A Fresh Start from Zero: Aiming for English That Works in Australia

Will decided to study English seriously when he set his sights on a working holiday in Australia.

“I had almost no experience studying English, so I was really starting from scratch. That’s why I was looking for a place where I could focus intensively for six months.”

While many people study English before a working holiday to gain basic conversation or workplace skills, Will had a clearer goal: he wanted to be able to speak English that actually gets understood.

That led him to choose Cebu, known for its affordable, high-quality language schools with many one-on-one classes. Among them, he chose 3D ACADEMY—again—because of the great impression from his one-week trial the year before.

“The flexibility of the lessons was a huge factor. I could tailor the class based on what I wanted to focus on—more listening practice, more writing exercises—they were always responsive to my goals.”

The cost was another big plus. Compared to Western countries, the expenses were less than a third, and he still received intensive, personalized instruction. That level of cost performance is a huge advantage for long-term learners.

“I wanted to see how far I could go in six months. Since I had this opportunity, I was determined to give it everything I had.”

And so began Will’s serious journey into English learning. In the next chapter, we’ll introduce the teachers who helped guide him and how his language skills progressed.

Learning Side by Side with Supportive Teachers

When you study abroad for an extended period, the teachers you work with can make all the difference. For Will, the instructors at 3D ACADEMY played a major role in his progress—and left a lasting impression.

“All of my teachers were great, but I especially want to thank Claudine and Che for the one-on-one classes, and Matthew from the group class.”

Building Practical English with Teacher Claudine

Will’s writing-focused classes with Claudine became a foundation for his growth.

“Each week, I’d write about something—like weekend events or news topics—and she would help me revise it. I learned idioms, synonyms, and how to express the same meaning in different ways. That helped me become much more confident writing in English.”

Practicing how to structure long sentences and rephrase ideas strengthened not only his grammar but also his ability to communicate effectively. The class helped improve both his speaking and writing skills in a practical, meaningful way.

Che: A Teacher Who Understands and Prepares Thoughtfully

Another standout was Che, who brought a personalized approach to every class.

“When I told her what I wanted to focus on, she really understood my goals and came to class well-prepared. Her explanations were detailed and easy to follow, and she always made me feel comfortable asking questions.”

At 3D, lessons aren’t one-size-fits-all. Teachers adjust their style to meet each student’s level and interests. Will says this kind of tailored teaching helped him stay motivated throughout the program.

Native Group Lessons with Matthew: Getting Ready for Australia

Group lessons with native teacher Matthew were especially useful as Will prepared to go to Australia.

“I wanted to get used to Australian English, so Matthew’s class was great for that. He taught us about linking sounds and natural speech rhythm, which made real conversations easier to follow.”

By being exposed to native-level speed and pronunciation, Will began developing the real-world listening and speaking skills he would need abroad.

A Comfortable and Focused Study Environment

Location, Dorm Life, and Daily Infrastructure That Support Learning

In long-term study abroad programs, a comfortable living environment directly affects the quality of learning. Will emphasized this point, saying that the environment at 3D ACADEMY far exceeded his expectations.

“If I was going to stay for six months, I knew I couldn’t handle an inconvenient location. But 3D’s location is really great—everything was stress-free.”

Prime Location in Cebu—Convenient for Both Study and Fun

3D ACADEMY is located in the heart of Cebu City. Within just a one-minute walk, you’ll find Jollibee, McDonald’s, a supermarket, convenience stores, cafes, restaurants—everything you need for daily life.

“I never had to worry about food or shopping. I also went to the gym at JY Mall almost every day, and being able to keep a routine really helped me stay on track.”

The area around the school also has plenty of places to enjoy a drink or relax, making weekday evenings and weekends easy to enjoy.

The only drawback? Will’s room faced the street, so it could get noisy at night.

“Sometimes the traffic noise was annoying at night, but aside from that, I had no complaints at all.”

Clean and Hassle-Free Dorm Life

What Will appreciated most in daily life was the dorm’s cleaning and laundry services.

“The staff were really thorough with both cleaning and laundry. My room was always tidy, the water pressure was fine, and the toilets were clean. I never felt any of the discomfort people often worry about when studying in Southeast Asia.”

For students used to Japanese standards, cleanliness and water-related issues are major concerns when studying abroad. 3D ACADEMY clears those hurdles, providing a stress-free environment that lets students focus on learning.

“The school rules weren’t too strict, which was perfect for me. I could study seriously, but still enjoy my free time. It naturally created a good balance.”

Balancing Study and Fun

Daily Gym Routine and Weekend Island Adventures

With six months abroad, how you spend your time outside of class becomes just as important as what you do in class. Will made the most of that time for both learning and relaxing.

“I went to the gym almost every day after class, then studied or did homework in the evening. Sometimes I played ping pong with friends in the dorm for a quick break.”

Making Exercise Part of the Daily Routine

3D ACADEMY offers free access to the JY Mall gym, and Will took full advantage of this benefit.

“Working out helped me clear my head and relieve stress. Having that exercise→study routine really boosted my concentration.”

By including fitness in his daily schedule, Will was able to maintain both physical and mental balance—greatly improving his study efficiency.

Weekend Getaways: A True “Island Hopper”

“I visited so many islands—Bohol four times! Also Camotes, Mactan, Dakong Bato, Moalboal, and Oslob.”

His favorite was Bohol Island, famous for its Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and beautiful resorts. Each visit brought something new, and he never got tired of it.

“Thanks to 3D’s great location, weekend trips were super easy. I’d leave right after class on Friday and be back by Monday morning—it was the perfect escape.”

Weekends during study abroad became unforgettable mini-adventures—a true highlight of the Cebu experience.

Essentials for Comfortable Study Abroad Life

What to Pack and the Culture Shocks of Living in Cebu

During his six-month stay at 3D ACADEMY, Will found several items he had brought from Japan to be surprisingly helpful. At the same time, he experienced a few cultural differences that took him by surprise.

Top 4 Things Will Was Glad He Brought from Japan

“Filipino food tends to be sweet, so I was really glad I brought some Japanese seasonings with me.”

Here are the items he found especially useful:

• Sesame Dressing
  → Most local dressings are sweet. Japanese-style sesame dressing was perfect for salads or cold noodles.

• Instant Miso Soup
  → A comforting taste of home, especially when meals were too heavy or when his stomach was tired.

• Furikake and Ochazuke Mix
  → Easy ways to enjoy plain rice, especially on days when he didn’t feel like eating much.

“Sesame dressing is hard to find locally, so if you have space in your luggage, it’s definitely worth bringing.”

Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu

Living in the Philippines brought a few surprises, even to a flexible traveler like Will:

1. Too Many Staff, Not Much Efficiency
   → Shops often had multiple staff members handling simple tasks that one person could do.

2. No Change Available
   → It’s common for taxis and small stores to say they don’t have change. Carrying coins and small bills is a must.

3. Air Pollution Worse Than Expected
   → Especially in Cebu City, the air was dusty and full of exhaust fumes, which sometimes irritated his throat and eyes.

“The air quality was worse than I expected. I really wish I’d brought a mask—especially in areas with heavy traffic.”

While adjusting to these challenges wasn’t always easy, Will embraced them as part of the experience.

“It was all a learning opportunity.”

Growth in Language and in Life

What Six Months of Study Abroad Taught Me

At the end of his stay, Will reflected on what he had gained most: not only improved English skills, but also emotional growth.

The Turning Point Came Around Month Four

“For the first three months, I was just grinding away—I couldn’t even tell if I was improving. But around the fourth month, I started to notice moments where I could actually express myself and be understood.”

Everyone’s language journey is different, but many long-term students experience this subtle turning point when they realize they’re no longer just studying English—they’re using it.

Thanks to one-on-one classes, native group sessions, and everyday conversations after class, Will’s communication skills improved both in fluency and confidence.

“I stopped being afraid to speak. I could paraphrase and ask for clarification without panicking. At first, I was just stringing words together—but now I can form full sentences.”

Tears and Goodbyes: The Emotional Side of Study Abroad

Alongside language progress, Will also experienced emotional growth—especially through the farewells.

“In a long-term program, your close friends leave before you do. And being the one left behind… that’s actually really hard.”

Will said he rarely cried in Japan, but here, he found himself overwhelmed by emotions multiple times.

“It was the first time I felt that deeply. But that just shows how meaningful the time here was.”

Study abroad isn’t just about academics. It also nurtures emotional maturity, resilience, and new relationships. The many hellos and goodbyes helped Will grow in ways he hadn’t expected.

Budget Breakdown: Around 300,000 Yen for Six Months (Excluding Tuition)

For those curious about costs, Will shared an estimate of his total expenses:

• Visa-related fees: approx. ¥50,000

• Daily expenses (food, travel, leisure, etc.): approx. ¥250,000

• Total (excluding tuition): approx. ¥300,000

“It felt more affordable than I expected. I traveled a lot and still kept costs low—great value overall.”