Learning a new language is fun, exciting, and can enrich your life in ways you would never have expected. Not only does it help you develop a new skill to impress friends and coworkers, but it also allows you to deepen your appreciation for foreign cultures. There are a lot of institutions around the Metro that offer foreign language classes, but here are the 10 best ones we’ve found!
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10. University of the Philippines Diliman, Department of Linguistics
The UP Department of Linguistics offers a number of different Asian languages, including Bahasa, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and, oftentimes, Thai. Classes are held for 10 sessions every Saturday.
New students interested to take up classes here will have to create their own Extramural Classes Registration System (ExCRS) account in order to enroll, which you can do at the Department of Linguistics on weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Registration fees cost PHP 3,500 inclusive of course materials regardless of the chosen language. Registration for each cycle opens every December, April, and August.
Palma Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
(02) 981 85 00 local 2128
9. Alliance Française de Manille
French, the sexiest language in the world. If you’ve ever dreamed of speaking French, Alliance Française de Manille is the best place to learn. There are five levels you can take, from Beginner to Expert, and you can take a free online placement exam if you’ve studied French before but don’t know what your level is.
There are also a variety of class schedules to choose from (weekday, weekend, and evening classes) so you don’t have to worry about adjusting your own work or personal schedules.
Tuition fees range from PHP 5,250 to PHP 7,650.
209 Nicanor Garcia Street, Bel-Air II, Makati City
(02) 895 75 85
8. TESDA Language Skills Institute
TESDA offers Japanese, Arab, Chinese, and Spanish language classes completely free of charge! You’ll have to sign up quick to grab one of its limited slots, however, since enrollment is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Although the 100-hour courses may be a bit tedious to complete, you’re guaranteed to come out confident in your skills! Those who are planning on studying or working abroad will definitely benefit from TESDA’s courses.
They currently only offer weekday classes with morning and afternoon sessions.
Tesda Language Skills Institute Quezon City
Barangay Hall, Dahlia Street, Fairview, Quezon City
(02) 937 42 48
Tesda Complex Taguig City
Building 10, TESDA Complex, East Service Road, South Superhighway, Taguig City
(02) 818 80 62
7. Instituto Cervantes
Instituto Cervantes in Manila has been around for quite a long time now and has been established as the premier place to learn and appreciate the Spanish language and culture.
Classes are held on weekdays and on Saturdays, and tuition fees range from PHP 5,350 to PHP 5,800 depending on your chosen schedule. The institute currently has two campuses—one in Makati and one in Ortigas—but the latter is only open to absolute beginners taking Spanish level A1.
Ayala Tower I, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City
(02) 526 14 82
6. Chiang Kai Shek College Language Center
Interested to learn Mandarin or Hokkien? Study it in one of the oldest Chinese schools in Manila, Chiang Kai Shek College! Classes are held on Saturdays and are open to anyone with varying levels of mastery of the language. Registration fee costs PHP 5,250 per course.
Ground Floor, Chiang Kai Shek College, 1477 Narra Street Tondo, Manila
(02) 252 61 61Â local 3109
(ALSO READ: Street Child Learns 15 Languages on His Own and is Sent to Study Abroad By a Businessman)
