FYI, HERE ARE 7 PLACES TO LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Are you looking for a new hobby that will keep you preoccupied this year? Or maybe you want to travel to a foreign land or add a new skill to your resume? Some of you might also be thinking of finally pursuing your dreams of studying abroad after putting them on hold for the past couple of years. Learning a new language can not only open new career opportunities, but it also allows you to connect with people from different cultures. You might even be dating a foreigner and you just want to bond with them better by learning more about their roots.

Whatever your reason may be, we gotchu! The Philippines is home to a diverse range of language schools, each offering unique learning experiences. Most still offer online classes due to COVID-19 restrictions, but some also have a hybrid or face-to-face class set-up.

Here are seven places where you can take foreign language courses or coaching in the country:

1. University of the Philippines

   You don’t need to be a UP student to take a class here! The country's premier state university offers classes in a variety of Asian languages, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The UP Department of Linguistics holds these "extramural classes" for learners "for their academic research, career needs, and/or personal interests."

   There are usually three cycles throughout the year, and registrations start a month before each cycle commences. According to the website, each class costs P3,500, so you can definitely progress or learn the other languages if you have a bigger budget. This is for a 30-hour online class and is inclusive of materials that will be sent electronically." Click here for more information.

2. Miriam College

   If you want one-on-one classes all year round, consider this college in Katipunan Ave., QC. This college offers classes in Mandarin, Korean, and Nihongo, as well as European languages, namely Spanish, German, and French.

   Usually held on Saturdays, the online classes are taught by experienced professors. Each program consists of 15 sessions lasting two hours (for a total of 30 hours). You can either choose individual sessions P13,500 or join a group of four to pay just P3,750 each. Visit their website or reach them on Facebook for more details.

3. Lyceum of Makati Université

   This private technical and vocational institution offers classes in Japanese and German, aside from other skill-based courses. It’s known for its affordable fees and flexible class schedules, which make it a great option for working professionals. In fact, their Japanese Language Training Program is accredited by TESDA. They also claim that they’re the "cheapest training school compare to other training centers."

   Their intensive programs include a "100-hour live teaching/260-hour in Learning Management System." Here, they provide various learning materials, such as reviewers and even mock exams. They also have free preview classes on their website if you want a test run. So, if you’re serious about learning Nihongo or Deutsch, inquire here.

4. Alliance Française de Manille

   Want your own Emily in Paris moment? This French cultural center in Makati offers various levels of French language courses, as well as classes on French culture and even some special cultural events (like movie nights and festivals) throughout the year. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, Alliance Française de Manille has a course for you.

   What’s great about this AFM is their modern and helpful website, which has virtually all the information you may need already. Looking for classes on weeknights? Want to know which class to take for complete beginners? Got your eye on in-person weekend courses? It’s all here. All the price information is there as well—24-hour beginner courses start at P5,450.

5. King Sejeong Institute

   Say annyeong to one of the most prominent Korean language institutes around the world. KSI offers various levels of Korean language courses, as well as classes on culture and history. Learn from basic to advanced curriculums taught by native speakers, which would be really helpful if you plan to study or work in Korea or if you’re interested in their upcoming plans for a "workcation" or K-culture visa soon. The best part is that all their classes are free, as these programs are mostly funded by the Korean government. (Disclaimer: It’s usually on a first-come, first-served basis or a raffle system, since slots are limited, and a lot of people sign up for these classes. May the odds be in your favor!)

   Aside from the purely online classes, there are already several locations of the King Sejeong Institute in the Philippines, including Cebu, Iloilo, and Cainta. There’s also a newly opened branch in Quezon City, which is in partnership with UST Angelicum College and SEOULTECH. And, they are also behind the in-demand courses at the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines in Taguig. Visit the social media channels of your chosen institute to learn more.

6. Instituto Cervantes de Manila

   Say, "Si!" to language courses at the "world’s largest public institution dedicated to teaching Spanish and the co-official languages of Spain." They have locations in Ayala Triangle, Makati and Intramuros, Manila. According to their website, they offer both online and face-to-face group classes led by native teachers.

   There are several levels of learning, and the most basic ones start from 30 hours. This is just one of the three parts to complete the A1 course, which is the most basic level lasting 90 hours in total. Fees start around P4,950 to P5,900. These will certainly be helpful if you’re planning to take a page from Bea Alonzo’s playbook and get a golden visa in Spain for yourself. You can find more information here.

7. LVG Institute for Foreign Languages

   If you’re eyeing polyglot status, then explore all the online courses offered by this institute located in Quezon City. Learn foreign languages like German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and others, with certified instructors and flexible schedules.

   Select from basic courses that last 20 hours or advance to more intensive 100-hour programs. You can get either one-on-one classes or group sessions. These are perfect if you’re eyeing to take proficiency tests in order to apply for certain international visas. Get in touch with LVG here.

Pro Tip: Beyond these classes, you can also download free language exchange apps, so that you can put your learnings into practice. Another way to supplement your classes (or an alternative to paid ones) is to find reliable YouTube channels or free online courses like those in Coursera.

No matter what language you choose to study, each of these institutions will provide you with the tools you need to jumpstart your learning, eventually become fluent, and find confidence in your new language. You might even gain new connections, get a promotion, land a new job, or move overseas because of the new skill. So why not give it a try and see where it takes you!

2023-01-28T16:04:36Z dg43tfdfdgfd