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5 Reasons to Choose 3D ACADEMY for Studying English in the Philippines (Cebu) [2026 Edition]

5 Reasons to Choose 3D ACADEMY for Studying English in the Philippines (Cebu) [2026 Edition]

Hello,

I first came to study in Cebu, Philippines in 2011 — that was already 15 years ago.

At that time, there were almost no Japanese-owned English schools. Most of the schools were Korean-run. There was also a French school called Cleverlearn, but it has since closed. Whenever I pass by its former campus in Mactan, I’m reminded of those early days.

Around 2012–2013, I became involved in listing and managing 3D ACADEMY. Except for a temporary return to Japan during the pandemic, I have now lived in Cebu for over 10 years. Back then, I never imagined that my life would become so deeply connected to Cebu.

Today, based on the latest situation as of March 2026, I would like to once again explain:

5 Reasons to Choose 3D ACADEMY for Studying English in Cebu, Philippines


1. One of the Best Cost-Performance Ratios in Cebu

The first point I want to highlight is, of course, the price.

Given the current weak yen, studying in the United States, Canada, or Australia is no longer a realistic option for many Japanese students.

Compared to pre-COVID prices, 3D ACADEMY has implemented a 20–30% price adjustment. However, this was unavoidable due to the depreciation of the yen against the Philippine peso, rising living costs, and increasing labor expenses.

Even so, when comparing:

  • Single room

  • Double room

  • Triple room

  • Quad room

  • Six-person room

3D ACADEMY remains among the most affordable schools in Cebu.

Comprehensive Package Inclusions

What’s included in the tuition is also important.

  • Three meals per day (including weekends and holidays)

  • Meals tailored to Japanese tastes

  • Fully upgraded to buffet style from 2025

  • Laundry service twice a week (washed and folded)

In particular, the meals receive high praise from Japanese students. Since switching to a buffet system, students can choose what they like and eat as much as they want, significantly increasing satisfaction.

As for laundry, you simply place your clothes in the basket in your room, and they are returned neatly folded. This allows students to focus entirely on their studies.

The Only Weakness: Aging Facilities

To be honest, the current campus’s main weakness is the age of the buildings.

However, this issue has already been addressed.

Starting in October 2026, both the school and dormitory will fully relocate to the MIT Building.

Moreover, as of now, there are no plans for a major tuition increase.

This means:

Brand-new facilities × Current price level

There is a strong possibility this combination will be realized.

After the relocation, it will undoubtedly become one of the best value-for-money English schools in Cebu.


2. An Ideal Nationality Balance for a Japanese-Managed School

The next important point is the nationality mix.

Due to the weak yen, the number of Japanese students has been decreasing. However, since the second half of 2025, there has been a rapid increase in students from:

  • Saudi Arabia

  • China

  • Russia

  • Turkey

  • Middle Eastern countries

  • Europe

  • South America

As a result, the Japanese student ratio has stabilized at around 35–50%.

For a Japanese-managed school, this is an ideal balance.

Not Too Many Japanese Students

In schools where 80–90% of students are Japanese, there is a risk of falling into a Japanese-speaking environment. On the other hand, if there are too few Japanese students, beginners may feel anxious.

At 3D ACADEMY today, both of the following are achieved:

  • The reassurance of Japanese-language support

  • An environment where students are naturally required to use English

For first-time study abroad students, this balance is extremely favorable.


Increased Direct Applications and Higher Student Quality

Since October 2025, revenue in US dollars has consistently exceeded revenue in Japanese yen.

In particular, direct applications via the English website have increased significantly. As a result, we are seeing more enrollments from:

  • A top university professor from Iran

  • A university executive from Malaysia

  • Professionals from the Middle East and Europe

These are student profiles that were rarely seen in the past.

When students apply through agencies, those with larger budgets are often referred to higher-priced schools. As a result, price-focused students sometimes became the majority.

However, today we are seeing more students who:

Choose the school themselves from around the world.

This has clearly improved the overall atmosphere and academic motivation within the school.

This is one of the biggest changes I have personally observed on-site as of 2026.


3. Cebu: A Place Where You Can Experience the Philippines While Living Safely

The Philippines is still a developing country within Southeast Asia.
It remains in the middle stage of economic growth, and in terms of infrastructure and urban development, there are still areas that are considered developing.

Because of this, some people have concerns about safety. In particular, parts of Metro Manila are known to carry higher risks, which leads some students to avoid the capital.

So what about Cebu?

I have lived in Cebu City for over 10 years, and I have never experienced any serious trouble.

The biggest incident I can recall was having my phone stolen once out of the few times I rode a jeepney — something I rarely use. It happened during a crowded time, and I simply let my guard down.

In other words:

  • Pay attention to location and time of day

  • Maintain basic security awareness

With just these precautions, it is entirely possible to live comfortably in Cebu.

The Well-Balanced Environment of Cebu

One of Cebu’s greatest strengths is its balance.

  • Beach resorts in Mactan Island are nearby

  • Multiple large shopping malls in Cebu City

  • Ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely available

  • Living costs are significantly lower than in Japan

You can experience both modern convenience and the authentic atmosphere of Southeast Asia.

As a business owner, I am naturally quite frugal. I rarely spend money on myself, and I’m not even a big fan of air conditioning.

Even from someone like me, Cebu offers:

Affordable living with a strong sense of safety.

The same applies to students.

Because living costs are low,
students can minimize unnecessary expenses and focus on their studies.

At the same time, Cebu offers more stimulation than Japan — without being excessively dangerous.

For overseas beginners, I can confidently say that Cebu is one of the most well-balanced first destinations.


4. A Fully Developing “English + Alpha” Learning Environment

This is the area I am most focused on in 2026.

Until now, 3D ACADEMY has been, for better or worse, a traditional ESL school.

However, we are evolving into:

A school that offers more than just English.

Launch of Medical English Programs

Around June 2026, we plan to introduce:

  • An ESL option that includes one Medical English class per day

  • A full-scale Medical English course

These programs will be offered to a multinational audience.

For healthcare professionals and students planning to enter medical fields, “English + specialization” is extremely important. There are still very few schools in Cebu that can properly provide this combination.

Pre-MBA and Business English Programs

We are also currently working on:

  • An online Pre-MBA English course for Chinese students preparing for MBA programs

  • A customized Business English + ESL program for a government-affiliated organization in Southeast Asia

These programs differ significantly from traditional short-term language study.

They are designed for students with clear career objectives.

As a result, the overall academic level of the school is naturally elevated.

Education Major OJT & Volunteer Study Programs

Additionally, we have implemented:

  • An OJT program (now in its third year) where Japanese education-major university students teach English at local schools

  • The official launch of volunteer study programs

This allows students to gain:

  • Teaching experience

  • Direct engagement with the local community

  • Practical, output-focused learning

By the first half of 2026, I believe we will be able to clearly state:

The strength of 3D ACADEMY is “English + Alpha.”


5. The Strength of Japanese-Style Management

Currently, I also serve as the head of another English school located in Mactan Island.

Precisely because of that, I say this deliberately:

If 3D ACADEMY is Japanese-managed, we must fully demonstrate the strengths of Japanese management.

Yes, we currently face the challenge of aging facilities.

That is why we place special emphasis on:

  • Quick response to room-related issues

  • Fast equipment repairs

  • Careful and sincere complaint handling

When you operate overseas, the strengths of Japanese culture become even more visible:

  • Diligence

  • Sincerity

  • Keeping promises

  • Attention to detail

These qualities are not universal standards abroad.

In particular, sincerity is extremely important in an international environment.

Ultimately, I believe a school’s true competitiveness lies not in price or facilities, but in the quality of its operations.

That is why I intentionally placed Japanese-style management as the final reason.


Summary

As of 2026, 3D ACADEMY offers:

  • One of the best cost-performance ratios in Cebu

  • An ideal nationality balance

  • A safe and well-balanced Cebu environment

  • Evolution toward “English + Alpha”

  • High-quality operations through Japanese-style management

And after the relocation in October 2026, I am confident the school will rise to an even higher level.

It is no longer just “an affordable school.”

It is becoming a school that balances:

Cost-performance × Multinational environment × Practical programs × Sincere management

If you are considering studying English in the Philippines or Cebu, we encourage you to start by reaching out for an inquiry.

We look forward to supporting your journey.