From Russia to Cebu Anna’s Language Journey Filled with Culture and Connection

“If I can speak English, it will be useful no matter where I go in the world.”

With this belief in mind, Anna set out on a solo journey from Russia to the Philippines—specifically, to the island of Cebu.

Anna is originally from Russia and has always had a deep interest in learning English. Over the years, she studied it in her own way, but felt that grammar and reading alone were not enough. What she really wanted was to become confident in speaking, to build practical skills she could use in real life.

“During travel or short study trips, I often thought, ‘If only I could speak more fluently, I could connect more deeply with others.’ That’s when I became determined to truly master English.”

Encouraged by a friend who had studied abroad, Anna chose Cebu as her destination—an affordable place known for intensive English learning. Her school of choice was 3D ACADEMY, which her friend highly recommended after having a great experience there.

“I did worry at first—would I be able to adjust to Asian culture and daily life? But I told myself, ‘If I want to expand my world, I have to take the first step.’”

This article explores Anna’s study abroad journey, including:

• Why she chose Cebu

• Her experiences in class and with her teachers at 3D ACADEMY

• How she spent her free time and weekends

• The unique culture shocks of living in Cebu

• Honest thoughts about the dorm and food

• What she feels now after completing her study abroad experience

If you’re someone who wants to connect more with the world through English, or if you’re curious about living abroad but still unsure, Anna’s story may offer the encouragement you need.

Chapter 1: Why Learn English?

“I Want a Skill That Works Anywhere in the World”

Anna’s motivation to improve her English came from a sense of frustration she had felt many times in her life.

“There were so many situations where I thought, ‘If I could speak English, I could connect with people no matter where I go.’”

In Russia, English is taught in school, and Anna already had a solid understanding of grammar and vocabulary. But when it came to speaking, things didn’t flow as easily.

“I could read and write, but speaking was hard. That’s why I wanted to live in an English-speaking environment—to train myself to actually use the language.”

English as a Passport to the World

To Anna, English wasn’t just an academic subject. It was a tool—a passport that would allow her to navigate and connect with the world.

“If you can speak English, you can communicate almost anywhere. That’s a powerful ability.”

She is considering working or living abroad in the future, and building strong English skills is the first step toward that goal.

She Considered the West First, But…

Initially, Anna imagined studying in countries like the UK or the US. However, the high cost of tuition and living made her reconsider.

Then she discovered Cebu—an affordable destination that offered intensive classes and one-on-one instruction. It sounded perfect for what she needed.

“The idea of one-on-one lessons to boost my speaking skills was exactly what I was looking for.”

When she heard that her friend had also studied at 3D ACADEMY and had a great experience with kind teachers and practical lessons, she was sold.

“I checked the reviews, and everything pointed to this being a trustworthy, high-quality school. So I made my decision.”

Chapter 2: Why Cebu? Why 3D ACADEMY?

A Journey That Began with Trust

Anna chose Cebu as her study abroad destination for three main reasons: affordability, intensive lessons, and the learning environment.

Far More Affordable Than the West—with One-on-One Lessons

When people think of studying abroad, countries like the UK or the US usually come to mind. Anna was no different—initially, she considered studying in the West. But the more she researched, the more her perspective shifted.

“I was shocked to find that with the same budget, I could take so many more classes in the Philippines.”

In Cebu, one-on-one classes for 4 to 6 hours a day are standard. For Anna—who lacked confidence in speaking—this was a major advantage.

“In group classes, your speaking opportunities are limited. But in one-on-one lessons, the class doesn’t move forward unless you talk. I knew that would really help me improve.”

Discovering 3D ACADEMY Through a Friend

What ultimately helped Anna decide on a school was the recommendation of a Russian friend who had previously studied in Cebu.

“She told me, ‘3D was really great.’ She shared details about the teachers, the school atmosphere, and everyday life—it made me feel at ease.”

Thanks to this trusted referral, Anna began checking out 3D ACADEMY’s website and online reviews. Compared to other schools, she noticed high ratings for things like:

• Friendly teachers

• Convenient location

• Clean dormitories

“I felt like I couldn’t go wrong with this school.”

Her First Time in the Philippines—Nervous but Determined

Traveling from Russia to the Philippines, a country with a very different culture and climate, was a big step.

“Honestly, I had some worries at first—about safety, the weather, and food. But my desire to take on a new challenge was stronger.”

3D ACADEMY welcomes students from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and many other countries. In that multicultural environment, Anna found herself representing Russia and bringing her own culture into the mix.

“Cebu was so much more peaceful and comfortable than I expected. The staff were incredibly kind—I’m truly glad I came here.”

Chapter 3: Feeling the Power of Spoken English

Lessons and Favorite Teachers

Anna chose a curriculum that emphasized one-on-one instruction at 3D ACADEMY. Out of her six daily classes, most were private lessons with individual teachers.

“My top priority was to improve my speaking. One-on-one classes gave me so much opportunity to talk—it was the perfect setup.”

Unlike group classes where you have to wait for your turn to speak, one-on-one lessons require you to speak constantly. This dramatic increase in speaking time helped Anna gradually overcome her fear of making mistakes.

“At first, I was nervous, but the teachers were so kind. They laughed off my mistakes and corrected me patiently.”

Memorable Teachers—And One Extra Special Mentor

Anna studied with many teachers, but several stood out:

Mr. Bob

Calm and gentle—perfect for beginners who need a relaxed atmosphere.

Ms. Therese

Great at explaining grammar in a way that made even complex rules easy to grasp.

Ms. Dionne & Ms. Aubrey

Focused on conversation-based classes with a fun rhythm that made you want to speak more.

But one teacher left the biggest impression:

“Ms. Ellen was a special teacher for me. Her lessons were always intellectually stimulating and full of humor.”

Through her classes with Ellen, Anna practiced speech delivery and discussion, discovering the deeper art of spoken English. It wasn’t just conversation—it was training in connecting thoughts to language.

Group Classes: Where Cultural Exchange Happens

In addition to one-on-one classes, Anna also joined several group lessons, taught by:

• Ms. Rowena

• Ms. Cris

• Mr. Ronald

• Mr. Matthew

• Ms. Rylene

Anna especially admired Ms. Rylene:

“She was so open-minded, smart, and always positive. She really brightened up the group dynamic!”

In these multicultural classrooms, English becomes the common language for cultural exchange. Anna enjoyed sharing aspects of Russian culture while learning surprising expressions and habits from students of other nationalities.

“It was fun and eye-opening to communicate beyond just language—it felt like connecting across cultures.”

Chapter 4: Food, Daily Life, and Living in Cebu

Embracing a New Culture with All Five Senses

Asian-Style Meals—But I Missed Russian Food!

At 3D ACADEMY, three meals a day are provided at the dormitory cafeteria. Anna went to the dining hall daily, but she admits:

“The food was good. But I really started missing Russian cuisine! (laughs)”

Her favorite dishes back home include traditional Russian comfort foods like Azú (a meat and potato stew), as well as simple black and white breads.
The meals in Cebu often cater to Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese tastes—which can be quite different from what Anna was used to.

Still, she gradually got used to the flavors and even started looking forward to mealtime by the end of her stay.

A Convenient and Safe Neighborhood—And Slow Evenings

3D ACADEMY is located in a very convenient area, with shopping malls and cafes just a short walk away. It’s easy to buy what you need or enjoy a spontaneous outing with friends.

“There were so many restaurants nearby. I loved being able to grab a quick meal with my friends after class.”

That said, Anna didn’t go out every day. On weekday evenings, she often stayed in her dorm to do homework or simply relax and chat with friends online.

“Studying English takes a lot of energy, so I made sure to have time to unwind at night.”

Weekend Island Hopping—Healed by Cebu’s Ocean

One thing that surprised Anna about Cebu was:

“The beauty of the ocean and how easy it was to reach the islands. You could just hop on a bus or boat and go!”

On weekends, she and her friends would visit nearby islands to enjoy white sand beaches, snorkeling, and tropical getaways.
These mini-vacations helped her recharge both mentally and physically.

“It wasn’t just about studying English. Cebu’s natural beauty also gave me so much peace.”

Chapter 5: Top 3 Culture Shocks

Discovering a Different World

Street Children Everywhere

The first thing that struck Anna in Cebu was the presence of many street children on the roadsides.

“It was truly shocking at first. Seeing barefoot children begging—it broke my heart.”

It was a sight rarely seen in Russia, and it made the poverty in the Philippines feel very real.
More than just a study-abroad experience, it became a moment of encountering global social issues.

People Asking for Help—Right in Front of Her

While walking near the school one day, Anna was directly approached by people in need.

“Someone asked me for food. I had never experienced anything like that before in my life.”

The contrast with life in Russia was stark. Anna felt a strong sense of gratitude for her own privileges—alongside a growing desire to understand more about the world.

Shocked to Learn “There’s No Standing Army”?

One surprising fact Anna encountered during her stay was:

“I heard that the Philippines doesn’t have its own military.”
(Note: This is a common misconception. The Philippines does have armed forces, though perceptions vary.)

“In Russia, military strength is highly emphasized. I realized just how different our national mindsets are.”

These cultural and philosophical differences helped expand Anna’s worldview.

“Studying English in Cebu was wonderful—but what I gained most was the feeling that the world is so much bigger than I ever imagined.”

Chapter 6: The Joy of Sharing Russian Culture

Becoming a Bridge Through Cross-Cultural Exchange

Standing Out as a Student from Russia

During Anna’s stay at 3D ACADEMY, there were very few students from Russia.
Because of this, her presence felt both unique and refreshing to those around her.

“Everyone kept asking, ‘What’s Russia like?’—and I loved those conversations.”

At first, Anna was a bit nervous about being a representative of her culture. But as time went on, she began to embrace the role with joy and pride.

Talking About Russian Cities, History, and Food

During mealtimes and after class, she was often asked, “So, what’s Russia really like?”
She frequently found herself sharing topics like:

• Russian Cities: The beautiful streets of Moscow and Saint Petersburg

• History: Stories from the Sochi Olympics and the Russian Empire

• Cuisine: Descriptions of Borscht, Azú (a stewed potato and meat dish), and traditional Russian breads

“Whenever we talked about food, people’s eyes would light up! They’d say, ‘I want to try that!’—and it made me so happy.”

Connecting with others not just through language, but through culture, gave Anna a great sense of confidence and fulfillment.

The Joy of Sharing Culture Through English

Everyone has their own reasons for learning English, but one of Anna’s biggest takeaways from this experience was:

“English can be a tool to share your own culture with the world.”

“When you speak English, it’s not just about understanding other countries. You get to teach others about your own country too—and that’s what made it really fun for me.”

For Anna, this shift from being a learner to also becoming a teacher added new meaning and motivation to her language studies.

Chapter 7: Daily Life in Cebu

Quiet Evenings, Island Adventures, and a Healthy Balance

Afternoons for Homework and Chatting with Friends

After classes at 3D ACADEMY, Anna usually returned to her dorm room to do homework or chat with her friends.

“Reviewing the lessons was important—and chatting with friends also became great English practice.”

On tired days, she stayed in and rested. On better days, she’d head out to a local café with friends.
She found her own rhythm that allowed her to study and unwind comfortably.

Weekend Trips to the Islands—Healing Through Nature

Of course, Cebu is known for its stunning beaches and nature. Anna often took weekend trips to nearby islands.

“The beaches were so beautiful. The blue of the sky and sea was incredibly soothing.”

Rather than high-energy snorkeling or boat parties, Anna preferred a calmer experience—reading books by the beach, or simply enjoying the scenery.
She found these moments to be refreshing and rejuvenating before the next week of studies.

The Perfect Balance Between Study and Relaxation

Many people imagine study abroad as being packed with constant classes—but for Anna, mental balance was just as important.

“Cebu offers both study and healing. I really liked that balance.”

Not too intense, and not too relaxed. That natural, comfortable pace might be one of the biggest charms of both 3D ACADEMY and life in Cebu.

Chapter 8: Culture Shock Top 3

The Surprising Gaps Between Russia and Cebu

1. Encountering Street Children

While walking through the streets of Cebu, Anna occasionally saw children living on the streets.
It was a sight rarely encountered in Russia, and it deeply shocked her.

“At first, I didn’t know how to respond—I felt confused. Through them, I saw a different side of Philippine society.”

For Anna, this wasn’t just a moment of “cultural difference,” but a powerful realization about the realities of the world.

2. Adults Asking for Help on the Streets

It wasn’t just children—Anna was also surprised to see adults begging on the streets.

“Their presence really left an impression on me. I felt like I had seen the harsh side of inequality firsthand.”

While she thought about what support she could offer within her means, she also felt a deep sense of helplessness.
This experience broadened her human perspective and strengthened her compassion.

3. The Fact That the Philippines Has No Formal Army

What shocked Anna the most was learning that:

“The Philippines does not have a traditional national army.”

“In Russia, it’s normal to have a strong military to protect the country—so this really surprised me.”

This realization gave Anna a new understanding of how countries differ in their views on security and governance.

Anna’s culture shock was not just about surprise—it became a gateway to seeing the world from multiple perspectives.
Her time in Cebu sparked a powerful internal dialogue between her Russian values and the global realities she witnessed.

Chapter 9: What I’m Glad I Brought

A Cultural Sharing Experience From Russia

More Valuable Than Souvenirs—Memories of Culture

What Anna appreciated most wasn’t something she packed in her suitcase—but rather, the cultural knowledge and memories she carried with her.

“It wasn’t a physical item. I felt like I brought Russian culture with me.”

When she talked about Russia’s history or the beauty of its cities, her roommates and teachers would listen with shining eyes.

Saint Petersburg and Sochi Olympics Were Big Hits

Among her stories, the most popular were her visits to St. Petersburg and memories of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

“When I mentioned the Hermitage Museum, one of the students who loved art got really excited. That made me happy.”

The desire to learn about other cultures was something Anna found to be universal—shared by Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese students alike.
Her stories about Russian life and values became natural gateways to deeper conversations in English.

A New Style of Studying Abroad: “Bringing Culture”

When people think of studying abroad, they often imagine going somewhere to learn.
But in Anna’s case, it was also about sharing.

“I felt like I was both a student and a cultural ambassador of Russia!” (laughs)

At 3D ACADEMY, where students come from many different countries, “introducing your own culture” becomes a natural part of the learning process.
Anna was thrilled to experience cultural exchange through conversation, not just textbooks.

Chapter 10: Editor’s Note

Giving English a Soul by Speaking About Your Home Country

During our interview with Anna, what struck us the most was how confidently and joyfully she spoke about her country through English.

When people talk about English ability, they often focus on test scores like TOEIC or speaking fluency.
But in the end, the most important question is: “What do you want to say?”

At 3D ACADEMY, Anna enjoyed using her English lessons—both in one-on-one and group classes—to talk about Russian culture and history.
She shared stories about art museums, the beauty of her cities, and her memories of the Olympics. These weren’t textbook facts—they were her personal experiences.

“Using English to share Russia with others”
—That was the spark that gave her English life and meaning.

The true beauty of studying abroad lies not only in learning about other cultures, but also in sharing your own.

A Message to Our Readers

If You Have Something to Say, English Will Be Your Ally

If you’re reading this and thinking,

“My English still isn’t good enough…”

Then we encourage you to remember Anna’s journey.
She felt nervous too at the beginning—but because she had something meaningful to share, her English naturally improved.

There’s likely a story inside you as well—something you want to tell others.

Start from that feeling.
English can become a bridge that carries your thoughts and emotions out into the world.

Like Anna, be proud of where you come from. And take a bold step into a new culture.
That kind of study abroad experience might just make your life a little more exciting.

Thank you so much, Anna!

以下が日本語記事へのリンクです：

ロシアからセブへ｜Annaさんが語る、文化と出会いに満ちた語学留学（日本語）