- What are the different programs offered by NALA?
A: English programs:
1. English Essentials (Level 1-4: General English / Intensive ESL / Intensive Communication / Business English)
2. Standardized Test Preparation & English for Specialized Fields (IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL)
3. Junior English Course (For student from 6 years old to 16 years old)
4. Summer Camp Classes (For Families and the like)
5. Family Study (For Parents & Children)
5. Paradise Vacation (For students who want to learn English and travel (Sightseeing) at the same time.
Foreign Languages:
French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, Tagalog, and more
- What is the enrollment process?
A: All International students applying for an English course are required to:
- Fill-out NALA Student Application Form
- Send a copy of their passport and 2 x 2 pictures via email
- Students invoice (Course Fee, Accommodation Fee, and Other Fees) will be sent to students upon review of the Application Form.
- Pay the amount stated on the Invoice and send a copy of the Bank Transaction Slip via email.
- Upon receipt of your email, NALA will send “Student – Acceptance Letter”.
- Send a copy of your E-ticket via email.
- Upon receipt, NALA will send “Student – Pic-Up Letter”.
- What will happen on the First Day?
A: All classes start every Monday of the week.
- Visit the Reception Area and hand-in your passport and 2 x 2 pictures
- Take English Placement Test (Grammar / Vocabulary / Reading / Listening / Writing) and undergo a quick interview (with an English Native Speaker).
- School Orientation will commence after the Placement Test
- City Tour and Mall visit will follow after the Orientation for student to buy stationaries and/or money exchange.
- After completion of the day’s activities, students are advised to visit the Reception Area to settle their dues and acquire the student’s “Class Time-Table” for the class proper the next day.
- What are my admissions requirements to take a language course as a foreigner?
A: All foreign students that enter the Philippines under a tourist visa must acquire a Special Study Permit to be allowed to study any short course in the country. The Special Study Permit is not the same thing as a Student Visa. Foreign students must have a Special Study Permit alongside their Tourist Visa.
- Can NALA help me process my Special Study Permit and Visa Extension?
A: Yes, we can help our students arrange and acquire their Special Study Permits. The student may also opt for us to process their visa extensions.
- Do I receive a certificate after completing a course?
A: Yes, students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of their enrollment. - How many students are in a group class?
A: There is a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 students per group class. - When are NALA’s enrollment periods?
A: Enrollment periods for NALA courses are open all year round. Students for the English for Academic Purposes program are scheduled according to their targeted intake. - Are there dormitories or condominiums around the area?
A: Yes, we have a student dormitory about 2 minutes from school and condominium options about 5-10 minutes from school. Options best for the student can be discussed with the manager before enrollment. - What time is the Curfew Time?
A: No Curfew Time! - What are the admission requirements and my eligibility criteria for the course?
A: Citizen of any country is eligible to study in Philippines as a fee paying student for undergraduate and post graduate programs.
- 18 to 60 years old
- In good health.
- What is the total duration of this course..?
A: The total duration of English Courses for each level is 4-weeks.
- Are there any local bodies who can help me in providing the overall info?
A: Yes, we have country representatives from Korean, Japan, Taiwan, China, Russia, France, Germany and etc. Please send your query to us and we shall have our local representative get in touch with you.
- What is the total fee of this course?
A: The fee varies for each courses, please refer to NALA – FEE TABLE on the website.
- What are the documents required for the admissions?
A: The photocopies of all relevant documents which are necessary for English learning and proof are required for the admissions. You will get the list of documents at the time of enquiry.
- What are the benefits given to students joining through our company?
A: The students are provided with good accommodation and teachers are highly-qualified and certified.
- Where is NALA located?
A: NALA is located at the heart of Cebu City. Strategically convenient location where students can readily access Restaurants, Malls, Convenient 24/7 Stores, Massage Shops, Entertainment Areas, Hotels and Travel & Tours Offices.
- What is the medium of teaching in Philippines?
A: In the Philippines even fishermen can speak English.
Being an American colony for 50 years English has become the official language for government.
All Filipino teachers are well adept with the English Language.
- How is the weather there?
A: The Climate of the Philippines is tropical. There are 3 main seasons. Firstly from June to September is considered to be the areas rainy season when showers can be frequent and heavy although they do tend to pass relatively quickly. From October to February the climate is cool and dry according to the locals however the temperature only very rarely drops below 25 degree Celsius.
Finally the hot and dry season which runs from March to May when temperatures can soar. Overall the climate is perfect for a holiday in paradise and long hours of sun make this a dream destination. In terms of what to pack it is advised that lighter clothing is taken, shorts and beachwear are of course essential although in the rainy season be prepared for a sharp shower.
- When are the intakes usually?
A: The classes begin every Monday of the week.
- Give a brief idea about the Housing Facility there?
A: NALA Accommodation is a 2-minute off-campus walk.
The Inn facility are up to the standards with attached bathrooms, with single, double or triple beds Air-conditioned rooms as per the choice of accommodations, Wifi Hotspot ready, cold & hot water shower, Study desks, attached closets and deposit (security) box.
- Whether the market is nearby or not?
A: Yes, the market for daily needs is nearby to the campus
- What about the availability of other facilities like laundry, library, internet, etc. there?
A: NALA is a wifi zone and the campus library is open from 9AM-10PM for student utilization. NALA also offers laundry service (2) twice a week with a maximum of10Kg (Please refer to the Student Orientation File),
- Are students allowed to prepare their own food?
A: No, students are not allowed to cook their food in room but rather NALA will provide 3 (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) meals per day (7 days a week).
- Are there vegetarian Foods available?
A: All foods have vegetarian and non-vegetarian components, Students can choose only vegetarian dishes if they want to. But we suggest that vegetarians can cook their own food so that they are happy about what they eat.
- Is there any dress code for NALA students?
A: No.
- Are books available there or we need to carry along with us?
A: NALA uses our own books designed for each level. It is readily available at the Reception Area for purchase.
- How can a student pay for the total course fees?
A: Student has to pay the processing fees by bank transaction or wire transfer.
- Whether the Academy gives refunds in case the admission is cancelled?
A: Yes. (Please refer to NALA – Refund Policy).
- Is there any special provision for International students to solve their any personal problems or queries?
A: NALA has International Students Representatives where a student could address their problems directly.
- Can a student earn while learning?
A: No, a student cannot get a job while studying since he/she is having a student visa.
- Can I arrive prior to the orientation day?
A: Yes. Let the admission office know your planned arrival date and NALA will make your accommodation reservations beginning on the day you designate. Note that you will be responsible for payment of accommodation fees for any additional days outside of your course program.
- What is the cost of living in Philippines?
A: This varies from City to City. Normally our Students spend about 60-120 US$ per month depending on the spending habits, what you want to buy, where you want to eat. If you are going to cook your own food in the kitchen provided then you would spend around 50- 60 US$ per month.
- What other types of expenses should I plan for while in Philippines?
A: Entertainment in Philippines is generally inexpensive. Transportation options include the public bus (which costs less than 10 pesos per ride) act and taxi starts with around 60 – 80 Cents for 2 KM ride.
- How can I get or exchange money while I am in Philippines?
A: You may bring money with you, either in the form of cash or traveler’s checks. ATMs are available in banks, or cash advances can be drawn over the counter at most large banks for a transaction charge. Major hotels and most fine restaurants and stores now accept credit cards. Money Exchanges shops are available around in the city.
- What do I need to bring with me from home?
A: You can find almost any product and brand that you would find at home in the Philippines. Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. are all readily available. We recommend that you bring any prescription medication in sufficient quantities to last for the duration of your visit and any preferred brands of over-the-counter medications (cold & flu tablets, etc.) Clothing is also plentiful and very inexpensive. Shoes are available, but larger sizes are hard to find.
- What is the voltage used in Philippines?
A: The voltage here is 220. Converters and power strips may be purchased locally.
What are the school rules regarding drinking and smoking etc?
A: Students are not allowed to bring any alcoholic drink in the campus. Smoking Areas have been designated for students who smoke. (Please refer to your Student Orientation File)
How safe is Cebu?
A: Cebu is one of the safest places in the Philippines. People often ask “How safe is Cebu?” We can’t promise you that you will be safe in Cebu or any other place in the world. How safe is Cebu depends partly on you. Perhaps mostly on you.
What kind of activities does Cebu offer?
A: Cebu City offers a variety of activities from Entertainment (Malls, Movie Theaters, Bowling Allies, Pubs) to Wine & Dine Shops (Restaurants, Cafes, Resto-Bars, Pubs) and Nature Excursions (Island Hopping, Swimming Pools, Beaches, Whale Shark Watching, Nature Trekking). Sport and Adventures (Eskrima, Fitness Studios, Zip-Lining, Horse Back-riding etc.)
- What kind of activities and clubs can I find at NALA?
A: NALA offers Evening Workshops (Accent Reduction, Grammar and Sentence Patterns). Teachers are creating clubs (Music Club, Yoga, Dance Club etc.) for you to choose from.
- Where are the students from usually?
A: 70% of NALA Students are Asian (Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese, Chinese, Vietnamese) and 20% are European (French, German, Turkey, Russians) and 10% are Americans, Canadians and Local students.
- Can I design my own schedule and select the classes I want?
A: Yes! Revisit NALA Customized Program for more information.
- How long before my trip to Cebu should I sign up for my classes at NALA?
A: Regular study duration for students is 4-weeks; however NALA accepts 1-2 weeks study duration to 24 weeks.
- Will my visa be processed prior to my arrival in Cebu?
A: Visa provisions are different for each country. Please refer to SSP & Visa Extensions Section on this site.
- What kinds of things do I need to pack when coming to the Philippines?
A: Upon application to North American Language Academy, a “What to Prepare?” file for you studies at North American Language Academy will sent for your reference. Please refer to Notice on this site:
We have tried to answer to all the possible questions. If we have left out anything please write to us .