Japanese families now eyeing Cebu for ESL

CEBU, Philippines - From simply a preferred ESL hub for young Japanese professionals, Cebu is now starting to attract Japanese families to stay longer in the province to learn the English language.

Haruna Yamaguchi, manager of the Cebu-based Japanese company I Land Way Philippines Inc., said that her company is now looking at building facilities like residential condominiums or condotels to prepare for the influx of Japanese families coming over for ESL studies.

Yamaguchi said Cebu needs to prepare more facilities that would suit the unique living requirements of Japanese, she said in an interview.

“University students want to learn English before they graduate so they can work abroad," she said adding that even the elementary students are now encouraged to learn English at a young age for faster adaptation.

For this reason, families are now drawing serious plans to leave Japan for a while and live in Cebu, which they find conducive for family lifestyle but with resort and leisurely vibe.

Likewise, most Japanese students prefer Cebu over other parts of the Philippines because the instructors here speak “better” English, she added.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently announced its plan to intensify its promotional glitz in Japan, to invite more Japanese to come to the Philippines, particularly Cebu, not just for short leisure trips, but for longer stay.

DOT consultant and Philippine tourism advocate Robert Lim Joseph said in an interview yesterday that the Philippines will capitalize on its ESL (English and Second Language) advantage to increase the number of Japanese high-spenders.

Cebu, according to Joseph is number one choice among Japanese as ESL destination, not only due to ample English teachers, but because of Cebu's urban resort setting.

The proximity of beach, mountains, urban night life, golf, and wide choices of good Japanese restaurants, availability of direct flights, among others make Cebu the top choice as ESL destination for Japanese students.

According to Lim, at least one million Japanese are now seeking for good locations where to learn English as part of their preparation for the 2020 Olympics.

Joseph said DOT is constantly coordinating with Philippine Tourism Attache in Osaka Leona Nepomuceno, to lure more ESL students and tourists to come to the Philippines. (FREEMAN)