From Job Hunting to Cebu Tako’s Life-Changing One-on-One English Experience

“Life would open up so much more… if only I could speak English.”
Have you ever felt the same?

In this feature, we introduce Tako, a Japanese university student who took a bold step: he paused his senior year and quit job hunting to study English in Cebu. With zero prior study abroad experience, he immersed himself in one-on-one lessons, improved his speaking skills, and even boosted his TOEIC score.

Now, he’s preparing for a new chapter as an intern in Cebu.
“I wanted to face English now—before entering the working world,” he says.

Why did Tako choose Cebu, and what led him to 3D ACADEMY?
From his first impressions of class and dorm life, to what he learned from the experience and his future plans—this is a must-read for any student torn between job hunting and studying abroad.

1. Profile｜Taking a Leap: Studying in Cebu During Senior Year

Meet Tako, a current university student who made a bold choice—pausing her senior year to study English in Cebu.
Until then, she had never studied abroad.
But driven by a strong desire to “master English before graduation” and “work globally in the future,” she decided to stop job hunting and take the leap.

Tako also plans to begin an internship at an English language school in Cebu after her studies—proving that she’s actively using English as a stepping stone to her next stage in life.

“I always wanted to experience studying abroad at least once in my life,” she shares.
What started as a simple language study goal soon became a turning point that went far beyond just improving her English skills.

2. Why She Decided to Study Abroad｜“Now or Never”—The Moment She Knew

Tako had long dreamed of one day working around the world.

She had been studying English on and off throughout college, but her desire to “speak it fluently” kept growing stronger.

The real turning point came during job hunting.

“While attending company info sessions and interviews, I realized how much value employers place on English skills.
I felt that instead of entering the workforce right away, now was the time to go abroad and improve.”

She chose to pause her job search and invest in herself—
a decision that wasn’t easy but one she ultimately committed to with courage.

“I knew that the only time I’d have to truly focus on English was now, while I’m still a student. That’s what made me decide.”

This choice became the catalyst for a major shift in her life.

3. Why He Chose Cebu and 3D ACADEMY｜Affordable, Practical, and a Perfect Fit

After deciding to take a break from job hunting and study abroad, Tako had a clear reason for choosing Cebu among the many destinations available.

“I was looking for one-on-one lessons at a reasonable price. That’s what made studying in the Philippines—especially Cebu—so appealing.”

Because she made the decision somewhat late in her university life, she didn’t have a large budget, so cost-effectiveness was a key factor.

What gave her the final push was the advice of a senior who had previously studied abroad.

“They told me that Filipinos are really friendly and cheerful.
Since I tend to be a bit shy, I thought being around that kind of culture might help me open up more too.”

Among all the language schools, she chose 3D ACADEMY for its strong value and beginner-friendly support.

“They offer a lot of classes at a reasonable price, and the atmosphere seemed welcoming.
I felt like it would be a good match for someone like me.”

Rather than thinking, “I can’t afford to go abroad,” Tako approached her situation with a mindset of “making the best choice within the limits I had”—and that’s how her Cebu journey became possible.

4. Classes and Learning Style｜Discovering Grammar Through English

Tako enrolled in the ESL course (7 classes per day: 4 one-on-one and 3 group lessons).
Her goal was to strengthen her speaking and listening skills—so this course was the perfect fit.

“I could polish my conversation skills in one-on-one classes, and absorb different English expressions by listening to other students in group classes.
It was a well-balanced learning experience.”

One of the most memorable aspects for her was learning grammar in English.

“It was really tough at first. But my teacher would patiently explain, saying things like, ‘This is what I mean,’
which helped me realize where I had misunderstood—and those ‘Aha!’ moments were so rewarding.”

The teachers at 3D are known for their patience and personalized support.
Tako says the lessons became enjoyable thanks to teachers who celebrated her breakthroughs with her.

“It wasn’t just about memorizing grammar rules—it was the experience of learning English through English,
and that made it so much more exciting.”

5. Study Habits and TOEIC Preparation｜A Realistic Look at Tako’s Daily Learning

In addition to her seven daily classes, Tako set aside about three hours of self-study on days without a full schedule.

“I used my free time—especially in the evenings—to study in the dorm or self-study rooms.
I was focused, since one of my goals was to improve my TOEIC score.”

She started her studies by reviewing basic junior high-level English grammar and vocabulary, gradually moving on to more advanced material.

“At first, I went back to the basics—be-verbs, tenses, and so on.
Then I shifted my focus toward vocabulary and phrases commonly seen in the TOEIC.”

With her next round of job hunting in mind, Tako set TOEIC improvement as a clear milestone.
While 3D’s curriculum wasn’t specifically designed for TOEIC prep, the daily conversation practice and listening exercises helped her steadily build the necessary skills.

“I also practiced using mock tests to get used to the format of the actual TOEIC exam.
The practical English I gained at 3D has absolutely helped me improve my test performance.”

6. Growth in English and Mindset｜Overcoming Fear and Speaking with Confidence

At the beginning of her stay, Tako struggled with speaking English and felt deeply uncertain about her abilities.

“I often had things I wanted to say but couldn’t find the words.
It was really frustrating not being able to express myself.”

The first month, especially, was tough—she couldn’t see much progress and began to feel anxious.

But after that initial period, things started to change.

“I started to understand more of what my teachers were saying, and I could have simple conversations with locals around town.
Each small success—just being understood—really boosted my confidence.”

In the beginning, fear of making mistakes or embarrassment held her back. But gradually, she overcame that mindset.
She began initiating conversations, putting together sentences on her own, and communicating with more courage.

“My teachers always told me, ‘It’s okay to make mistakes—just try speaking,’ so I felt safe and supported.
Now I’ve come to see that learning through mistakes is part of the process.”

For Tako, the biggest gain wasn’t just improved English skills—it was the mindset shift: breaking out of her shell and learning to engage in conversation without fear.

7. Daily Life in Cebu｜Focused on Weekdays, Active on Weekends

Outside of class, Tako made sure to enjoy her life in Cebu with a clear balance between study and relaxation.

Weekdays: Focused Study and Gym Workouts

After classes, she either worked out at the gym or took time to rest and recharge in her room.

“On days without plans, I added about three hours of self-study. I focused on TOEIC prep and grammar review to build a strong foundation step by step.”

Her self-study centered on reviewing grammar and vocabulary, especially junior high-level English at the beginning. Now, she’s focusing more on raising her TOEIC score in preparation for job hunting.

Weekends: Local Fun for Affordable Refreshment

On weekends, Tako enjoyed local activities around Cebu City—without breaking the bank.

“I went out with friends to play billiards or go skating. There are a lot of affordable places to have fun, which really helps.”

By balancing serious study with regular refreshment, she maintained a healthy routine both mentally and physically.

“What I love about Cebu is that I can focus on studying, but also step outside and relax anytime. The easy shift between on and off mode is a real plus.”

8. Dorm Life and Meals｜Comfortable Living and Unexpectedly Delicious Food

In long-term study abroad, your living and dining environment plays a big role in your learning efficiency. Tako shared her impressions of 3D ACADEMY’s dorms and meals:

4-Person Dorm in the New Building｜A Place for International Exchange

Tako stayed in the new dorm building at 3D ACADEMY. She was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and comfort.

“Honestly, I was expecting something more basic, but it was way nicer than I imagined.”

She stayed in a four-person room with foreign roommates, which turned out to be a great opportunity for daily English use.

“Even in the room, I had chances to speak English. It really helped me get used to conversations in a natural way.”

Having an English-speaking environment beyond class gave her an extra boost in language development.

Buffet-Style Meals｜Delicious and Satisfying

Living in a dorm with three meals a day, food quality was important—and Tako was more than satisfied.

“I didn’t expect much, but the meals were actually really good. The buffet style meant I could always find something I liked.”

Her only “complaint”?

“It was so tasty… I didn’t lose as much weight as I thought I would! (laughs)”

With a variety that included not only Filipino food but also Japanese and Korean dishes, 3D ACADEMY made it easy for students to enjoy their meals without getting bored.
For long-term students, this variety is a big advantage.

9. Pros and Cons of 3D ACADEMY｜A Realistic Look at Strengths and Challenges

We asked Tako to share her honest thoughts on both the positives and the areas of improvement she noticed during her time at 3D ACADEMY.

Pros: Convenient Location and Friendly Teachers

One of the first things she highlighted was the school’s excellent location.

“There were convenience stores, cafés, and shopping malls nearby, which made daily life very convenient.”

She also appreciated the cheerful and friendly nature of the teachers.

“The teachers always made us laugh and corrected mistakes kindly during class, so it was fun to learn every day.”

For beginners especially, the closeness with teachers plays a key role in motivation—and 3D’s staff really made her feel supported.

Cons: Older Buildings and High Ratio of Japanese Students

On the other hand, Tako pointed out a couple of things that could be improved: the age of some buildings and the large number of Japanese students.

“Since the school has a long history, you do notice that some buildings are a bit old. But the new dorm I stayed in was clean and comfortable.”

As for the student mix:

“There are a lot of Japanese students, which can be comforting—but it also makes it easy to slip back into speaking Japanese. You really have to make a conscious effort to speak English.”

While the presence of Japanese students provides a sense of security, it can also be a challenge for those aiming for full English immersion.

10. Life After Study Abroad｜Why Tako Chose to Stay in Cebu as an Intern

After completing her language study at 3D ACADEMY, Tako plans to stay in Cebu and work as an intern at another language school.

“Even before coming to Cebu, I knew I wanted to study English for a long time without spending too much. So becoming an intern felt like the perfect option for me.”

Having already adapted to life in Cebu, she now wants to shift from the role of a student to someone supporting the learning environment.

“Rather than just being a learner, I want to experience what it’s like to support other students and work in an international setting.”

Living in Cebu has helped her gain confidence, and she now wants to take her next step toward a future of global work.

“My dream is to work around the world using English, and I believe every step I take now will lead me closer to that future.”

11. Advice for Future Study Abroad Students｜Tako’s Honest Message

To close, we asked Tako to share a message for those who are considering studying abroad in Cebu.

What do you wish you had done before coming to study abroad?

“I definitely should have reviewed junior high school-level grammar and vocabulary before coming.”

She explained that having to look up words or review basic grammar during class felt like a waste of time.

“If you’re stopping the conversation to check a word, you miss opportunities to speak. Even a little prep before leaving would’ve made my start much smoother.”

What’s important for making the most of your study abroad experience?

“In a school with lots of Japanese students, it’s easy to fall back into speaking Japanese. But just being conscious about speaking English makes a huge difference in how fast you improve.”

Jumping into an English-speaking environment takes courage—but that’s exactly what helps your language skills grow rapidly.

“You don’t have to be good at English. You don’t even have to speak perfectly. What matters most is the willingness to try.”

Final Thoughts｜How One Bold Decision Opened Up a New Future

“I knew that if I didn’t take this chance now, I might regret it forever.”

With that mindset, Tako paused her job hunting and chose to study in Cebu.

At first, she faced anxiety and frustration—but after a month, things began to click. She could understand more English and even initiated conversations herself.

More than just improved English skills, Tako experienced personal growth and meaningful human connections that transformed her outlook.

“I realized that making mistakes is okay. Getting used to speaking is what truly matters.”

Now, Tako is preparing for her next challenge—as an intern at another language school in Cebu. Her story reminds us of the power of honoring that inner voice that says, “I want to try.”

For anyone uncertain about the future or feeling stuck in job hunting, studying abroad might just be the key to discovering a whole new path ahead.

就活をやめてセブ島留学へ｜Takoさんが語る、人生を変えたマンツーマン英語体験