Access to B&D
Whether you are considering or have already confirmed your booking, this page is packed with useful tips. Our guide on reusable onward tickets is highly beneficial even if you choose another school.
Study Abroad Process
From initial inquiry to departure and your arrival schedule in Dumaguete, we have summarized the preparation steps for your study in the Philippines. This guide covers essential packing lists and school rules regarding check-in and check-out dates to ensure a smooth transition even for first-time students.
Complete Guide to Preparation and Local Information
Surrounding Environment
Discover the local shops and attractions. One of B&D's greatest strengths is being a school with a beach within a 10-minute walk, a rare feature among English schools in the Philippines.
Recommended Sightseeing
Some say Dumaguete is hard to access, but that only refers to international flights. Once here, sightseeing access in Dumaguete is outstanding—even better than Cebu! It is a major advantage for students.
Student Testimonials
The reason why so many students love B&D—from the atmosphere and hospitality to the sightseeing access—can be found in our graduate testimonials!
Inquiry
For questions regarding studying in the Philippines at B&D English School, flight inquiries, room availability, or price quotes, please feel free to contact us via the Inquiry Form. We strive for a quick response and will get back to you within 2 days at the latest. If you do not hear from us after 2 days, please check your spam folder or re-send your inquiry via our official LINE or other SNS, as there may have been a transmission error.
Application via Email
Once you have decided to study at B&D English School in Dumaguete, please notify us of your formal reservation via email. We will then send you the detailed procedures for enrollment.
Payment
Detailed information regarding payment (bank transfer, etc.) will be sent to you in the application confirmation email.
Preparation (Passport, Flights, etc.)
*Please arrange your passport and flight tickets yourself. We can provide advice on the best routes if needed.
*Once your flights are confirmed, please notify our staff of your flight date, time, and flight number.
[Important: Regarding Flight Tickets for Entry]
To enter the Philippines, an "onward ticket departing within 30 days" is mandatory. Even for long-term stays, you need this for immigration. We recommend our "Reusable Onward Ticket" strategy to save on unnecessary costs. Please check this before booking.
[Important: Note on Visa-Free Stay Period]
Many nationalities are granted a 30-day visa-free stay. However, planning a stay of exactly 30 days is risky. Cancellations or delays due to weather could result in illegal overstaying, leading to heavy fines and penalties. Please plan with a buffer or prepare for a quick visa extension locally.
After your booking is confirmed, we will send you our "Pre-departure Guidebook (PDF)" covering a full packing list and important notices.
Departure
*Have a safe trip! We look forward to seeing you. Our local staff will meet you at Dumaguete Airport.
If any accidents occur, such as a missed connection or flight cancellation, please connect to airport Wi-Fi and notify us immediately via email or LINE.
[Important] Prohibited Actions and Dismissal Policy
B&D English School maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the use or possession of illegal drugs and any criminal acts violating Philippine law.
If drug abuse or similar issues are discovered before enrollment, admission will be denied.
If discovered during your stay, it will result in immediate expulsion from the school and dormitory with no refunds provided.
Furthermore, acts of headhunting our instructors or employees, or requesting private lessons outside of the school contract, are strictly prohibited. We will take appropriate action if such acts are discovered.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe, secure, and healthy learning environment for everyone.
Check-in & Check-out Policy
As a general rule, we operate on a "Check-in from Sunday, Check-out by Saturday" basis.
If you require early arrival (e.g., Saturday) or late departure (e.g., Sunday) due to flight availability, we may be able to accommodate you for an additional fee depending on room availability. Please consult with us in advance.
【Level Check & Orientation】
Orientation and level testing are typically held on Monday mornings, and regular man-to-man English lessons begin on Monday afternoon.
Please note that if you arrive late on Monday or after Tuesday, or if you check out before Friday, we do not provide make-up classes for the time spent on orientation or administrative procedures.
*We strongly recommend booking flights for Sunday arrival or Monday morning (early enough to join classes).
Airport Pickup & Transportation
【Airport Pickup】
Pickup from Dumaguete Airport is available at any time, synchronized with flight arrivals and departures.
The fee is a flat rate of ₱300 per person, regardless of one-way or round-trip.
【Arrival by Bus or Ferry】
We do not offer pickup services for those arriving by bus or ferry (please meet directly at the school).
However, please notify us of your "estimated departure time" via email or SNS before boarding so we can track your arrival status.
*If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi during transit, notifying us after arrival is also acceptable.
Graduation & Check-out
Friday is the final day of classes and graduation. The standard check-out day is Saturday.
Typical Arrival Schedule
Arrival on Sunday (or Early)
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Arrive at Dumaguete Airport
Our staff will meet you at the terminal
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Transfer to School
Pickup by school tricycle
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Check-in
Room orientation and school rules overview
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Free Time
Rest and relax or explore the neighborhood
Arrival on Monday
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Arrive at Dumaguete Airport
Our staff will meet you at the terminal
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Transfer to School
Pickup by school tricycle
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Immediate Administrative Processing
Orientation, level check, and SSP registration prep
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Photo Session
(If you don't have SSP photos)
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*Generally, these procedures take about 4 hours before regular classes start.
Packing List & Preparation
Please use the following table to prepare for your study abroad in the Philippines. Ensure you bring any personal medication or items specific to your needs.
Essential Items
| Passport 2 Photocopies |
To enter the Philippines, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. We recommend bringing 2 passport photos and copies of the ID page in case of loss. Foreigners are required to carry identification in the Philippines; please keep a copy with you when going out. 【Crucial Note】 During the application for your SSP (Special Study Permit) and visa (approx. 1 week), your original passport will be held by the Dumaguete Bureau of Immigration. Your photocopy will be your only ID during this time, so don't forget it. |
|---|---|
| Round-trip Flight Ticket *Onward ticket required |
Entry with a one-way ticket is not permitted. You must have a ticket to leave the Philippines (either returning home or to a third country). Since B&D is in Dumaguete, you typically need tickets for Home → Manila/Cebu → Dumaguete and back. (Domestic flights are not needed if traveling from Cebu by land/sea). Even for stays over 30 days, an onward ticket within 30 days is required. We suggest using a "reusable onward ticket" strategy using flexible booking options. |
| SSP Application Documents |
1. Original Passport 2. Two 2"x2" photos (approx. 5cm x 5cm) 3. Application fees (₱6,000 + I-Card ₱4,000) Photos can be taken at local malls for approx. ₱100. The SSP (Special Study Permit) is a mandatory permit for foreigners to study legally in the Philippines. 【Photo Requirements】 Background must be "pure white" without shadows. No glasses, earrings, or necklaces. No sleeveless shirts. The photo must clearly show both shoulders. |
| Currency Exchange (Cash) |
【Best Exchange Locations (by rate)】 1. Manila Airport (Terminal 3): Exchange counters on the 3rd floor (between ticket counters and departure gates) usually offer the best rates. 2. Cebu Airport: Slightly lower than Manila, but better than Dumaguete city rates. 3. Dumaguete City: Rates for major foreign currencies are often poor here; use only for emergencies. 【Remittance Services】 Services like SBI Remit or Western Union allow you to send money from your home country and pick up pesos at local mall counters. This often provides a much better rate than cash exchange. |
Recommended Items (Optional)
| Credit / Debit Cards |
VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted at shopping malls (City Mall, Robinsons) and major restaurants in Dumaguete. You can also withdraw pesos from ATMs using international cash/credit features. 【Usage Tips】 - VISA or Mastercard is strongly recommended as JCB and AMEX acceptance is very limited. - Check with your bank regarding international usage settings and daily limits before departure. |
|---|---|
| International Cash Card (ATM Withdrawals) |
Cards that allow local currency withdrawals from your home bank account are very convenient. 【Check the Logos】 Ensure your card has the "PLUS" or "Cirrus" logo on the back. Without these, it will not work at local ATMs. *Note: Most ATMs have a limit of ₱10,000 per day, but BPI or China Bank ATMs may allow up to ₱20,000. 
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| Study Tools | Electronic dictionary (EN-EN recommended), reference books (grammar/vocabulary), and high-quality stationery. These are vital for self-study and preparing for man-to-man lessons. |
| Laptop / Tablet | Wi-Fi is provided throughout the campus. Useful for research, entertainment, and using online study materials. |
| Voltage & Chargers *IMPORTANT |
The voltage in the Philippines is 220V (Plug Type A, same as Japan/US). 【Check your appliances' voltage labels】 Items like hair dryers, straighteners, and electric shavers often only support lower voltages. Using them directly on 220V can cause short circuits, fires, or serious injury. If your device is only rated for 100V-110V, you must bring a voltage converter. Smartphone and PC chargers rated "100V-240V" can be used without a converter. 
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| Daily Necessities & Clothing |
Personal medication (cold/stomach medicine), contact lens solutions, swimwear, sandals, hat, rain gear, and toiletries. While these are available locally, it is better to bring brands you trust. Clothing should be for summer, but classrooms are air-conditioned, so a long-sleeved jacket or hoodie is very useful. |
| Others |
Face masks (for exhaust fumes), ear cleaners, nail clippers, and a padlock for securing valuables. *Note: Hair dryers are cheap to buy locally (₱300–₱500). 
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding preparation for studying in the Philippines
Q. When is the best time to start preparing for my study abroad in the Philippines?
A. Most students begin their planning 3 to 4 months in advance. We recommend early booking, especially during peak seasons like summer and spring breaks, as rooms fill up quickly. However, last-minute applications are possible depending on availability. Start by consulting us for room availability and a free quote.
Q. Do I need to handle visa procedures in my home country before departure?
A. For many nationalities, prior application in your home country is not required. You can enter the Philippines under a tourist waiver (typically up to 30 days) and extend it locally. B&D English School will handle the application for your SSP (Special Study Permit) required for your studies.
Please note that you must register with eTravel before entry. For details on how to register, please refer to our eTravel Registration Guide on this site.
Q. Can I enter the Philippines with only a one-way ticket?
A. Legally, you must possess an onward ticket to leave the Philippines (either a return flight or a flight to a third country). Even for long-term stays, immigration may require a ticket showing departure within 30 days. For the smartest way to arrange your flights, please check our Flight Selection and Onward Ticket Tips.
Q. How much cash (in local currency or USD) should I bring for personal expenses?
A. For a 4-week stay, approximately $400 USD is a standard estimate for pocket money and dining out. Please note that "Local Expenses" such as SSP and visa extension fees are paid separately in the Philippines. We recommend checking our Local Cost Overview for Philippines Study Abroad to understand the total budget.
Q. I am a beginner. Can I keep up with man-to-man lessons?
A. Absolutely. We conduct level assessments for all students and create a curriculum tailored to your individual English proficiency. The biggest advantage of our Man-to-Man Focused Courses is that you can learn at your own pace without worrying about others.
Q. How is the safety in Dumaguete compared to Cebu?
A. Dumaguete is known as a "University Town" and is one of the safest regions in the Philippines. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Cebu, it remains relatively calm even at night. For more details on the city atmosphere, please see Why Dumaguete is considered a hidden gem for studying in the Philippines.
Q. Is it possible to study with children or as a senior student (50+)?
A. Yes, we warmly welcome students of all ages. We offer Family Study Plans for children and Platinum Generation (Senior) Plans for those who wish to learn at a more relaxed pace.
Q. Are there convenience stores or beaches near the school?
A. There is a local convenience store (Sari-sari store) just a few seconds' walk away where you can find daily necessities. Additionally, the beach is within a 10-minute walk. For more details about our location, please check our Safe and Convenient Neighborhood Guide to Dumaguete with photos.
Q. What happens after I arrive at the local airport?
A. Our school staff will pick you up at Dumaguete Airport. Even if it is your first time studying in the Philippines, you won't have to worry about getting lost. For a detailed timeline, please refer to the Arrival Day Schedule on this page.
Q. Are there plenty of weekend activities and sightseeing options?
A. Yes! Dumaguete offers excellent access to world-class spots like Apo Island (famous for swimming with sea turtles) and Siquijor Island. Please refer to our Dumaguete Sightseeing Guide to plan your weekend adventures.