisine every day was very satisfying.
Lessons:
The combination of great textbooks and engaging teachers made the lessons enjoyable. The materials felt sophisticated and geared toward adults. Discussions with teachers often turned into deep conversations about personal beliefs, which was very stimulating. They customized the curriculum for me and remained flexible whenever I needed a change. I think preparing even a little bit before arrival makes the learning process even more efficient!
Ko Tanaka
Standard Course
4 weeks
Thanks to the owners Mr. Kikuchi and Mr. Sugano, the teachers, and the entire staff, I had an incredibly fulfilling stay. Here is a brief summary of my experience.
Lessons:
The curriculum was tailored based on my initial placement test and specific requests. They were very quick to accommodate changes in textbooks or lesson content even after I started. Many teachers had specialized in English education at university, and their teaching quality was truly top-notch.
Meals:
Having three meals a day, even on weekends and holidays, was a huge help. The flavors were great and suited my palate well. Occasionally I wanted a bit more, so I would go out for a late-night snack.
Safety:
I felt that the safety here is exceptional. In my personal opinion, it felt significantly safer than Manila or Cebu—even safer than some major cities in Japan! You generally don't have to worry about security here.
Weekdays:
Lessons continued until about 5 PM with breaks and meals. Between classes, I spent time chatting with our security guard/driver, which turned out to be excellent speaking practice. I also developed a good habit of studying at local cafes in the evening.
Weekends:
Since I love the beach, I went every weekend. Beautiful spots like Apo Island, Siquijor, and Bohol are within easy reach. Swimming with sea turtles and whale sharks was absolutely thrilling! The school was very helpful in providing directions and support for these trips.
Daily Life:
The staff responded immediately whenever I had a request. Having a dedicated school tricycle was incredibly convenient for getting around every day.
A Minor Note:
The Wi-Fi could be a bit slow after 7 PM, which was a challenge. However, since the school was moving to a new campus, that may have improved. Also, there are many cafes near the universities with excellent Wi-Fi, so I often went there to study.
Cost of Living:
Prices in Dumaguete are lower than in Manila or Cebu, which was great for my budget. I was so satisfied that just two weeks after returning home, I decided to come back for another four months!