A Study Break in Cebu Emma’s 3-Month Journey of Growth and Learning

Introduction

Hello! This is the 3D ACADEMY staff.
Today, we’d like to introduce the story of Emma, who decided to take a one-year leave of absence from university to improve her English and study abroad in Cebu.
Over the course of her three-month stay, Emma not only improved her English skills, but also took time to reflect deeply on herself and found many valuable hints for her future.

This story will be especially helpful for university students considering a study abroad experience or for those who want to make the most of a short-term program.

Why I Chose to Study in Cebu

The Reason Behind Taking a Leave of Absence

After finishing my second year of university, I started to feel uncertain.
“Will I really feel confident about my future if I just continue life as a student like this?”
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation, but I knew I wanted to gain more diverse experiences and broaden my perspective while I still had the chance.

That’s when I started thinking seriously about learning English.
Up until then, I had only studied English in school—mostly for exams—and I never really had the opportunity to use the language. I wanted to experience daily life in English, immerse myself in a truly English-speaking environment, and push my language skills to the next level.

Of course, for a university student, taking a full year off just to study abroad is a huge decision.
At first, I was worried:
“Won’t I fall behind by a whole year?”
“Will it hurt my job prospects later?”

But in the end, I decided to prioritize doing something I could only do right now. I chose to take that leap.

Cebu wasn’t my first choice—in fact, I initially considered a variety of countries and programs.
I also looked into studying in Western countries, but the tuition and living costs were just too high to make them realistic options.

That’s when I discovered study abroad programs in Cebu.
The affordable costs, the focus on one-on-one classes, the safe environment, and the positive reputation among beginners all caught my attention.
Especially the reviews that said, “Even if you’re not confident in English, you can learn at your own pace.”
That convinced me Cebu might be a perfect fit for me.

Among several language schools I researched, I eventually chose 3D ACADEMY because it offered flexible class changes, support from Japanese staff, and a comfortable living environment.

Looking back, I can confidently say that taking a leave of absence to study in Cebu was one of the most valuable decisions I’ve made in my university life.

A 7-Hour Daily Schedule That Kept Me Engaged

Why I Could Stay Focused Without Getting Bored

At 3D ACADEMY, classes ran from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every weekday, with seven lessons totaling seven hours per day.
At first, I was shocked—“Seven hours of English every day!?”—but strangely enough, the time passed quickly.

The main reason is that each lesson was taught by a different teacher and covered different content. With a new instructor and a new teaching style every hour, there was no time to get bored. I got to practice speaking, reading, discussion, grammar, writing—every aspect of English you can imagine.

The best part is that classes are fully customizable.
When you first enroll, you’ll be asked about your English level and learning goals, and the school will design a personalized curriculum. Even after starting, you can change your classes or teachers if you feel the need.
In my case, I wanted to focus on discussion, grammar, and writing, so I clearly communicated those preferences, and my schedule was adjusted accordingly.

To be honest, the first week was exhausting.
Being surrounded by English all day, talking and listening nonstop—it was a lot to take in. But by the second week, I had settled into the routine, and my ability to focus gradually improved.

What really helped me stick with it was that the classes were fun.
The teachers were friendly and adjusted their lessons to fit each student’s pace and personality. They even incorporated humor into the lessons, which made learning genuinely enjoyable.

This kind of “full-immersion schedule” is perfect for anyone who wants to boost their English quickly.
It might feel overwhelming at first, but once you adjust, you’ll find yourself wanting to learn more every day.

‍ The Power of One-on-One Lessons

How Personalized Teaching Boosted Emma’s English

One of 3D ACADEMY’s biggest strengths is its robust system of one-on-one classes.
Emma says this teaching style played a major role in helping her improve her English.

At the start of each lesson, her teachers would ask, “What would you like to focus on today?”
Emma prioritized grammar, discussion, and writing—and the teachers built flexible lesson plans around those areas, tailored to her level and interests.

For example, in writing class, Emma would read an English article, summarize it, and write her opinion in English.
Then she and the teacher would engage in a discussion about her opinion—all in English.
This created a powerful cycle of input and output that repeated every day.

This kind of structure is ideal for learners like Emma who want to think deeply while learning English.
The teachers would also give detailed feedback on grammar mistakes or awkward phrases in her writing—things she wouldn’t have noticed on her own.

But perhaps the most valuable part was the feeling that “the teacher is here just for me.”
With no pressure from classmates, Emma could ask questions at her own pace and revisit anything she didn’t understand—something only possible in a one-on-one setting.

As Emma puts it:

“One-on-one time wasn’t just about learning English—it was about thinking every day about how to express myself in English.”

This personalized, in-depth learning environment allowed her to grow step by step, at her own pace—and that’s what made the experience truly meaningful.

️ Developing Communication Skills Through Group Lessons

Emma’s Personal Challenges and Surprising Discoveries

At 3D ACADEMY, students are free to choose both one-on-one and group lessons.
Emma selected her group classes based on specific goals she wanted to achieve:

• Speech Practice

• Business English

• English Demo (Discussion)

Emma explained that she had a habit—common among Korean English learners—of reading in a flat tone without emotion. To address this, she chose classes that would help with pronunciation and emotional expression.

Speech Practice: The Key Was Preparation

In the “Speech Practice” class, students worked on presentations.
Emma said that success in this class depended not just on in-class participation, but also on the effort she put into preparation and review.

She practiced reading her script multiple times and worked hard to deliver it with emotion and emphasis.
As a result, she learned that speaking English isn’t just about saying things correctly—it’s about saying them in a way that truly connects with listeners.

Discussions That Broadened Her Perspective

In the “English Demo” class, students discussed topics by sharing their opinions and engaging in group debates.
Emma found that listening to others and responding in English helped her develop real-time thinking and communication skills.

She said:

“At first, it was hard to speak up after listening to others’ opinions. But gradually, I learned to organize my thoughts in English and respond with confidence.”

It became a valuable opportunity to practice practical English in a dynamic setting.

Seeing Real Progress in Writing and Listening

How Emma Strengthened Her Core English Skills

During her time at 3D ACADEMY, Emma put a strong focus on writing and listening—two areas she felt she needed to improve most.

✍️ Writing Every Day: A Game-Changer

In Korea, Emma had few chances to practice English composition.
So while studying abroad, she started keeping a daily English journal as part of her routine.

She then brought her writing to optional “review time” classes, where teachers helped correct grammar mistakes and awkward expressions.
Over time, these small but consistent efforts helped Emma write more clearly and quickly in English.

“Before, I would struggle even with simple sentences. Now, English just comes to me naturally.”

From Struggling to Smiling at Jokes

Emma also used to struggle with listening, especially with fast-paced English.
But through constant exposure in class, she gradually became comfortable—and even started understanding jokes her teachers made.

“I couldn’t understand my teacher’s fast English at all at first. Now I get the meaning—and I can laugh at the jokes! That really surprised me.”

These hidden improvements, gained almost without realizing it, were some of the most rewarding takeaways from her three-month journey.

️

Life in Cebu and Safety Tips

Why Emma Felt at Ease Despite Initial Concerns

When people think of the Philippines, concerns about safety often come to mind. Emma admitted that she also felt anxious before leaving, having seen news reports of incidents and accidents.

But once she arrived and settled in…

“During my three-month stay, I never encountered a single dangerous situation.”

Living Convenience at Its Best

3D ACADEMY is located inside a shopping mall, with access to currency exchange, a supermarket, restaurants, and cafés all within walking distance. Emma found it very easy to get around.

“There were jeepneys and taxis right in front of the school, so getting around was super convenient.”

Stay Cautious at Night

Emma noted that she avoided going out late at night or walking alone.

“In any country outside of Japan, it’s risky for women to walk alone late at night. As long as I stayed within reasonable limits, I had no issues.”

By practicing basic self-awareness and being mindful of her surroundings, she was able to enjoy a safe and comfortable life in Cebu.

Dorms and Meals: Real-Life Impressions

What Emma Liked—and What She Hoped For

When studying abroad for three months, your day-to-day comfort can depend a lot on dorm life and meals. Fortunately, Emma found both areas largely satisfying.

✨ Comfortable Dorm Living

The dorm Emma stayed in came equipped with an air conditioner and a refrigerator—essentials for staying cool in Cebu’s tropical climate.

“With cleaning and laundry services twice a week, my room was always clean. It made life really easy.”

Even for those worried about communal living, the cleanliness and balance of shared and private space can offer peace of mind.

Multi-Cultural Cuisine (But…)

Meals at 3D ACADEMY are designed to suit the tastes of Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and other students. Emma said:

“I never had a single meal I didn’t enjoy—the flavors were very similar to what I’m used to in Japan.”

However, after three months, she admits that she began to feel a bit tired of the menu.

“I’d love to see more light or refreshing meal options added to the rotation.”

Real feedback like this can be valuable for those considering a longer stay.

Life After Class & Weekends

How Emma Balanced Study and Fun

Emma maintained a balanced lifestyle, carefully dividing time between study and relaxation.

‍♀️ Evenings in the Library

After class, she would talk with friends about weekend plans, then shift gears and head to the library for focused self-study.

“If I stayed in my room, I’d get lazy. So I made it a habit to study in the library.”

This simple change of environment helped her stay motivated and productive.

Enjoying Cebu—While Still Using English

Emma took full advantage of weekends for sightseeing and activities, but she didn’t disconnect from English entirely.

“Even when I went out, I tried to use the English phrases I had learned in class.”

This mindset of “learning through real-world use” contributed to her rapid improvement—even in just three months.

“If I had stayed in on weekends to study the whole time, I think I would’ve felt bored or burnt out.”

For Emma, finding a balance between work and play was the key to a successful and fulfilling study abroad experience.

What I’m Glad I Brought with Me

3 Must-Have Items That Made My Life Easier

Here are three items Emma found incredibly useful during her stay in Cebu:

1. Electronic Dictionary – Quick Lookups, Faster Learning

Emma used an electronic dictionary during classes and self-study. While smartphone apps are convenient, a dedicated device helped her stay focused without distractions.

“Looking up words instantly and using them right away helped me understand better.”

2. Small Crossbody Bag – Perfect for Essentials

A compact shoulder bag was great for carrying valuables like her passport, cash, and phone while commuting or going out.

“It was super handy to have the essentials with me while walking around the city.”

3. Cleansing Oil – A Skincare Lifesaver

With Cebu’s strong sun and humidity, skincare was important. Emma brought her familiar cleansing oil from home to protect her skin.

“The climate is totally different from Japan, so bringing my usual skincare products was a great decision.”

Culture Shock and Discoveries

Surprises and Lessons from Life in Cebu

Living in Cebu was Emma’s first long-term stay abroad. She experienced several cultural differences that surprised her at first—but each one became a valuable learning moment.

No Toilet Paper in Public Restrooms?

In Cebu, it’s common for public toilets not to have toilet paper, especially in large shopping malls. If you’re used to Japanese facilities with paper and bidet seats, it can be quite a shock.

“Even big malls often didn’t have toilet paper. It really hit me that what’s normal in Japan isn’t always the case elsewhere.”

⏳ Dining Out Means Waiting

At restaurants, food often takes time to be served. Waiting 30 minutes or more wasn’t unusual.

“I learned to give myself extra time when eating out. Once I accepted Cebu’s relaxed pace, I felt more at ease, too.”

✏️ Final Thoughts

What Emma Gained from Her 3-Month Study Abroad

In just three months, Emma didn’t just improve her English—she also spent valuable time reflecting on herself and her future. From daily lessons and heartfelt talks with teachers to weekend adventures with friends, every moment became part of her personal growth.

Although the 7-hour English schedule was overwhelming at first, Emma soon adapted and even started enjoying it. Her positive attitude and willingness to embrace new experiences helped her thrive. She didn’t just focus on studying—she also took time to explore, laugh, and connect with people and cultures beyond the classroom.

Studying abroad isn’t just about learning a language. It’s a chance to reset, explore new paths, and expand your horizons. Emma’s choice to pause her academic life and invest in herself will surely become a meaningful part of her journey.

As Emma returns to university and continues her life’s path, we at 3D ACADEMY hope her time in Cebu remains a treasured memory—and a source of strength for whatever comes next.

Thank you so much, Emma, for sharing your story with us!

Read the article in Japanese

大学を休学してセブへ｜Emmaさんが語る、3ヶ月の語学留学と成長の日々（日本語）