How to Prepare for Your First Week of Studying Abroad in Cebu

How to Prepare for Your First Week of Studying Abroad in Cebu

Subtitle : Arrival, Orientation, and Settling into Your New Life

Introduction: Why the First Week Matters So Much

Studying abroad is exciting — but let’s be honest, the first week can feel overwhelming.
New country. New language. New faces. New everything.

If you’re planning to study English in Cebu, Philippines, chances are you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. That’s totally normal! The first week is full of important first steps: arriving at the airport, joining orientation, taking your placement test, and starting classes — all in English.

But here’s the good news: with a little preparation, you can turn that first week into a smooth, enjoyable experience that sets the tone for your entire stay.

In this article, I’ll walk you through:

• What to prepare before you leave

• What to expect on arrival day

• What happens during orientation and testing

• How to survive and thrive in your first few days of class

• Extra tips for making friends and adjusting to daily life

Whether you’re staying for one week or several months, your first week is your foundation. The more confident and prepared you are, the faster you’ll settle in — and the more fun you’ll have.

Let’s make your first week in Cebu the best possible start to your study abroad adventure.

1. Before You Leave: What to Prepare in Advance

A smooth first week in Cebu starts with smart preparation before you even board the plane. Here’s a checklist of what you should get ready — not just physically, but mentally too.

Essentials to Pack

• Passport & visa (if required): Keep them in a safe, accessible place.

• Printed documents: Flight info, school confirmation, airport pickup details.

• Cash in pesos: Bring at least ₱3,000–₱5,000 for the first few days (1 peso ≈ 2.6 yen).

• Credit card & ATM card: Make sure your bank knows you’ll be abroad.

• Clothing: Cebu is warm year-round — bring light, breathable clothes and 1–2 nicer outfits for school or outings.

• Toiletries & medication: Pack personal items and any medicine you regularly use. Some brands might not be available locally.

• Charger & adapter: Plugs in the Philippines use 220V (Type A or B).

Tech & Tools to Prepare

• Unlocked phone: So you can insert a local SIM card easily.

• Translation app: Google Translate, DeepL, or Papago can be lifesavers.

• Grab app: This is the most popular ride-hailing service in Cebu.

• Google Maps: Download Cebu area maps for offline use.

• Note-taking app or notebook: Useful for jotting down new English words.

English Warm-Up

Even a little practice helps.

• Review basic phrases: greetings, self-introduction, common questions.

• Practice saying your name, hometown, and reason for studying English.

• Listen to some simple English podcasts or YouTube videos to tune your ears.

Mindset Check

• Be open-minded — things may work differently than in Japan.

• Be ready for English-only environments — even at the dorm front desk.

• Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for communication.

Preparing these things in advance will give you peace of mind — and help you focus on enjoying your first week, not just surviving it.

2. Day 1: Arrival and Airport Pickup in Cebu

Welcome to Cebu! After a long flight, you’ve finally landed. Now what?

Don’t worry — your first day doesn’t need to be stressful. Most English schools in Cebu (including 3D ACADEMY) offer airport pickup, and the process is simpler than you might expect.

Here’s what typically happens on Day 1:

✈️ Arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)

After you exit immigration and collect your baggage, look for someone holding a sign with your name or school logo. This person is usually a school staff member or professional driver.

✅ Tip: Stay calm and patient — it may take 10–20 minutes to meet the driver.

If no one is there right away, don’t panic. Check your email for instructions, contact the school using Wi-Fi, or go to the airport information desk.

Airport Pickup and Transport to the Dormitory

The ride to your school or dorm usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Use this time to relax and look out the window — you’re in the Philippines now!

✅ Tip: Say “Hi!” or “Thank you!” to the driver in English. It’s great practice!

Dorm Check-In

Once you arrive, staff will help you check in to your dormitory. You’ll receive:

• Your room assignment

• Dorm rules and curfew info

• Possibly a welcome kit (ID, SIM card info, or class schedule)

✅ Tip: Check that your room has water, lights, and air conditioning working properly. If something’s missing, let the front desk know politely.

First Night: Rest & Light Preparation

You might feel tired or jet-lagged — that’s normal. Don’t worry about studying yet.

Here’s what you can do before bed:

• Take a shower and settle into your room

• Message your family to let them know you arrived safely

• Prepare clothes, documents, and your mindset for orientation tomorrow

Your goal for Day 1?
Arrive. Settle in. Rest.
The real adventure starts on Day 2 — and you’ll be ready for it.

3. Day 2: Orientation and Level Test

Day 2 is when your study abroad experience officially begins. It’s time to meet the school staff, take your English level test, and start getting comfortable with your new routine.

Don’t worry — everyone feels nervous, but schools in Cebu are used to welcoming students from all over the world. The orientation is designed to help you feel ready and supported.

Morning: Orientation Session

Most schools hold a welcome orientation for new students in the morning. This includes:

• A school tour

• Explanation of school rules, schedules, and facilities

• Dormitory guidelines

• How to request help or report problems

• Local safety and emergency tips

• SIM card setup or money exchange info (at some schools)

✅ Tip: Bring a notebook and pen. You might want to write down some useful English phrases or Wi-Fi passwords.

✍️ Midday: English Level Test

After orientation, you’ll take a placement test to determine your class level. This may include:

• A short grammar or vocabulary quiz

• A listening or reading section

• A one-on-one speaking test with a teacher

✅ Tip: Don’t stress! The goal isn’t to judge you — it’s to place you in the right class so you can improve at your own pace.

If you don’t understand something, just say:

“Sorry, can you repeat that?”
“Could you explain that again?”

That’s already practicing English!

Afternoon: Paperwork and Setup

You may also be asked to:

• Submit passport copies or ID photos

• Sign a student agreement or dorm rules form

• Confirm your weekly class schedule

You’ll probably receive your class schedule by the end of the day or early the next morning.

Evening: Prepare for Class Day

Now that the busy orientation day is done, use your evening to:

• Review your schedule

• Set your alarm for tomorrow

• Try saying your self-introduction out loud (you’ll use it in class!)

You’ve made it through the first full day — and now, your classes begin!

4. Days 3–5: First Lessons and Getting into the Routine

Once your classes begin, everything starts to feel more real — and more exciting. Days 3 to 5 are all about getting used to your schedule, meeting your teachers, and finding your rhythm.

You might feel nervous at first, especially if this is your first time speaking English daily. That’s completely normal. Everyone in your class — including the teachers — knows how it feels to start something new.

‍ First 1-on-1 Lessons: Start Small and Build Confidence

Most English schools in Cebu use a 1-on-1 class system. This means it’s just you and your teacher in the room — no pressure from classmates!

In your first lesson, you’ll usually:

• Introduce yourself

• Talk about your English goals

• Do a few warm-up exercises or short speaking tasks

✅ Tip: Don’t worry about mistakes — your teacher is here to help, not judge. You can always say:
“Sorry, what does that mean?”
“Can you say that slower?”

Group Classes: A Chance to Hear Other English Levels

Some schools also offer group classes in the afternoon. These help you:

• Practice discussion or listening

• Hear English from students of different countries

• Learn how to react in real conversations

✅ Tip: Listen actively and say something, even if it’s just “I agree” or “I don’t know that word.” That’s how confidence grows!

Adjusting to Your Schedule

Classes usually run from 8:00 or 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., with lunch and short breaks in between. By Day 4 or 5, your body and mind will start to adjust — even if you felt tired at first.

Use your evenings wisely:

• Review new vocabulary

• Practice your self-introduction or questions

• Chat with roommates or dorm staff in English — even simple things count!

Mini Survival Phrases You Can Use Immediately

• “How do you spell that?”

• “Can I write it down?”

• “Can you give me an example?”

• “Let me try to say it.”

These phrases are your best friends in class — they show that you’re active and trying.

By the end of your first week, you’ll be surprised how much more comfortable you feel — in class, in the dorm, and in English.

5. Bonus Tips: How to Settle in Quickly and Make Friends

Studying abroad isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary — it’s also about building connections and creating a comfortable daily life. The faster you feel at home, the more confident (and happy) you’ll be.

Here are some bonus tips to help you settle in smoothly and make the most of your first week:

1. Say “Hi” First — Even If It’s Scary

Whether it’s your roommate, classmate, or dorm staff, take the first step and greet them. Even a simple “Hi, I’m [Your Name]” can open the door to a conversation.

✅ Tip: Prepare a short self-introduction you can reuse:
“Hi, I’m Yuki from Japan. I’m here for two weeks to study English.”

️ 2. Don’t Skip Meals — They’re Great Social Opportunities

Meals in the dorm cafeteria or nearby restaurants are perfect for casual conversation. You don’t need to talk the whole time — even short comments like:

• “How was your class?”

• “This chicken is spicy!”

• “What country are you from?”

can lead to fun conversations.

3. Learn Basic Dorm Etiquette

Be respectful of shared spaces:

• Keep noise down after 10 p.m.

• Clean up your dishes or bathroom items

• Don’t use other people’s stuff without asking

✅ Tip: A little courtesy = fewer problems and better friendships.

4. Join School Activities or Group Chats

Many schools have:

• Weekend tours

• Movie nights

• Group chats (on LINE, Messenger, or WhatsApp)

Joining these helps you connect faster — and gives you more chances to use English in real life.

5. Let Go of Perfection — Just Try!

You don’t have to speak perfectly. In fact, you’ll learn faster by trying, making mistakes, and laughing about them.

Say “yes” to chances to talk, even if you’re shy. Most other students feel the same way — and they’ll appreciate your effort.

By combining small efforts in class with small efforts in daily life, you’ll feel more settled, more confident, and more connected by the end of your first week.

Conclusion: Start Strong, and the Rest Gets Easier

Your first week of studying abroad in Cebu might feel like a big step — because it is. But if you prepare well, stay open-minded, and take each day as it comes, you’ll quickly find yourself adjusting, learning, and enjoying the experience more than you expected.

The first few days are not about being perfect. They’re about:

• Finding your rhythm

• Getting comfortable in your new environment

• Starting to use English in real, daily situations

And once you get through that first week?
Everything else becomes easier. You’ll understand your schedule, recognize your teachers’ voices, and even look forward to class. You’ll make new friends, discover favorite local foods, and start thinking in English — even if just a little.

Want to Start Your Journey in a Supportive Environment?

3D ACADEMY in Cebu offers the perfect place to begin.

Here’s why:

• ✅ 1-on-1 lessons with friendly, experienced teachers

• ✅ Easy-to-understand orientation and airport pickup

• ✅ Comfortable dormitory living and flexible meal plans

• ✅ A warm, international community where it’s easy to make friends

• ✅ Ideal for short-term stays — from 1 week to 1 month

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to boost your skills fast, 3D ACADEMY helps you start strong from Day 1 — with guidance every step of the way.

From your airport arrival to your first class, you won’t be alone.

Check out more at https://3d-universal.com/en/

Start your first week with confidence — and let Cebu become your gateway to real-world English.

Your journey doesn’t begin when class starts.
It begins when you say yes to the challenge.