Study Abroad Story｜A Second Challenge and the Joy of Reunion

Bob Shares Why 3D ACADEMY Is a School You’ll Want to Come Back To

Introduction

Hello from the staff at 3D ACADEMY!

This time, we’d like to introduce Bob’s story—his second study abroad experience in Cebu, Philippines, following his first trip in 2024.

Finding a school that makes you think, “I want to come back here,” is a rare and valuable thing. Of course, affordable pricing, convenient location, and high-quality lessons matter, but it’s the people you meet and the experiences you have each day that truly make a difference.

After gaining confidence and improving his English during his first stay, Bob returned to 3D ACADEMY for a second time. This time, he not only reunited with old friends but also formed new connections and grew even further through a deeper learning experience.

In this article, Bob shares his reasons for returning, how he spent his days in and outside of class, his relationships with his teachers, and even his dreams for the future.

Chapter 1｜Back to Cebu Again

Why Bob Chose 3D ACADEMY for a Second Time

Bob first came to 3D ACADEMY in the spring of the previous year. While searching online for study abroad options, he came across 3D’s website and was instantly drawn in.

“What really stood out was the affordable tuition, the convenient location, and the promise of high-quality one-on-one lessons. I thought, ‘This is it!’”

When he arrived, what surprised him most was how amazing the people were—something no website could fully convey.

The teachers were cheerful and friendly, and their lessons were easy to follow. Fellow students, too, were welcoming and open. Bob found it easy to connect with people of all ages and nationalities.

“I made friends really quickly. After class, I was always chatting with someone. Back in Japan, I wasn’t great at talking to strangers, but here I found myself starting conversations all the time.”

That unforgettable experience stuck with him even after returning to Japan. As he settled back into his everyday life, he found himself missing the energy and growth he felt in Cebu.

“I was working back home, but I couldn’t shake the feeling—that sense of growth I had back in Cebu.”

So in 2025, Bob decided to return to 3D ACADEMY. When he arrived, the first thing that surprised him was the brand-new dorm building behind the main campus.

“I couldn’t believe it was newly built! The room was clean and quiet—so comfortable I almost didn’t want to leave it!”

Still, the familiar classrooms, the unchanged atmosphere of the campus, and the welcoming smiles of the staff made him feel instantly at home again.

Chapter 2｜Seeing Real Progress in English

How a Trip Proved My Growth

After his first study abroad experience, Bob planned a trip to Guam with a friend—partly to test how much English he had retained.

Once there, he had to rely solely on English—from airport transfers to hotel check-ins to ordering at restaurants.

“At first, I was nervous, but the words just came out naturally. Instead of saying ‘This one, please,’ I found myself saying, ‘Could I have this one?’ and that really amazed me—I felt like I was actually doing it!”

He also recalled having a casual chat with a foreigner at a café. Conversations like “Are you here on vacation?” and “Where are you from?” flowed naturally, and that small exchange gave him a huge boost.

“In Japan, it takes courage to talk to a foreigner. But thanks to the training I got in Cebu, I’ve come to think, ‘Why not just give it a try?’”

For Bob, this trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was a turning point that showed him the joy of using English to truly connect with people.

“It hit me—what I learned in class was helping me in real life! That success really gave me confidence.”

Chapter 3｜Fun Classes That Fueled My Motivation

At 3D, the daily schedule can include up to seven one-on-one classes, covering conversation, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and more.

For his second stay, Bob made improving his speaking skills his top priority. This time, he focused not only on speaking but also on improving the flow and natural tone of his conversations.

“Last time, I was nervous about speaking. But this time, I wanted to sound more natural and fluent.”

His daily lessons included pronunciation drills, memorizing phrases, and practicing dialogues using textbooks. Sometimes, he would also engage in extended free talk sessions with his teacher to simulate real-life conversations.

“We often practiced by talking about what I did the day before. Having a real reason to explain something in English made it more meaningful than just writing a basic sentence.”

In these sessions, Bob didn’t just learn vocabulary—he also explored how to express his opinions and understand others. The classes brought him closer to the heart of true communication.

“Every teacher treated the lessons more like a dialogue than a lecture, which made each session feel personal and exciting.”

The balance of light humor, personal interaction, and solid learning helped him rediscover the joy of studying.

“My teachers cracked jokes and asked fun questions all the time. I genuinely looked forward to each lesson—it never felt like a chore.”

Chapter 4｜“Studying Through Play”

Cafeteria, Self-Study, and a Stack of Phrasebooks

Outside of class, there’s another important part of study abroad life: independent learning. For Bob, self-study wasn’t just about discipline—it was about finding creative ways to make progress every day.

The first tools he turned to were his favorite grammar books and English phrasebooks, which he had brought from Japan. He especially focused on practical resources like “English for Travelers” and “Everyday English Conversation Examples.”

“Back in Japan, I just ‘read’ these books. But here, I started memorizing them to actually use the phrases. Saying them out loud while imagining a real situation made everything stick better.”

But Bob admits he wasn’t great at staying in his room all day. In fact, his most productive study spot turned out to be the school’s cafeteria.

“Surprisingly, the cafeteria is a great place to focus. There are always other people studying, and that atmosphere pushes you to try harder. It feels like, ‘we’re all in this together.’”

He would often sit side by side with friends, solving worksheets, writing daily journals, or asking each other questions on the spot. This casual, shared learning space felt relaxed yet productive—the perfect environment for Bob.

Another key motivator was the homework regularly assigned by his teachers. Daily tasks like fill-in-the-blank drills, pronunciation practice, and writing journal entries gave his self-study efforts a solid structure.

“Keeping a journal helped me practice putting my thoughts into my own words in English. Plus, the teachers always corrected what I wrote, so I could see how to make my sentences more natural.”

Bob found the journal writing especially rewarding because it gave him a way to “visualize his growth.”

“When I compared my Week 1 journal with Week 3, I was like, ‘Wait, this sounds more like real English now!’ That kind of progress felt awesome.”

Chapter 5｜Weekends for Refresh and Adventure

After powering through a packed weekday schedule of classes and study, weekends were Bob’s well-earned reward—an essential time for refreshment, fun, and sometimes, adventure.

From Classrooms to Cheers: Learning English at the Bar

One of Bob’s favorite weekend rituals was going out for drinks with friends at PINO, a popular local bar among students.

“People used phrases you’d never hear in class—it felt like I was learning a new language! We called it ‘PINO English,’” he laughs.

They toasted in English, cracked jokes in English, and often mixed in Korean and Japanese too. It was like hanging out at a multicultural izakaya—a casual and lively global hangout.

“Back in Japan, I rarely had the chance to drink and chat with people from other countries. That alone was such a valuable experience.”

A Pool Table, 80 Pesos, and Endless Matches

Another regular weekend spot was the neighborhood billiards hall.

“You can play for just 80 pesos an hour—it’s super cheap. I love games and competition, so it was perfect for me. I honestly lost count of how many matches we played!”

For Bob, the weekend wasn’t just about letting loose—it was still a time to interact, use English naturally, and connect with people across cultures.

Island Escapes and Starry Skies: Camotes Adventure

Bob also took weekend getaways beyond Cebu City. One of his most unforgettable trips was to Camotes Island—a serene paradise far from the city buzz.

“The nature was breathtaking. It felt like the sea, the sky, and the stars were all connected. That starry sky at night was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.”

…But this peaceful escape came with one major misstep.

“I didn’t book a hotel before arriving, and it was peak season. I ended up walking around trying to find a place—nearly panicking! After checking several places, I finally secured a room.”

While frustrating at the time, this experience taught Bob the importance of preparation—and also boosted his real-world adaptability and problem-solving skills.

“Small mistakes like that? They’re the spice of travel,” he jokes.

Chapter 6｜The Real Charm of 3D: Great Food and Human Connection

When it comes to studying abroad at a language school, one thing that often surprises people is how important the quality of the food becomes. For Bob, this was no exception—and to his delight, 3D ACADEMY far exceeded his expectations.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious, with lots of variety. I actually looked forward to every meal.”

A Pancake to Start the Day Right

One of his favorites? The pancakes served at breakfast on Wednesdays and Sundays.

“They were seriously so good. Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. They gave me such a boost in the morning!”

But more than the meals, what Bob appreciates most about 3D is the school’s greatest strength:
the people and the connections he’s made.

“It’s not just about the classes. Whether it’s in the cafeteria, during group lessons, or even at casual weekend drinks—there’s always a chance to talk with someone. And somehow, those conversations naturally happen in English.”

This time around, Bob was lucky enough to meet a whole new group of friends. And as for his “batchmates” from his first stay? They still keep in touch regularly via social media and video calls.

“3D isn’t just a language school. It’s like a crossroads in life.”

People of all nationalities, ages, and backgrounds come together here with the same goal—and that’s why it’s so easy to connect. For Bob, this sense of natural connection is one of the biggest reasons why 3D still feels like home.

Chapter 7｜Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey Through a Working Holiday

After studying at 3D ACADEMY, Bob felt a growing desire to take on a new challenge. His next goal? A working holiday in Australia.

“I’d actually been interested in a working holiday for a while. But I used to think, ‘I’m not good enough at English—it’s probably impossible.’ But after studying at 3D, I gradually built up confidence. Now, I really want to give it a try.”

Bob has his sights set on farm work, a physically demanding job that requires stamina, independence, and of course, communication in English. While he admits to feeling nervous, his desire to “just try” outweighs his fears.

“Farm work sounds tough, right? But I think working with people from all over the world while using English in real-life situations is a valuable experience. Plus, physically moving your body and doing hands-on work teaches you something different.”

For Bob, a working holiday isn’t just about earning money—it’s a training ground for life. Especially in a farm environment, it’s not only about language. You also need initiative, resilience, and the ability to connect with others.

“Of course, I still have some worries. But the experience I gained at 3D is what’s giving me the courage to move forward. It’s not just the English I learned, but the experience of interacting with people from different countries that made me think, ‘I can jump in.’”

In Australia, he’ll likely face long hours of labor and the challenge of navigating a workplace in English. But to Bob, that’s not a burden—it’s a new “real-world English classroom.”

“At 3D, I learned classroom English. Now I want to learn workplace English.”

Beyond the working holiday, Bob is also beginning to see the outlines of a future overseas life.

“I don’t have a concrete plan yet, but I’d like to live abroad long-term someday. Studying at 3D made me realize that living overseas doesn’t have to be this big, special thing—it can become part of your everyday life. That’s what a working holiday feels like to me: a natural next step.”

✏️ Afterword｜A Place You’ll Want to Return To

“At first, I thought, ‘Once is enough.’”

That’s what Bob said when we asked why he came back to 3D ACADEMY. But the real reason he returned?

It’s because 3D is more than just a place to study—it’s a place where you can be yourself.

“Of course, the learning is great. But more than that, it’s the closeness between people that makes 3D special. The staff, the teachers, the students—everyone’s so friendly. Just being here makes you feel energized.”

On his second stay, Bob was already familiar with the environment, which allowed him to relax and be himself from day one. He quickly bonded with new classmates, and his days were once again filled with laughter, both after class and on the weekends.

“Once you take that first step, everything starts to open up. It was the same this time around.”

According to Bob, what matters most in studying abroad is not how good your English is—it’s whether you have the courage to start conversations and the flexibility to say “yes.”

“How do you make friends? Simple—just don’t be shy, and say ‘yes’ more often! Even if you feel lazy or unsure, go along when someone invites you. Those little ‘yeses’ can bring you a lot closer to people.”

His time at 3D was filled with smiles and countless “firsts.” And what he took away wasn’t just language—it was life lessons that will stay with him forever.

“I want to come back again someday. Actually… I probably will! (laughs) Next time, I’ll be even better at English and ready for my next challenge.”

A Message to Bob

Bob, congratulations on completing your second study abroad experience at 3D!

We’re sure that everything you learned and gained here—confidence, communication, and connections—will help you in your next adventure in Australia. All of us here at 3D are cheering you on from the bottom of our hearts.

And remember: Cebu is always your second home.
We can’t wait to welcome you back again someday!

日本語版はこちら
Bobさんの体験談を日本語で読みたい方は、こちらをご覧ください：
留学体験記｜2度目の挑戦、そして再会の喜び｜Bobさんが語る「戻ってきたくなる学校」3D ACADEMY