Chapter 2: Why Cebu? Why 3D ACADEMY? — A Confident Choice Based on Real Experience

When people think of studying abroad, countries like the UK, the US, or Canada often come to mind.
However, Carson chose Cebu, Philippines—a destination known for its outstanding cost-performance.

“If I can get this much class time for the same period, the Philippines is the obvious choice.”

Why Cebu? Efficiency and Value

Language schools in Cebu typically offer 4 to 6+ one-on-one classes per day.
Unlike Western countries, where tuition is higher and classes are mainly group-based (often leaving students feeling like they don’t get enough speaking time), Cebu’s schools provide the perfect setup for learners who want to focus on speaking.

“In Japan, I would never have the chance to speak English one-on-one for 50 minutes straight. The fact that I had to speak English in class really helped.”

Plus, even when you combine tuition, living costs, and accommodation, the total is still less than half the cost of studying in Western countries.
For those wanting intensive, short-term results, Cebu is an ideal choice.

Why 3D ACADEMY? A Trusted Recommendation

The biggest deciding factor for choosing 3D ACADEMY was a personal recommendation from a friend who had studied there.

“My friend told me the teachers were really friendly and that you could talk to them even outside class. That convinced me right away.”

Nothing is more reliable than hearing directly from someone with firsthand experience.
That insider perspective—something you can’t get from brochures or online reviews—gave Carson complete confidence in choosing 3D.

He also learned that the school’s location was convenient, the dorms were clean, and the staff were polite and attentive.

“My friend said, ‘You’ll love it. You’ll start enjoying speaking English,’ and those words gave me the push I needed.”

Just as predicted, Carson went on to truly enjoy his time in Cebu and discover the joy of speaking English throughout his 8-week journey.

Chapter 3: Mastering Spoken English — The Synergy of One-on-One and Group Classes

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Cebu is the one-on-one lessons.
Carson fully utilized these sessions to sharpen his speaking and listening skills.

“Speaking English for 50 straight minutes—it’s something you can’t really experience in Japan.”

50 Minutes of Pure English — The Power of One-on-One Classes

Carson took several one-on-one classes each day, focusing primarily on speaking and listening.
Because classes couldn’t progress without using English, he was forced to speak—something that initially made him nervous but gradually became more natural.

“The teachers were really friendly and talked to me even outside class. That helped me see English less as a ‘subject’ and more as a way to just enjoy conversation.”

As he built strong relationships with the teachers, his opportunities to speak English increased significantly—both inside and outside the classroom.
Eventually, he developed the “natural flow” of speaking English without hesitation.

Group Classes: “Speech Practice,” “English Demo,” and “Formal & Informal”

In addition to one-on-one classes, Carson also joined the following group classes:

• Speech Practice — Training in speech structure and public speaking

• English Demo — Discussion-based class with opinion exchanges

• Formal & Informal — Understanding differences in formal vs casual English

Each class had a clear purpose, and students could select ones that matched their learning goals.

“There was a lot of training in expressing opinions in English. I was nervous at first, but as I started to succeed, I gained confidence.”

His favorite was “English Demo”, where discussing opinions helped him build the ability to debate in English and understand other viewpoints.

“By the final week, I could really feel the difference from when I started. My speaking pace improved, and I had a wider range of expressions.”

Chapter 4: Comfort and Peace of Mind — Dorm Life & Surroundings in Cebu

For a successful study abroad experience, daily living conditions matter just as much as classroom learning.
Carson was highly satisfied with both his dorm life and the surrounding environment at 3D ACADEMY.

Meals: Tastes May Vary, But Satisfaction Was High Compared to Other Schools

3D ACADEMY provides three meals a day at the dorm.

“Honestly, it depends on your personal taste. But from what I’ve heard about other schools, I’m really glad I chose 3D.”

Many dishes were Korean-inspired or familiar to Japanese palates, and Carson mentioned he had no major complaints about the food.

Cleaning & Laundry Services: “Japanese-Level” Quality!

At 3D, staff clean and do laundry several times a week.

“This was honestly amazing. I even joked about wanting to bring the service back to Japan!”

By not having to worry about chores, Carson could focus fully on studying and relaxing.
He was particularly impressed by the professional and courteous staff.

“Everyone was so polite and helpful. I was truly grateful.”

Location & Safety: Convenient Access and Peace of Mind

3D ACADEMY is within walking distance of malls, cafes, and supermarkets.

“You can get everything you need nearby. I never felt any inconvenience.”

He also had no safety concerns, describing Cebu as very safe for Southeast Asia.

“I was also impressed by the character of the Filipino people—so polite and genuinely friendly. I always felt at ease.”

After-Class and Weekend Life: Balancing Study and Fun

After classes, Carson would hit the gym, go shopping or dining out, or continue his studies.
On weekends, he explored both downtown Cebu and nearby getaways.

“I made sure not to overdo it with studying—I also took time to refresh.”

His ability to balance focus and relaxation contributed to a fulfilling and effective study abroad experience.

Chapter 5: Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu — Learning Through Surprise

No matter how much research you do beforehand, actually living in another country can bring surprising cultural differences.
Carson had his own share of culture shocks while living in Cebu.

1. Honking and Traffic Etiquette

“The first shock was how loose the traffic rules are. Constant honking, and nobody uses the crosswalks!”

Unlike in Japan, where signals and pedestrian rules are strictly followed, Filipino drivers rely on honking to communicate.
Crossing the street often requires quick judgment and confidence.

“It was scary at first—but I got used to it in a few days (laughs).”

2. Warm and Friendly Filipino People

“In a good way, I was shocked by how warm and friendly everyone was. Smiles everywhere.”

Whether in town, school, or at the dorm, everyone—from teachers to staff—was extremely approachable.
If someone looked lost or confused, locals would naturally step in to help.

“I didn’t encounter a single ‘rude person’—which is really saying something.”

3. The Jaw-Dropping Low Cost of Living

The last surprise Carson shared was the affordability in Cebu:

• Beer: ~100 yen

• Cigarettes: ~100 yen

• Taxi base fare: ~80 yen

“I was especially shocked by how cheap taxis were! It made getting around super easy.”

This low cost of living is a big plus for students—allowing for a fuller experience even on a limited budget.

Chapter 6: How I Achieved TOEIC 800 — Study Strategies That Delivered Results

Carson had a clear goal for his study abroad journey:
“To improve my English communication and score over 800 on the TOEIC.”

After eight weeks of intensive effort, he successfully reached that target!
So, how did he manage to achieve such a result?

Strengthening Speaking Skills with One-on-One Lessons

One of the standout features of 3D ACADEMY is its intensive one-on-one classes, up to six hours a day.

“Each 50-minute session was focused and personal. I had countless opportunities to speak.”

Carson concentrated on overcoming his weakness in speaking through these lessons.
By building trust with his teachers, he could also enjoy casual conversations outside of class, which greatly accelerated his progress.

Group Classes that Sparked Motivation

He enrolled in the following group classes:

• Speech Practice

• English Demo

• Formal & Informal

“Hearing my classmates’ pronunciation and expressions really motivated me to push myself harder.”

The English Demo class, in particular, required expressing opinions and understanding others — perfect for developing real-world communication skills.

Daily Life as Language Training

From chatting in cafes and gyms to casual dorm conversations, Carson treated daily life as part of his English practice.

“Everyday exchanges helped me improve my listening and response speed.”

He also brought a recording app and a device loaded with English audio, which helped him review and build listening skills efficiently.

Chapter 7: Real-Life Review — Dorm, Meals & Daily Comfort at 3D ACADEMY

A comfortable living environment is key to focusing on language study.
Carson was very satisfied with life at 3D ACADEMY and shared the details with us.

Meals: Tastes May Vary, But 3D Stands Out

3D ACADEMY provides three meals a day.

“Of course, personal taste matters. But compared to students from other schools, I definitely felt I made the right choice.”

Since many students are from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, the food has a familiar Asian flavor profile.
Carson appreciated the consistent meals and noted that the nutritional balance was better than expected.

Cleaning & Laundry: “Top-Tier Quality” That Impresses Even Japanese Students

The weekly cleaning and laundry service received rave reviews from Carson.

“I honestly wished I could take this level of service back to Japan!”

Staff members were polite and professional, always making sure the environment stayed clean and welcoming.

He especially praised the neatness of the room cleaning and the freshness of the laundered clothes, saying it allowed him to focus completely on studying.

School Surroundings: Safe and Convenient

Located in central Cebu, 3D ACADEMY offers great access to cafes, malls, and restaurants.

“I never felt inconvenienced — everything I needed was nearby.”

He was also pleasantly surprised by how safe the area felt.

“I had some stereotypes about Southeast Asia, but the Filipino people were extremely respectful, and the overall safety exceeded my expectations.”

Chapter 8: Life in Cebu — A Realistic Look at Afternoons and Weekends

Life at a language school isn’t just about class time—how you spend your free time after school and on weekends greatly shapes your overall experience.
Carson focused on balancing study and relaxation, making every day meaningful.

Weekday Afternoons: Gym, Shopping, Dining, and Studying

Carson followed a consistent after-class routine on weekdays:

• Going to the gym for a quick workout and refreshment

• Shopping at nearby malls for daily essentials

• Having dinner at restaurants with friends

• Reviewing lessons and doing homework in the dorm

“Even when I was tired, just stepping outside for a bit helped me reset mentally.”

Weekends: Enjoying the Unique Charm of Cebu

On weekends, Carson balanced relaxation and study while also enjoying various activities unique to Cebu:

• Visiting tourist spots like temples, beaches, and shopping malls

• Going island-hopping or taking short trips with classmates

• Studying or reading at cafes

“I decided to fully enjoy my weekends—that mindset helped me stay motivated during the weekdays.”

For Carson, studying in Cebu wasn’t just about academics—it was a lifestyle that included time to refresh and explore.

Chapter 9: Top 3 Must-Have Items That Made Life Easier and More Effective

When studying abroad in Cebu, adapting to a different lifestyle is essential.
Bringing the right items can greatly improve your comfort and learning efficiency.
Here are Carson’s Top 3 tools he found incredibly useful:

1. Recording App (Smartphone App)

Used to record lessons for later review.
The biggest benefit? Hearing his own English objectively.

“During class, I’m focused on talking, but when I replay the recordings, I notice grammar mistakes or better ways to phrase things.”

2. Device with English Audio (Smartphone or MP3 Player)

To boost listening skills, Carson loaded his device with TOEIC materials, podcasts, and movie audio before the trip.

“I got into the habit of listening during commutes or before bed—it was a great way to absorb English naturally.”

3. Foldable Umbrella & Quick-Dry Towel

Since Cebu often experiences sudden tropical showers, a foldable umbrella was essential.
Also, quick-dry towels proved helpful at the beach, gym, or when doing laundry.

“Towels are something you can never have too many of. Choosing ones that dry quickly was the right call.”

Chapter 10: Top 3 Culture Shocks — What Surprised Me About the Differences from Japan

Studying abroad isn’t just about language—it’s also about discovering different values and ways of life.
Here are Carson’s Top 3 cultural shocks from his time in Cebu.

1. Honking Culture and Traffic Rules

Cebu’s traffic felt very aggressive at first. Cars were close together, and honking was constant.

“At first, I thought drivers were angry, but it turns out honking means ‘I’m coming through!’ The purpose of honking is completely different from Japan.”

Also, cars often don’t stop at pedestrian crossings, which was a surprising contrast to Japan’s strict traffic safety standards.

2. The Warmth of Filipino People

Compared to Japan, Carson found that people in the Philippines are incredibly friendly—even to strangers.

“Honestly, I was a bit worried about safety in Southeast Asia, but everyone I met was kind and welcoming. My concerns disappeared.”

He was especially surprised by how approachable the teachers, staff, and fellow students were, which made him feel at ease right away.

3. Unbelievably Low Cost of Living

Cebu is known for its affordability, but even Carson found the prices shockingly low:

• Beer: around 100 yen

• Cigarettes: around 100 yen

• Starting fare for taxis: around 80 yen

“It was so cheap, I thought I’d miscalculated! The cost-performance is something you’d never imagine back in Japan.”

Chapter 11: Editor’s Note — More Than Just a TOEIC Score

Looking back at Carson’s story, it’s clear that his study abroad experience was about more than just hitting a TOEIC goal.

Of course, reaching a score of 800+ was a major achievement.
But what stood out even more were these reflections:

“As I spoke English every day, I felt my brain switch into ‘English mode.’”
“By experiencing cultural differences and human connections, I started to see the world from a broader perspective.”

8 Weeks Packed with More Than Just Language Learning

Carson’s 8 weeks at 3D ACADEMY weren’t only about improving a number on a test.
They also offered:

• Deep relationships with teachers and classmates

• Opportunities to express his own opinions in English

• First-hand insights into everyday life in Southeast Asia

You Can Choose to Live in English

For people like Carson—who needed English as a requirement for a job—Cebu offered the perfect practical environment.

“Compared to Western countries, Cebu is more affordable and focuses on speaking. I honestly think it’s the best-value destination for English learners.”

If you’re serious about improving your English, Carson’s experience offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

Carson, thank you so much!

With his TOEIC score and the new world he opened through English,
we hope Carson’s journey will encourage others thinking about studying abroad.

Japanese Version of this article is available here