From Subtitles to Fluency Angelly’s 3-Month Cebu Journey of Growth and Confidence

“I want to enjoy movies without subtitles someday.”
That dream led high school student Angelly to study abroad at 3D ACADEMY in Cebu, Philippines.

Just three months ago, the Movie Understanding class felt nearly impossible—she couldn’t catch a single word.
But now, she understands entire films and scores perfect on comprehension exercises.
Watching movies in English is no longer just a dream—it’s a goal within reach, and a source of new confidence.

In this article, we’ll share Angelly’s inspiring journey, including:

• Why she decided to study abroad while still in high school

• The real-life learning she gained through classes, lifestyle, and cultural exchange

• How Movie Understanding went from her biggest challenge to her favorite subject

• What young students can truly gain from studying overseas

If you’re a student considering study abroad—or someone who dreams of enjoying movies in English—
this story is full of insight and encouragement.

Chapter 1: The Spark to Study Abroad — Why a High School Student Chose to Go Overseas

“Someday, I want to study abroad.”
Angelly made that dream a reality while still in high school.

Her goals were clear from the start:

• To improve her English conversation skills for the future

• To experience learning in a completely foreign land

Few people around her had studied abroad, so she carried a mix of curiosity and anxiety—unsure of what to expect, but driven by a desire to challenge herself.

That’s when she discovered Cebu Island.
While the Philippines might seem like an unexpected destination for learning English, Cebu is known for its safety and practical language programs. The growing buzz in Japan helped ease her concerns.

“I was a bit nervous about the Philippines at first, but when I heard Cebu was safe, I decided to take the leap.”

Despite being a high school student, Angelly saved up for her own study abroad experience and boldly flew to a country she had never visited.

That courageous decision would become the beginning of a transformative 3-month journey of growth.

Chapter 2: Why Cebu and 3D ACADEMY? — The Perfect Match of Cost and Comfort

Angelly chose to study in Cebu, Philippines, and more specifically, at 3D ACADEMY.
The biggest reason? Affordability.

“Since I was paying for it myself, cost was the most important factor. After comparing different options, 3D offered the best value.”

But it wasn’t just the price.
The location, convenience, learning environment, and strong student reviews made 3D ACADEMY stand out.

A School That Felt Comfortable and Safe

3D ACADEMY is located in a convenient area of Cebu City, with shopping malls and supermarkets within walking distance.

“Having a mall nearby was so helpful, and the on-campus supermarket was a big plus.”

She also trusted the recommendation from her study abroad agency, and felt reassured by the many positive experiences shared by past students.

“People told me the teachers were kind, the food was decent, and the service was great. That gave me confidence to choose 3D.”

Once there, Angelly found the reality matched her expectations.
She could focus on studying while enjoying a safe, comfortable, and well-supported daily life.

For students like Angelly—who want to study seriously without spending too much, but still need a trustworthy environment—3D ACADEMY was the perfect choice.

Chapter 3: Angelly’s Class Choices — The Keys to Her English Progress

At 3D ACADEMY, students can freely combine one-on-one and group classes to suit their learning needs.
Angelly tried various options before finding the style that worked best for her.

One-on-One Classes: Personalized and Encouraging Instruction

“I loved how the lessons were perfectly tailored to my level, and I didn’t have to worry about anyone else watching.”

In her one-on-one classes, Angelly was especially impressed by the way teachers used gestures and clear explanations.
Even when she didn’t understand something, they patiently repeated it until she felt confident.

Their kindness and support helped her feel comfortable, even as someone who wasn’t confident in English.

Group Classes: Turning “Movie Understanding” Into a Favorite

Among all the classes, Angelly’s favorite was Movie Understanding.

“When I first started, I couldn’t understand anything. But after three months, I was scoring perfectly on the assignments!”

This class used movies to naturally improve listening, vocabulary, and pronunciation—especially helpful for students who struggle with comprehension.

She also attended Speech Practice and Native Communication, where she could practice public speaking and real conversation skills.

“Learning with students at the same level helped us support each other when we didn’t understand something.”

Not only in class, but through conversations with other students and teachers, Angelly picked up practical English that stuck.

She experienced something special in Cebu—a class that once felt intimidating became her absolute favorite, thanks to the supportive learning environment.

Chapter 4: Dorm Life and Meals — Comfort That Supports Learning

In language study abroad programs, a comfortable living environment is just as important as the classroom.
For Angelly, the dorm life and facilities at 3D ACADEMY exceeded expectations.

Meals: From Hearty to Healthy — A Balanced Diet Over Time

“At first, the meals were mostly meat-heavy, but gradually they got more balanced and healthy.”

The dorm serves three meals a day, often inspired by Asian tastes (especially Japanese and Korean), which helped Angelly feel at ease.

She appreciated how fruits and vegetables were regularly included and saw food as part of her overall study-abroad lifestyle.

Cleaning & Laundry: Surprisingly High Quality!

“I didn’t expect the service to be this good—honestly, I was surprised!”

Regular cleaning and laundry services were provided several times a week and exceeded even her “Japanese-quality” expectations.

For a high school student like Angelly, having more time for studying and relaxing instead of chores was a huge benefit.

“I don’t think you can get this kind of service at other schools. I’m really grateful.”

Surroundings: Safe and Convenient for First-Time Visitors

“There was a supermarket on campus, and malls were just a short taxi ride away—it was super convenient.”

Around the school, you’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, massage shops, and cafes all within walking distance.

Angelly also noted how safe Cebu felt overall, even compared to what she initially imagined.

“There were street children here and there, but I never felt unsafe.”

This safe and convenient environment allowed her to fully focus on her studies and enjoy daily life abroad.

Chapter 5: Life After Class and on Weekends — Study Hard, Play Hard!

To make the most of her time abroad, how Angelly spent her free time was just as important as what she did in class.
As a high school student, she created a healthy balance between study and relaxation—and truly enjoyed every moment.

After Class: Homework & Relaxation = A Comfortable Routine

“After class, I usually did my homework, and sometimes I went out for tea or got a massage.”

Angelly used her evenings to review the day’s lessons, but she also made time to unwind.
Whether chatting with friends at a nearby café or enjoying a local massage, she valued moments that refreshed both her body and mind.

Weekends: Shopping and Beach Time with Friends!

“On weekends, I went out for meals or shopping with friends, and sometimes visited the beach in Mactan.”

Her weekends were filled with activities unique to Cebu—exploring malls, enjoying delicious food, and soaking up the tropical atmosphere at nearby beaches.
By mixing everyday comfort with mini-adventures, she made the most of her stay.

Balance Is the Secret to Effective Learning

Angelly’s story proves that even high school students can enjoy their study abroad experience while making real academic progress.
A lifestyle with clear boundaries between study and rest leads to better focus and long-term success.

Chapter 6: Top 3 Must-Have Items — Essentials for Life in Cebu

Adapting to life abroad can be easier with the right tools from home.
Here are Angelly’s top three must-have items that made her daily life in Cebu smoother and more comfortable.

1. Laundry Net

“Using the school’s laundry service, a laundry net was absolutely essential.”

Since staff handled laundry, Angelly used a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate items like underwear.
This simple item helped prevent damage and gave her peace of mind.

2. English Phrasebook

“Having go-to English phrases made me feel much more confident.”

A phrasebook with useful expressions helped her in and out of class—perfect for beginners and high school students.
It became her secret weapon for real-life conversations and built her speaking confidence.

3. Electronic Dictionary

“It helped me quickly look up words during class and saved time taking notes.”

Compared to a smartphone, a compact electronic dictionary allowed Angelly to focus better during study sessions.
It worked without internet access and proved to be a reliable learning companion.

Small Tools, Big Impact

Angelly’s experience shows that just a little preparation can go a long way in improving comfort and learning efficiency during a study abroad program.

Chapter 7: Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu — Real Lessons from Unexpected Surprises

No matter how much you prepare in advance, there are things you can only understand by actually living abroad.
Here are the top three culture shocks Angelly experienced during her stay in Cebu—told in her own words.

1. Street Cleanliness and Stray Animals

“I was shocked to see trash on the streets and even injured animals.”

Coming from Japan, where the streets are exceptionally clean, Angelly found the condition of Cebu’s roads and air to be a big contrast.
But this difference gave her a valuable chance to feel the local reality and infrastructure firsthand.

2. Seeing Street Children

“At first I was surprised, but sometimes their smiles really touched my heart.”

While walking to school or around popular tourist areas, she often saw children living on the streets.
It was a powerful reminder that the world is full of different realities—a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.

3. Talking About Politics and Social Issues

“As a high school student, it was eye-opening to hear people casually talking about politics.”

In Cebu, people often discuss politics and social matters in everyday conversations, which felt unfamiliar and surprising to Angelly.
It helped her realize how differently people from other cultures think and engage with society.

Culture Shock Can Lead to Greater Understanding

Though it might seem negative at first, Angelly’s experiences helped her broaden her worldview.
She learned that understanding differences is the key to discovering new perspectives.

Chapter 8: What I Gained in 3 Months — Confidence, English Skills, and a New Goal

After completing her three-month stay in Cebu, Angelly looked back on her experience with pride.
Although she had many worries at the beginning, she now says with confidence:

“That experience changed me.”

From Zero to Understanding Movies in English!

“At first I couldn’t understand anything. Now I can follow a movie without subtitles!”

Her hard work in the Movie Understanding class paid off.
Listening, once her weakest skill, became something she could approach with confidence.

Speaking English Became Fun!

“It feels so good when the words just come out naturally! It makes me want to talk more.”

Thanks to one-on-one lessons, Angelly discovered the joy of communicating in English.
This sense of achievement and excitement made her want to keep improving.

Breaking Out of Her Shell—Becoming a Bigger Version of Herself

“I was nervous at first, but now I’m just really glad I did it.”

Leaving Japan for the first time, facing unfamiliar customs, and meeting people from different backgrounds helped her grow.
Angelly believes she came back a stronger, more open version of herself.

A New Dream: Keep Learning, Go Further

“Now I want to study at a university abroad someday. I need to keep improving my English for that!”

Her time in Cebu sparked a new dream and a renewed motivation to study.
This experience was more than just a study trip—it became a stepping stone to the future.

To Fellow High School Students Considering Study Abroad

“If you’re on the fence, I say go for it. It’s a chance to change more than just your English—you’ll change yourself, too.”

Angelly’s words are a powerful message to any young student thinking about studying abroad.
Her story shows that even short-term experiences can lead to life-changing growth.

Japanese Version of this article:
映画を字幕なしで観たい！高校生Angellyさんの3ヶ月セブ留学で叶えた成長ストーリー