Benefits of Studying in the Philippines and the Charm of Dumaguete
More affordable and safer than Cebu? Explore why Dumaguete is the top choice for smart English learners.
Discover the secrets of high cost-performance in the PhilippinesWelcome to B&D English School. On this page, we introduce our mission, the history of our campus, and the unique advantages of studying in Dumaguete, Philippines. Our school is built on the philosophy of providing a "Safe Academic Environment," "High-Quality Man-to-Man Lessons," and "Cost-Effective Education" for students from all over the world.
About B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL
Features of B&D: 100% All Man-to-Man Lessons
Intensive 55-minute all man-to-man sessions. Build a custom curriculum optimized for your goals.
Check out our all man-to-man and custom curriculum featuresStep-by-Step Guide: From Reservation to Departure
A complete guide covering application, flight booking, and your arrival schedule in Dumaguete.
Check the flow to Dumaguete and your packing listB&D Professional Teachers: Experts in PTE, TOEIC, and IELTS Preparation
Meet our elite teachers who passed rigorous exams and specialize in PTE, TOEIC, and IELTS test prep.
See our professional teachers specializing in exam preparationCampus & Dormitory Facilities in Dumaguete
A quiet study environment with Wi-Fi equipped dorms, delicious meals, and easy access to local sights.
Explore our campus, dormitories, and nearby attractionsHow to Get to Dumaguete: Access Guide from Overseas
Comprehensive guide for flights via Manila/Cebu and tips on using "throw-away" tickets for entry.
Full guide to flight routes to Dumaguete (Sibulan)The Origins of B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL
The Inspiration and Corporate Philosophy
B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL was born from the personal experiences of one of our founders, Kikuchi, who studied in the Philippines himself. Inspired by the connections and insights he gained locally, he established the school with a mission to "contribute to Japan's globalization" and "provide opportunities to encounter new values through studying abroad in the Philippines." Our foundation lies in the wish for students to make life-changing discoveries through overseas education.
We named this vision Brand-New Discovery, abbreviated as BnD. Drawing further inspiration from the common slang usage of "n" as a substitute for "&", it evolved into our current official name: B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL.
*A photo from the time we were traveling across the Philippines to find the perfect location to start our English school.
The Journey to Opening
It was in 2013 that Kikuchi made the firm decision to start the business. He traveled throughout the Philippines searching for the ideal location to realize his vision of study abroad courses centered on intensive man-to-man lessons.
During this journey, he was deeply captivated by Dumaguete. Realizing that "there is no place better suited for studying abroad—a city so safe and calm where one can balance academic focus with local tourism," he decided to establish the school as a premier destination for Dumaguete Study Abroad.
Kikuchi then reached out to his university friend and co-founder, Sugano. In November 2013, the two revisited Dumaguete together. Moving to the city the following year and completing a period of preparation, they officially opened B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL on May 23, 2014.
To learn more about why Dumaguete offers such an exceptional balance of study and lifestyle, visit our "Discover Dumaguete" page.
The Evolution of Our Campus History
The Founding Campus
Our first campus began when we signed a contract for six apartment buildings that were under construction. We utilized this facility for about a year, from May 2014 to around April 2015. It took a few months of preparation to secure all the necessary permits and licenses to officially open as an English language school.
While our time there was relatively short, it was where we met our first students and staff, creating many warm memories that remain the heart of our mission. However, managing six separate buildings simultaneously proved to be more challenging than expected. For better operational efficiency and student care, we decided to move to a new campus.
Our Beloved Second Campus
For over three years, from April 2015 to the end of July 2018, we occupied the 2nd floor, 3rd floor, and the rooftop of our second campus. Moving into a single, integrated facility greatly improved our operations compared to managing multiple separate buildings.
During this period, B&D's reputation spread through word-of-mouth thanks to our man-to-man centered curriculum and the "safe and tranquil Dumaguete" environment. The school became so popular that it was consistently fully booked. We welcomed many students who were looking for high cost-performance study abroad options or who preferred a quieter academic setting compared to Cebu.
Driven by the desire to accommodate more students, we decided to build our own campus in 2017, with the support of Transword Co., Ltd., a translation company based in Hiroshima, Japan.
Our Current Privately-Owned Campus
The construction of the new campus faced typical local challenges, including a delay of over six months beyond the original schedule. However, with the incredible support of many people, our three-story privately-owned campus was completed in July 2018.
With the capacity to welcome about five times more students than before, we were able to provide more opportunities for English education in the Philippines. From completion until the pandemic-related closure in April 2020, our campus was full of life, providing man-to-man lessons for EIKEN, TOEIC, TOEFL, and IELTS preparation.
Detailed information about our current facilities and equipment can be found on our "Facility Guide" page.
Reopening Post-Pandemic
The landscape of studying abroad in the Philippines changed significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic. While many schools rushed to reopen, B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL took the time to prepare carefully, ultimately deciding to reopen in 2024 after a four-year hiatus.
While we adapt to new environments and evolving student needs, our core strengths remain unchanged: "High-quality all man-to-man lessons at affordable prices" and "Safe, tranquil Dumaguete study abroad." As we regain the vibrant energy of the pre-pandemic days, we are more committed than ever to building a school that supports each student's personal growth.
B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL: A Place Cherished by Many Students
Why Our Environment is Ideal
Dumaguete, where B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL is located, is renowned as one of the safest cities in the Philippines. It offers a perfect balance: a calm, academic atmosphere conducive to focused study, and easy access to vibrant tourist spots. Compared to Cebu, it is gaining attention as a "hidden gem" for studying abroad due to its serene vibe and excellent cost-performance.
On weekends, students can enjoy world-class diving spots, beautiful beaches, and colorful local festivals. For more details on things to do, please visit our "Sightseeing" and "Local Area" pages.
Furthermore, B&D is a rare "beachfront-accessible school" in the Philippines; you can reach the ocean in just a 10-minute walk from the campus. It is the perfect setting for those who value the harmony between intensive study and refreshing relaxation.
B&D: A Second Home for Our Alumni
From our early days to our current privately-owned campus, B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL has welcomed countless students, each reaching their own life milestones here. Notably, a very high percentage of our new enrollments come from repeaters, alumni referrals, and positive word-of-mouth.
We often hear students say, "B&D is my second home" or "I'll never forget the time spent with the teachers and staff." From young children to adults, this school has become a special place of cherished memories for all generations.
You can read about real experiences and reviews on our "Student Testimonials" page. If you are comparing us with Cebu or want to feel the atmosphere of our man-to-man lessons, these stories will be a valuable resource.
The Future of B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL
Looking Toward the Future!
During the four-year closure due to the pandemic, both the world and the Philippine ESL industry underwent significant changes. B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL faced many challenges during this time, but since our reopening in 2024, we have seen a steady increase in alumni returning, saying they "want to study here once more."
We are deeply moved to see students who first came as elementary schoolers return as college students, or young children returning years later. It reminds us daily that we are building our history alongside the growth and success of our students.
B&D ENGLISH SCHOOL strives to remain a place that students can truly call their "Second Home." With our signature all man-to-man lessons at the core, we provide personalized learning paths—from exam preparation (IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, PTE) to daily conversation and business English.
We are also committed to maintaining our trademark "at-home" atmosphere, led by our hospitable and friendly staff. We continue to foster a school environment that brings out the best in every staff member to better serve you. You can meet our team on the "Staff Introduction" page.
Our dream is for former students to return one day with their own children for family programs—standing as a multi-generational hub for English education in the Philippines.
By continuing to promote the unique charms of Dumaguete, we will move forward step-by-step, offering a compelling "alternative choice" for those considering study abroad in places like Cebu.
"The voices of our graduates are what keep us going."
Reopening after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic was by no means an easy path. When unexpected changes and hardships piled up and I felt discouraged, it was the warm messages from our alumni that pushed me forward.
Reading words like, "My experience at B&D made me who I am today" and "I've been waiting for you to reopen," gave me the courage to try again. We look forward to welcoming you to B&D English School—a place loved by so many. Please take a look at the real study abroad testimonials shared by our graduates.
Tatsuhiko Kikuchi, Owner of B&D English School
Frequently Asked Questions (About School Operations)
Q. Why did you choose Dumaguete as the location for the school?
A. The deciding factor was the overwhelming "safety" and peace of mind Dumaguete offers within the Philippines. As a university town, it’s easy to recruit high-quality instructors, and the serene environment is perfect for academic focus. You can read more about our choice in the Story of B&D's Founding.
Q. What has changed since the school reopened post-pandemic?
A. We are now welcoming a much more diverse, multinational student body beyond just Japanese learners. This international environment provides even more daily opportunities to practice English. Many students who initially consider Cebu are choosing B&D for a quieter, more global experience.
Q. What are your standards for teacher quality?
A. All our instructors are university graduates with degrees in English or Education. We never compromise on our hiring standards to ensure we provide the highest quality All Man-to-man Lessons.
Q. How is the security and safety in Dumaguete?
A. Known as the "City of Gentle People," Dumaguete is one of the safest regions for studying abroad in the Philippines. You can find detailed information about the town’s peaceful atmosphere in our General Guide to Dumaguete.
Q. What makes B&D English School unique?
A. It’s the combination of professional instruction and our warm, family-like atmosphere. In our Student Testimonials, many graduates highlight the kindness of our staff. We support your life in the Philippines just as much as your preparation for IELTS, TOEIC, or EIKEN.
Q. Can I acquire more than just "daily conversation" skills?
A. Yes. Our mission is to move beyond Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and help you master Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)—the ability to think and debate logically in English. Through our All Man-to-man Lessons, we use real-time "Scaffolding" and "Pattern Practice" to ensure you develop high-level expressive power comparable to a native speaker.
Q. Why are your fees more affordable compared to schools in Cebu?
A. By owning our campus and leveraging the lower cost of living in Dumaguete, we provide high-quality ESL at a great value. Even though we offer 55-minute All Man-to-man Lessons, we focus on providing value that exceeds the price without compromising on educational standards.