Since Philippine ESL schools regained their high demand when it comes to language learning, the development of programs, facilities, and other factors related to English education training has been non-stop. One of the activities done by different Philippine ESL schools located in different parts of the Philippines is to hold a Familiarization Tour and/or conference. With this being said, BESA and CALA, two of the Philippine ESL schools’ organizations have conducted a seminar to introduce different schools in Baguio City and Cebu.
On September 13, 2023, JAPAN-PHILIPPINES ENGLISH SEMINAR was held at Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. Despite the lingering summer heat, more than 60 agents and 40 school staffs attended the seminar, making it a big event with more than 100 participants. Nine schools from the CALA group of language schools in Cebu and five schools from the BESA group of language schools in Baguio jointly exhibited at the seminar.
A&J e-Edu Academy participated in the said seminar. A presentation to introduce the school was delivered. And a more in-depth explanation of programs was provided to different agents in every school’s booth.
During the morning presentations, each school was given 5 minutes to explain its features and points of interest, as well as to provide up-to-date information and reviews from current students, which is difficult to convey in a pamphlet. Visitors watched the presentations intently, taking pictures and videos with their smart phones. In the afternoon, each school staff introduced the schools and explained questions to the agents at the individual consultation sessions held at each booth. In order to be an option for future students, a thorough explanation of the A&J’s features, strengths, and recommended courses was provided.
In the end, Japanese agents were deeply interested in A&J’s distinctive courses. First, Japanese students have strong interest in the Working Holiday Preparation Course, indicating a growing demand for the course, as well as an influx of young people who wanted to go during the pandemic but were unable to do so. Secondly, many of the participants mentioned that the purpose of studying abroad is changing from TOEIC for Japan to IELTS for overseas, due to the increasing number of young people who are interested in going abroad. In addition to that, A&J’s Guaranteed Course was highly appreciated by the participants and would definitely be a top recommendation to students as a place where beginners can challenge themselves, since the course does not require any level at the time of enrollment.
The said seminar was definitely a success as Philippine ESL schools are placed back on top among all the countries providing English education training. Philippine ESL schools do not only provide high quality education but also a home away from students’ home; a characteristic that make Philippine ESL Schools be on top.