Business English

When I took early retirement, I had a chance to interview with a global company that had approached me, but I was rejected at the final interview — I couldn't even give a proper self-introduction in English. After nearly 30 years working at a Japanese company, I realized, later than I should have, that I needed to learn English, and I decided to work on it seriously. When I actually tried, online English lessons only gave me limited time slots, and it did not feel like a real, live lesson. After a few months with no real progress, I looked for a place where I could be fully surrounded by English, and that is how I found this school.

What made the lessons here different was that the analysis and the content were made specifically for me, in a very thorough way. The teachers found a weakness that I had had for years without realizing it — that I had always been translating English into Japanese in my head, instead of actually thinking in English — and they designed my training based on this. Different teachers used different methods, and because several teachers were involved, the lessons never felt repetitive, and there was no wasted time.

I felt that the school's system shows the founder's own knowledge and educational philosophy, built up over many years of teaching English as a second language abroad. Since it was my first time in Davao, I was worried about getting from the airport to the school, and about daily life and food once I was there. But I was able to speak directly with the director even before enrolling. She came to pick me up at the airport herself when I arrived, and she took care of me carefully during my whole stay.

Beyond the lessons themselves, there were also presentations, birthday parties, and weekend outings — many ways the school made learning enjoyable.

This is actually my second time studying here. The first time was two months. After that, I went back to Japan, my job change was decided, and now I am spending my last month here before I start the new job. I also brought my son, a university student, here for one month during that first stay, and we studied together. He loved it here and is already planning to come back next spring break. I plan to keep making time to study here even after I start my new job.

The facility had a welcoming, homey atmosphere, and the director, teachers, and staff were all kind.

Most of the teachers were part-timers—either university students or recent graduates—and while I could feel their youthful, energetic spirit, there were some downsides.

Some were lax about timekeeping, chatted with colleagues in the local language during class, or simply had us work on worksheets for the entire 50-minute session without any real instruction.
There was even a class where the teacher didn't show up at my seat; when I went to look for them, they gave a nonsensical excuse like, "I was looking for you, too," and I ended up wasting about 30 minutes.
Although the schedule was supposed to consist of 50-minute classes followed by 10-minute breaks, there were no clear rules—such as a fixed 9:00–9:50 class time and a 9:50–10:00 break.
Class didn't actually start until 9:10, yet at 9:50, the teacher simply announced, "Okay, let's take a 10-minute break."
The next teacher didn't arrive until 10:15, and the session ended again at 10:50. This meant the classes weren't actually lasting 50 minutes...
I was left with the impression that time management was quite lax.

As for whether my English skills improved—they really didn't.
The teachers were very friendly, and I was happy that they took me out for a meal after class.
That said, it was a good experience overall, and I’m glad I went.

Davao is big city, but not popular for study abroad compared with Cebu or Manila. So we can experience local life, food and culture. Also school is very warm and we communicated teachers like friends. After studying abroad, my English was totally changed especially speaking. The biggest point is we have so nice driver and he took us everywhere in weekend. It was one of the best memory that we rode a back of car and singing, laughing with wonderful view and nice people.

Teachers are very kind and polite, we can learn language and culture very well. Also some teachers are student of university, so we can be good friends and have fun together. For me, it was great opportunity to make new friends and speak English. We can touch and feel new experience, this experience must become my unforgettable memories. Still now, I often call or talk Philippino friends, I could make new family in Philippine!

I learned English in Davao Language Academy in this August. I had a two English teachers there. It was very good. I was able to improve my English skills such as speaking, writing, listening and reading. There are a lot of shops in near DLA. I bought almost anything I needed. I used to go beach in weekends. Especially, in isla-reta, It was awesome and I could see clear water. Of course, I was puzzled by some cultural differences. In sum, I had productive days in Davao.

I like the classes because all of the teacher is very kind to me and teaches English easy to understand. Location is very good because our house adjoins our class room. it's ok even if student get up late.

One thing what I was happy in my heart is improving my TOEIC score.
when I took the tests for the first time, it's about 450,
I took the tests when I went back to japan from Philipines. And then, I got 615 point. So, I am very happy and I appreciate teacher in Davao.

Many teachers consider our goals to study English. Actually,as for me, my teachers taught me about IELTS!! I could study English for IELTS well. In terms of lives in DLA, all staffs takes care of us. You can ask them for anything.

I really like my experience in DLA, especially the classes and environment. All my classes were only one on one with my teachers, so I got great classes depending on my English level. Also all my classes were so fun, because all my teachers were so friendly and considering my English study so much. In the environment, I'd like to say just amazing. On weekends, Nieves always took us to many places in Davao, and we could experience so many activities with local people. I say definitely my experience in Davao was really helpful for me after that, especially when i studied in Canada for a year.

In DLA, I was able to learn not only the English literature, but more about the cultures by visiting the local areas and traveling around beaches. It was a great experience to learn about countries beside my own. Thoughout my stays, I was able to learn how people in Philippines spend their life and the gaps between Japan. The teachers were all very educated and taught us more than English such as communications skill, presentation skills and manners for bussiness. The location of the school was great filled with lots of nature and great view from the hill. During the weekends, they brought us to all kind of places where we asked for, and that was the most exciting part of the stay. We were able to refresh during the weekends and start the new week.

This was the first stay in Phillipines and foreign country more than a week(I studied at DLA for three weeks). In fact, I did not expect how great this program is before I visit DLA. My teacher was one intelligent woman who are about to be an announcer and she spoke very fluent English, so I think my English speaking skill were improved( the other skills also). At weekend, teachers took us to beautiful beach and swam. I experienced lots of things, so I cannot mention all here, but I enjoyed karaoke with my teachers and friends the most, maybe. Teachers taught us not only English but also Phillipines culture like current situation in Phillipines, law, government, food, climate, etc( When I asked them, they replied to my question immediately cuz they are so friendly). Thanks to this program, my English skills were improved definitely. Thanks to this program, I got more open minded person. I appreciate Nieves, the headquarter of DLA and my excellent teachers.