Starting with Study Abroad in the Philippines: The First Step Toward a Round-the-World Journey
Much’s dream of traveling the world was born in a casual moment at a bar in Yokohama. While chatting with the bar’s owner—a regular who had once spent two years crossing the Eurasian continent—he thought to himself, “I want to see the world, too.” That night sparked it all.
At 26, Much committed to his dream and spent two years saving money. He quit his job as a site supervisor in electrical construction, a position he’d held for 10 years, and set off on his great adventure. But before diving into his global journey, there was one thing he knew he needed: English.
“If I’m going out into the world, I should at least be able to speak basic English,”
he thought. That’s what led him to choose 3D ACADEMY, a language school in Cebu, Philippines.
At the time, 3D didn’t offer the wide range of courses it does today, so Much enrolled in the general ESL course. The focus was on one-on-one classes—four per day—and practicing spoken English as much as possible.
One of his most memorable teachers was Cris, who could switch seamlessly between American and British English while incorporating cultural differences into lively discussions.
“The teachers were so friendly that I just wanted to keep talking. We talked so much, the textbook barely progressed!” he laughs.
Starting from zero English ability, Much’s first study abroad experience gave him something powerful: the confidence to communicate in English, which would soon support him throughout his journey.
And this learning experience at 3D would go on to become a pivotal turning point in his life.
Experiencing the Power of English While Traveling the World
After completing his three-month stay at 3D ACADEMY, Much immediately set off on his round-the-world trip. His first stops were in Southeast Asia—Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia—and even as a solo traveler, he quickly realized how useful his English from 3D had become.
“Booking accommodations, arranging transport, signing up for tours—everything was in English. I was so glad I got used to speaking during my time at 3D. Traveling without that foundation would’ve been super stressful.”
He then moved on to Australia for a 16-month working holiday. The first four months were spent working on a farm, followed by nine months at a ramen shop in Sydney, and even a side trip to Spain for the famous tomato festival. Through it all, English was the one constant.
“At the farm in Australia, I worked with people of all different nationalities and ages. Communication in English was essential. I picked up so many useful expressions, and more than anything, the feeling of being understood became a huge motivator to keep learning.”
And his journey didn’t stop there. From a road trip across the U.S. to Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Much visited over 40 countries in just 3 years and 3 months.
What he discovered along the way was that English is useful even in non-English-speaking countries—and it also became a solid foundation for learning new languages like Spanish and French.
“Because I had studied English first, it was easier to pick up Spanish. Some grammar and vocabulary are similar, and the pronunciation is even simpler. English really is the gateway to the world.”
He also reunited with many friends he had met at 3D during his travels. While back in Japan for a short time, they held a reunion in Yokohama. He also traveled through six countries in Central and South America with fellow 3D alumni he hadn’t even met during his stay.
“Traveling can be lonely, but thanks to the friends I made at 3D, I always felt connected no matter where I was. That’s what makes 3D so special—it’s more than just a language school.”
Returning to 3D: Why I Came Back as an English-Speaking Traveler
Much returned to 3D ACADEMY around three years after his first stay, right in the middle of his round-the-world journey.
“I had shifted from learning English to using it in real-life situations, but I found myself wanting to return to a learning environment. Once I knew I’d be back in Cebu, it felt natural to go back to 3D.”
During his second stay, he already had a solid grasp of conversational English. So this time, he challenged himself with deeper content in class—discussions, debates, and conversations around current events. His goal was to refine his English even further.
“This time, it was fun to be able to speak with my teachers on more equal footing. I could express my opinions in English, listen to theirs, and respond in kind. I started to truly feel that I could use English as a tool for communication.”
Much also noted how surprised he was by the improvements at 3D—both in terms of facilities and curriculum.
“It was way easier to study than three years ago. I could really feel how much the school had evolved. I was shocked to see they had a whole Round-the-World Course! That didn’t exist when I was here the first time—I was honestly a bit jealous!”
This second stay gave him a chance to build new connections—with teachers, staff, interns, and students from all over the world.
“Coming back as a ‘traveler,’ I saw Cebu from a completely new perspective compared to the first time. The city and its people were just as warm and welcoming as before. It really reminded me that 3D is where it all started for me.”
The Value of “Usable English” Through a Round-the-World Journey
After completing his first stay at 3D ACADEMY, Much embarked on his long-awaited round-the-world trip, starting in Southeast Asia. He traveled solo through more than 40 countries across Asia, Oceania, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.
“Thanks to what I learned at 3D, I rarely had any problems while traveling. Checking into hotels, booking tours, chatting with locals—everything was done in English. I can’t count how many times I thought to myself, ‘I’m so glad I learned usable English.’”
His 1 year and 4 months working holiday in Australia was especially valuable for improving his English. From working on farms with people from all over the world to serving customers at a ramen shop in Sydney, he spent his days fully immersed in English.
“At the farm, I worked with non-native speakers from many different countries. What mattered most was being understood. That experience taught me that effective communication is more important than textbook English.”
While traveling through Latin America, Much even began studying Spanish on his own. He found that his prior experience learning English helped immensely.
“Once you’ve learned one foreign language, picking up another one becomes less intimidating. Spanish pronunciation is simpler than English, and some grammar and vocabulary are similar. It was actually fun!”
English became his common language—the key that allowed him to travel nearly anywhere. Much’s story clearly shows the powerful synergy between travel and language learning.
“Even in non-English-speaking countries, I could use English at hotels and with tour companies. In Latin America, I studied Spanish since it’s widely spoken there, but having learned English first made it easier to pick up another language.”
“In Europe, English alone was totally fine. People there often speak three or more languages. When I asked how they managed that, they’d just say, ‘Because we’re European.’ (laughs) I was honestly jealous!”
“Africa was surprisingly English-friendly too. Many countries there used to be British colonies, so even safari tours were all conducted in English for around $200–300. The more English I used, the more I wanted to improve.”
“Even when I didn’t know an animal’s name during a safari, I could just ask, ‘What’s that animal?’ and learn it. That kind of fun only comes when you can speak the language. It’s one of the best parts of understanding English.”
And when asked about the friendships he made at 3D, Much added:
“I think 3D has one of the strongest alumni communities. When I went to Taiwan, friends from 3D showed me around. That kind of ongoing connection is one of the things that makes 3D special.”
Back to 3D ACADEMY: Rediscovering the Value of Learning
About three years after his first stay, Much returned to 3D ACADEMY—this time with a very different level of English. No longer a beginner, he came back with confidence earned through travel and experience.
“Last time, I was honestly a total beginner. I struggled to express myself. But this time, thanks to my travels, I felt much more confident using English. Conversations with teachers flowed more naturally, and I enjoyed the experience so much more.”
What struck him most was the sense of connection—with both fellow students and teachers. 3D’s warm, welcoming atmosphere hadn’t changed, but the environment had become even more multicultural and inspiring.
“Having casual conversations in English with people from all over the world made me feel that all the effort to learn was truly worth it. The teachers and staff are incredibly friendly too—it’s a place that makes you want to come back.”
This time around, Much chose to take classes focused on pronunciation and vocabulary, targeting specific areas he wanted to refine.
“I wanted to revisit the foundations of English and strengthen the skills I’d gained on the road. 3D was the perfect place for that.”
And through this second stay, he came to an important realization: learning English was no longer the end goal.
“After using English in real situations—while traveling and working—I realized it’s not about ‘studying English’ anymore. English is a tool to expand my world and shape my life. That’s why I wanted to face it seriously again.”
For Much, returning to 3D wasn’t just a language refresher. It was a deeply personal journey—a time to reflect, relearn, and refocus on what truly matters for his future.
Much’s Vision for the Future — and a Message to Those Considering Studying Abroad
After traveling the world for over three years and visiting more than 40 countries, Much now looks to the future with a clear vision—one that still revolves around travel, English, and human connection.
“My next goal is to open a guesthouse,” he says.
His dream is to renovate an old countryside house in rural Japan and turn it into a multicultural guesthouse. With help from friends he met on the road, he plans to do the renovation himself. Guests from all over the world will cook meals together, share stories, and gather for nightly celebrations—a place where encounters and experiences naturally intersect.
Next to the guesthouse, he also hopes to build a small farm where guests can participate in hands-on farming activities.
“Rural depopulation is a serious issue in Japan, but for travelers, the idea of ‘living while traveling’ is incredibly meaningful. I want to create a space where people can experience Japanese culture and lifestyle—and use English to share its charm.”
What Much envisions is not just a place to stay, but a place where people can encounter new life paths. He recalls how many travelers he met expressed a desire to experience Japan beyond the cities—to truly understand local life.
He even imagines using the guesthouse as a “pre-study-abroad” experience for Japanese students.
“These days, ‘double study abroad’ is popular, but I think ‘triple study abroad’ could be even better. Before going abroad, why not use this kind of place to practice speaking English with international guests?”
A place where English naturally shifts from something you study to something you use—that’s the future Much wants to build.
And for those still unsure about studying abroad?
“If you’re on the fence, just go. I believe action is better than overthinking. Everyone I’ve met during this second stay has said they’re glad they came. Opening new doors leads to more choices in life—and I believe it’s people like that who will shape the future of Japan.”
Much’s message is simple but powerful: Take the first step. Start your journey. Let English and travel open up new possibilities.
Ask ChatGPT
A Message from Much to Those Hesitating About Studying Abroad
“If you’re unsure—just go. Action is more powerful than overthinking!”
These words carry real weight, coming from Much, who has studied abroad at 3D Academy twice and met countless people across many countries.
“Everyone I’ve introduced to 3D tells me the same thing: ‘I’m so glad I came.’ Yes, there will be uncertainties. But beyond that fear, there’s a whole new world waiting. Not just English—it’s the people you meet, the confidence you gain, and the shift in perspective. All of it becomes part of your life’s treasure.”
“Take that first leap. That’s where it all begins.”
