Planning an English study trip with your family is a big decision. This page explains how family programmes at schools in the Philippines work and what to ask a school before you book.
What exactly is a family English programme?
It is a package where parents and children study English at the same school or campus, often with separate classes tailored to age and level. Unlike sending kids to a summer camp while parents sightsee, these programmes keep the family in one location. Typical setups include:
- Adults in general English or intensive courses while kids join junior groups or kids' camps
- Family accommodation, such as a family condo or suite, where the school offers it
- Class times for parents and children; ask the school how they fit together
- Packages with tuition, room and meals at some schools; what a price includes differs by school
Why consider the Philippines for a family study trip?
English is an official language of the Philippines, so you can use it outside class, from ordering food to asking for directions. The schools in our catalogue are in three areas: Cebu City (3D Academy, IU & ICL, QQ English, iBreeze Academy, CPILS), Mactan (First English Global College, Genius English, Philinter, QQ English) and Boracay (Boracay Coco English Academy, Paradise English). Prices differ by school and by what they include; the figures for children and families are in the cost section below.
At what age can children start?
Age limits differ by school. First English Global College: Kids ESL for ages 4–12. Boracay Coco English Academy: from age 4 with a parent. Paradise English: from age 5. Genius English: from age 6 with a parent, teens from 13 alone. Philinter: Junior ESL for ages 7–11 and 12–17. IU & ICL has a Kids & Junior course; ask the school for the age range. Not every school has a junior programme, so check the age policy before you book. Ask how the school assesses the level of each family member.
How many lessons per day do family members get?
The number of lessons depends on the course and the school. Examples from the catalogue: QQ English lists up to 8 one-to-one lessons a day, CPILS lists four one-to-one and five group lessons a day, and First English Global College lists 6 one-to-one lessons for Kids ESL (ages 4–12). For a child, ask the school for the junior timetable and whether parent and child can attend some lessons together.
What about accommodation and meals?
Family rooms depend on the school. First English Global College lists a family condo with Kids ESL: $2,000 for two and $1,900 for three or more (4 weeks). Genius English lists a family suite on request. iBreeze Academy has family condo units. Meals are not the same everywhere: the 3D Academy price includes three meals a day, while at First English Global College and Paradise English meals are listed separately. Ask the school what a room price covers for each family member, and whether it can meet dietary needs such as vegetarian meals or allergies.
What is the daily schedule like?
The daily timetable differs by school and by course. Before you book, ask the school for a sample weekly schedule for the parent and for each child, and check how much time is left for the family together. Ask which weekend trips the school can arrange and whether they are included in the tuition.
What about visas and permits for families?
Entry rules, the length of a visa-free stay, extensions and study permits depend on your nationality and change over time. Confirm them for every family member with the school and the official immigration authority before you travel. Schools list local fees in pesos separately from the 4-week price. For example, First English Global College lists an SSP (Special Study Permit) of PHP 7,800 and a refundable deposit of PHP 2,000, and 3D Academy lists an SSP of PHP 7,800 and an SSP I-Card of PHP 4,240. We provide free matching and can connect you with schools that fit your goals and budget.
How much does a family programme cost?
Catalogue prices are in US dollars for 4 weeks, and each school sets its own. A family's total is the sum of the lines for every person, plus registration, local fees, flights, insurance and personal spending. Examples of children's programmes from the catalogue of 11 October 2026:
- First English Global College, Kids ESL (ages 4–12): family condo for two $2,000, for three or more $1,900; registration $120
- IU & ICL, Kids & Junior: tuition only (walk-in) $900; with a room: quad $1,100, triple $1,200, twin $1,300, single $1,550
- Philinter, Junior ESL (ages 7–11 and 12–17): tuition $1,300; with a triple dorm $2,110, with a double dorm $2,270; registration $120
- Boracay Coco English Academy, low season (25 August 2026 – 2 January 2027): Kinder tuition $900, Junior tuition $1,035, plus a room; registration $100
- Genius English: guardianship of a minor +$125 per 4 weeks; registration $125
How a room is charged for a parent and a child differs by school, so ask for an itemised quote that lists the parent and each child separately, and ask whether the school has a different price for a second or third family member. The full list is in English Schools for Families and Children in the Philippines. We can help you compare - just ask us for a free match with no mark-up on school fees.
How long should we study for?
Catalogue prices are quoted for 4 weeks. Some schools list other terms: CPILS lists 1–3 week terms at a higher weekly cost, and First English Global College lists terms from 1 to 24 weeks. The season can change the price: First English Global College adds a peak surcharge of $40 a week from 19 July to 29 August, and Boracay Coco lists low-season prices for 25 August 2026 – 2 January 2027. Choose the length to suit your dates and budget, and ask the school about curfew and attendance rules, including for children.
What are the alternatives to the Philippines?
If the Philippines does not suit your family, for example because of the flight distance, other countries such as Malta, Singapore or the UK also have English schools for families. This site lists only schools in the Philippines and has no price data for other countries, so this page does not compare costs. If you look elsewhere, ask each school for an itemised quote for your dates and compare what every price covers.
What should we look for in a family-friendly school?
To make the right choice, consider these points:
- Are there certified teachers with experience teaching young learners?
- Is there a dedicated junior area or activities room?
- What safety measures are in place (e.g., CCTV, curfews, lifeguards nearby)?
- Are there family rooms or adjacent rooms available?
- Does the school provide airport pickup and assistance with SSP?
- Are there halal, kosher, or vegetarian meal options?
Ask the school these questions in writing before you book and compare the answers. Matching through us is free, and you pay the school's own price with no mark-up.
Any final tips for a smooth family enrolment
Start by setting your budget and desired dates. Then ask the schools for sample schedules and age policies. Tell each school your children's current English level and ask how it is assessed. Ask early whether a family room is available for your dates. Check your passport validity and the entry rules for your nationality with the official immigration authority.
Ready to mix learning and holiday?
Tell us your dates, the ages of your children and your budget, and we will match you with schools that list programmes for families. We add no mark-up: you pay the school's own price. Get a free, no-mark-up school match.