Can I study online before arriving?

Can I study online before arriving?

Currently, 3D ACADEMY does not offer online English classes before your arrival. All of our lessons are conducted in person at our Cebu campus, where students benefit from direct interaction with teachers, immersive classroom experiences, and full English-language exposure.

We focus on providing high-quality in-person education and believe that face-to-face communication is the most effective way to improve your English skills—especially in speaking and listening. For that reason, our programs are designed to begin on-site, from the day you arrive in Cebu.

That said, many students ask us this question for a good reason:
“What can I do to prepare for my study abroad experience?”
The answer is—a lot! Even without formal online lessons through our school, there are many valuable ways you can start building your English foundation before you step into the classroom.

Why prepare in advance?

Starting your study abroad with some preparation will:

• Help you understand more from the very first lesson

• Reduce your anxiety about learning English

• Allow you to interact more confidently with teachers and classmates

• Make your stay in Cebu more enjoyable and productive

Especially if you’re enrolling in a short-term course (1 to 2 weeks), it’s important to make every class count. A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward making the most of your time.

What kind of self-study is recommended?

We recommend starting with basic English skills, especially if you’re a beginner or haven’t studied English in a while. Here are a few tips:

✅ Use a grammar book in your native language

Don’t worry about using complicated English textbooks before you come. Instead, try a simple grammar guide written in your own language. This will help you understand key concepts—such as verb tenses, sentence structure, and question forms—before you’re expected to use them in class.

✅ Focus on useful expressions

Memorize and practice common phrases like:

• “Can you say that again?”

• “How do you spell that?”

• “I don’t understand.”

• “May I ask a question?”

These expressions may seem basic, but they are essential survival tools in an English-only learning environment.

✅ Learn how to introduce yourself

Practice saying your name, job, hobbies, reason for studying English, and goals. You’ll use this a lot—especially in your first few days at school.

Recommended online English platforms (before your trip)

If you’d like to practice speaking before your arrival, there are many excellent online English tutoring services you can try on your own. These platforms are flexible, affordable, and allow you to study from anywhere.

Cambly – Practice Anytime with Native English Speakers

https://www.cambly.com/

Cambly is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms for practicing real-time English conversation with native speakers from the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries.

Features:

• ✔️ 100% native English-speaking tutors

• ✔️ Flexible, on-demand lessons—start a call instantly

• ✔️ Choose tutors by accent, background, or area of expertise (e.g., business, travel, test prep)

• ✔️ App available on iOS and Android

• ✔️ Optional lesson recording for review

Why we recommend Cambly:

If you’re nervous about speaking English or want to build confidence in real-time conversation, Cambly is perfect. You can start with as little as 15 minutes per day, and there’s no need to schedule in advance. It’s ideal for warming up before an immersive study program like 3D ACADEMY.

italki – Learn from Thousands of Global Tutors

https://www.italki.com/

italki is a global online learning platform that connects students with over 10,000 English teachers and tutors from around the world, including both professional educators and community tutors.

Features:

• ✔️ Wide range of teachers by price, availability, and teaching style

• ✔️ Choose between professional teachers (with credentials) and casual conversation tutors

• ✔️ Trial lessons available for most tutors

• ✔️ Built-in messaging and scheduling system

• ✔️ Student reviews help you find the right tutor

Why we recommend italki:

italki offers the most flexibility in terms of budget and tutor choice. Whether you want structured lessons or informal conversation, you’ll find someone who matches your learning goals. It’s especially helpful for setting up a study routine before flying to Cebu.

Preply – Customized Lessons for Any Goal

https://preply.com/

Preply focuses on personalized, goal-oriented English lessons. Their tutors specialize in everything from business English and travel preparation, to exam skills like TOEFL and IELTS.

Features:

• ✔️ Tutors from over 100 countries

• ✔️ Lessons available in 30+ subject areas, including test prep and workplace English

• ✔️ Video-based platform with interactive tools

• ✔️ Lesson packages with discounts for regular bookings

• ✔️ Easy filtering by specialty, availability, and rating

Why we recommend Preply:

Preply is perfect for students who want to target specific outcomes, such as improving speaking for interviews, presentations, or international business. It also helps you build a structured learning habit with the same tutor—making it ideal for focused pre-arrival preparation.

Even 15–30 minutes per session a few times a week can dramatically improve your listening comprehension and reduce the stress of speaking to new people.

Other self-study ideas (no cost)

If you don’t want to use a paid platform, that’s okay too. There are plenty of free and effective ways to warm up your English brain before arriving at 3D ACADEMY:

• Watch English YouTube videos with subtitles
  Channels like BBC Learning English, Speak English with Mr. Duncan, or EnglishClass101 are great options.

• Use English learning apps
  Try Duolingo, ELSA Speak, or Quizlet to improve vocabulary and pronunciation.

• Write a daily journal in English
  Just 2–3 sentences a day can help you form ideas in English naturally.

• Listen to English podcasts
  Choose beginner-friendly ones like “The English We Speak” or “6-Minute English” by the BBC.

The more you immerse yourself in the sound and rhythm of English, the easier it will be to adjust to our immersive teaching style when you arrive.

What happens once I arrive?

After your arrival at 3D ACADEMY, we will provide a level check test and orientation, then assign you to a class schedule that fits your current level and learning goals. Our man-to-man lessons are designed to support all levels—from beginners to advanced learners.

Even if you didn’t do much preparation, don’t worry—our experienced teachers will guide you step by step. However, those who prepare in advance often:

• Adapt faster to the environment

• Ask better questions in class

• Improve their English more quickly

Summary: You can’t study online with us (yet)—but you can prepare

While we do not offer online lessons before your trip, we fully support and encourage self-directed preparation. Whether that means reviewing a grammar book, trying a few online lessons, or simply watching English videos, every bit of exposure counts.

By taking the initiative to study even a little before arriving, you’ll set yourself up for a more successful and rewarding experience at 3D ACADEMY.

So start today—your journey to English fluency doesn’t have to wait until you land in Cebu!