With a homestay you can practise English at breakfast, at dinner and in between, so the practice continues after class. In a dormitory students may end up speaking their native language with each other; in a homestay you can talk with your host family.
What is a homestay English immersion program?
A homestay immersion combines structured one-to-one English lessons with living in a local family's home. You can also use English at mealtimes and in your free time. The number of one-to-one lessons depends on the school and the course; for example, QQ English offers up to 8 one-to-one lessons a day.
What a homestay can include (confirm each point with the school):
- A private or shared room in the family's home
- Meals with the family (confirm which meals are included)
- Daily real-world conversation practice, from asking directions to discussing local news
- Insight into Filipino culture, traditions, and daily routines
Why choose a homestay over a dormitory?
Dormitories are social, but students may end up speaking their mother tongue with classmates. A homestay can change that if the family speaks English with you; ask the school about this before you book.
Advantages
- More English at home - you can practise during breakfast, dinner, and even while watching TV together
- Cultural authenticity - you experience everyday Filipino life, not just campus life
- A home setting - you live in a family home instead of a school building; ask how the school chooses its host families
- Local tips - hosts can help you get around the city and find places to eat
Drawbacks to consider
- Less direct access to classmates for evening socializing
- House rules may limit late-night activities
- The commute to school depends on where the home is
How much does a homestay English program cost in the Philippines?
Budget for the entire program, not just tuition:
- Tuition, room and meals: the school's price for your dates. Our catalogue lists no homestay price; for example, 3D Academy charges $899 for 4 weeks in a six-bed room with tuition and three meals a day
- Registration is charged separately: for example $100 at 3D Academy (tariff for registration until 31 Dec 2026) and $150 at QQ English
- Local fees in pesos, such as the SSP study permit and the ACR I-Card for longer stays, are listed by each school; for example, First English lists the SSP at PHP 7,800 and the ACR I-Card at PHP 4,000 (from 60 days)
- Flights, insurance and personal spending are not included
Ask the school for an itemised quote for your dates and room type. You pay the school's own price; we never add mark-ups.
Which schools offer homestays?
A host-family homestay is not listed in our school catalogue, so we cannot name a school that offers one. Ask the school you are interested in whether a homestay can be arranged. If you plan to bring relatives, see family English programs; for example, iBreeze Academy lists family condo units.
Ask these questions before booking:
- How does the school select and check host families?
- How far is the homestay from the school? (a long ride can feel tiring after class)
- What are the meal arrangements? (which meals, special diets)
- What are the house rules? (Curfews, smoking ban, laundry schedule)
- Can you switch if the match isn't right?
Can adults and professionals benefit from a homestay?
A homestay can suit working adults who want a quieter setting than a dormitory. If you need business English, combine a homestay with professional English courses that focus on emails, presentations, and negotiations.
In a homestay, you can practise in real-life situations:
- Explaining your work over dinner
- Discussing current events
- Negotiating chores or weekend plans
What about children and families?
A homestay may not suit every family. Kids need supervision and a familiar setting, so ask the school which accommodation is possible for their age. Age rules differ by school: for example, Boracay Coco English Academy takes kids from 4 with a parent, and Genius English takes kids from 6 with a parent and teens from 13 on their own.
If you're traveling with a family, you could stay in a hotel at first, then move to a homestay once you feel comfortable.
How to get the most from your homestay immersion
Maximize your experience with these tips:
- Set a rule with your family to speak only English (even when it's hard)
- Join daily family activities - cooking, watching TV, or going to church
- Write down new words you hear and use them the next day
- Be kind and adaptable - you're a guest, and flexibility makes living together easier
- Continue studying outside class; use your one-to-one lessons to practice grammar and pronunciation
Do I need a special visa?
Entry rules and fees change. Confirm them with the school and the official immigration authority before you travel. Local fees such as the SSP study permit are listed by each school (see the cost section above).
Homestay vs dormitory: which is right for you?
Choose a homestay if you're serious about speaking English and want cultural depth. Choose a dormitory if you want more time with other students and a structured campus routine.
You can also start in a dormitory to meet other students and ask the school whether a move to a homestay is possible later.
Take the next step
Let us match you for free with the 10 schools in our catalogue: tell us your dates and budget. You pay the school's own price, no mark-ups.
Want a quote for your dates? Get your free, no-mark-up school match today.