From Zero to +150 on TOEIC! Kento’s 6-Week Journey After High School Graduation

Introduction

“I didn’t understand English at all.”
That’s how Kento’s journey began when he first set foot in Cebu. Just before graduating high school, he enrolled in a 3-week language program at 3D ACADEMY. After briefly returning to Japan to attend his graduation ceremony, he flew back to Cebu for another 3 weeks of total English immersion.

In just 6 weeks, Kento not only improved his TOEIC score by more than 150 points, but also overcame his fear and dislike of English. What used to be a subject he couldn’t speak became a language he wanted to use — a shift that transformed his entire perspective.

In this article, we’ll explore how Kento improved his English, adapted to a new culture, and what lessons he learned from daily life and classroom experiences. His story proves that even beginners can thrive abroad — and enjoy the process.

Chapter 1｜From Zero Confidence to Speaking with Positivity

When Kento decided to study at 3D ACADEMY, his English skills were almost nonexistent. Having spent his middle and high school years focused entirely on baseball, he had hardly touched his English textbooks — and the idea of speaking English felt intimidating.

His first day in class was a challenge.
“I couldn’t understand what the teacher was saying.”
“I didn’t know how to respond.”
“Speaking English was scary.”

But those fears were met with warm encouragement from the instructors:

“Don’t be shy!”
“You can do it!”
“Just try!”

These simple words gave Kento the courage to keep trying. Gradually, the fear started to fade. He realized that making mistakes wasn’t a problem — what mattered was the effort to communicate. That shift in mindset sparked a desire to speak up on his own.

“I couldn’t say anything at first, but the environment was so supportive. Using English every day helped me get used to speaking naturally.”

What stood out most were the casual conversations with teachers outside the classroom — chatting about cultural differences, Japanese traditions, or even personal concerns. These moments helped him see English not as something to memorize, but as a tool for real connection.

For Kento, improving his English wasn’t just about gaining a skill — it was the first step to expanding his world. The desire to “speak English” turned into a desire to “connect with people” through the language.

Chapter 2｜More Than Just Teachers: Building Real Connections Through One-on-One Lessons

One of the biggest advantages of studying at 3D ACADEMY is the abundance of one-on-one classes. For Kento, this teaching style offered something beyond just language skills — it gave him a deeper, more personal experience.

At first, the idea of sitting across from a teacher, just the two of them, made him extremely nervous. He felt awkward making eye contact, unsure of what to say, and could barely respond when spoken to.

“I was so nervous. During the first week, I couldn’t even understand half of what the teacher was saying.”

But the teachers were patient, friendly, and never gave up on him. Whenever Kento got stuck, they would smile warmly, say “It’s okay,” and even use gestures or drawings to help explain things clearly.

Little by little, those small acts of kindness began to change something inside him.

“One day it just hit me — these people aren’t just my teachers. They’re my supporters, rooting for me from the heart.”

As the days passed, the conversations became more natural. It no longer felt like a student-teacher relationship, but like talking to a friend. They chatted about music, cultural differences between Japan and the Philippines, and even life advice.

“Because I spoke with the same teacher every day, they could see my growth and change. That made me feel safe and motivated.”

What Kento experienced in those one-on-one sessions went far beyond language. It was about trust, encouragement, and real human connection — and that connection became the driving force behind his desire to speak English.

In just six weeks, Kento opened himself up in ways he never expected. And it all started with these personal lessons, proving that learning a language is, above all, about connecting with people.

Chapter 3｜Group Classes: Learning to Use English with Confidence and Precision

While one-on-one lessons helped Kento gain the confidence to speak, group classes gave him a space to apply what he learned in real situations.

At 3D ACADEMY, there are many themed group lessons, including pronunciation, presentations, discussions, and role-plays. Kento participated in several of them and found that they offered a different kind of stimulation from his private classes.

One of the most memorable for him was the pronunciation-focused class, where he worked on difficult sounds like L vs. R and B vs. V. The instructors taught him how to move his mouth, place his tongue, and feel the difference in the sound’s vibration.

“I’d never paid attention to pronunciation before, but once I got it right, people understood me more clearly — and that felt amazing.”

In the presentation classes, he had the chance to talk about his favorite topics in English in front of others. This not only improved his speaking skills, but also helped him build the courage to speak in public.

Listening to other students’ presentations was also a big plus — it exposed him to new vocabulary, phrasing, and ways of thinking.

Although he couldn’t attend every group class due to time constraints, Kento said the ones he did join were incredibly valuable.

“One-on-one helped me speak English. Group classes helped me use English effectively — that’s how it felt.”

Studying alongside classmates from other countries, he also became aware of how different cultures approach English. At first it was a bit overwhelming, but because the class sizes were small, he had plenty of opportunities to speak and participate.

In the end, group classes didn’t just improve his English — they helped him develop public speaking skills, listening comprehension, and open-mindedness. It was a well-rounded learning experience that sharpened both his language ability and communication confidence.

Chapter 4｜Immersed in English: How Kento Boosted His TOEIC Score by 150 Points in 6 Weeks

The biggest achievement from Kento’s six weeks at 3D ACADEMY was a remarkable 150-point increase on his TOEIC score.

Before his study abroad, Kento had barely touched English — he wasn’t even familiar with the TOEIC test format. But thanks to regular mock exams, focused self-study, and review sessions using vocabulary and grammar materials, he gradually began to understand the test and improve his performance.

“I didn’t do well at all on the first test, but six weeks later my score had jumped over 150 points. Even I was shocked.”

Kento felt the most significant improvements in speaking and listening. Being surrounded by English every day through one-on-one and group classes helped his ears adjust naturally to the language, and he became better at understanding and forming his own sentences on the spot.

This fully immersive environment, he says, was the biggest key to his progress.

“It wasn’t just during class — I was using English during breaks, at meals, in taxis, even at massage places. Being forced into an English-only lifestyle is what helped me grow the most.”

The school also provided practical TOEIC materials and personalized advice from teachers. It wasn’t just about test tricks — it was about building real, usable English skills.

“I always thought English wasn’t for me. But I learned that if you keep at it every day, the results will come. The effort really does pay off.”

While the score boost was a clear and measurable success, what mattered even more to Kento was something deeper:
He gained the confidence to believe he could learn English.

Chapter 5｜Returning to Japan Mid-Program: A Pause That Shifted His Perspective

Kento’s study abroad experience was slightly different from the typical 6-week continuous stay. After completing his first three weeks at 3D ACADEMY, he returned to Japan briefly to attend his high school graduation ceremony. Then, he came back to Cebu for another three weeks of study.

His time in Japan lasted just about a week, but that short return had a surprising impact on his English learning.

“Once I was back in Japan, surrounded by Japanese all the time, I felt like the English foundation I was building started to fade.”

During that week, he spoke zero English — a complete contrast to his English-only environment in Cebu. Kento realized that his “English brain” had gone a bit dormant, and when he returned to 3D, it took a few days to get back into the rhythm.

“It felt like I had just started gaining confidence, and then suddenly had to reset. That was frustrating.”

From this experience, Kento reached one important conclusion:

“If you’re serious about learning English, you should try to stay for at least three months without interruption. The continuity really matters.”

Of course, he doesn’t regret attending his graduation — it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. But in terms of language learning, the break reminded him just how crucial immersion and consistency are.

At the same time, the brief return to Japan gave him a renewed appreciation for his life in Cebu. The warm welcome from the teachers when he came back made him feel at home again, and reassured him that he was in the right place to continue growing.

Kento’s mid-program return home became a rare and valuable lesson — a personal reminder of how language learning is shaped by both the environment and the mindset we choose to maintain.

Chapter 6｜Daily Life and Safety in Cebu: The Real Story

While language learning is the core of any study abroad experience, the comfort and safety of your daily environment also play a big role in how enjoyable and successful your stay is. Kento shared his honest take on life in Cebu:

“Of course, it’s different from the comfort of Japan. But once you get used to it, Cebu is actually really livable. The cost of living is low, and it’s an easy place to settle into.”

For example, the starting fare for taxis is just a few dozen pesos — roughly 100 yen. Dining out and getting a massage are both affordable, allowing for small luxuries that would feel extravagant back home.

The area around the school is also very convenient, with supermarkets, drugstores, restaurants, and cafés all within walking distance. Kento said he rarely felt inconvenienced during his stay.

The Reality of Safety

Of course, there were some aspects of Cebu life that surprised him. One of the biggest shocks? The traffic and pedestrian culture.

“There are so many cars, and even if there’s a crosswalk, no one stops. Crossing the street honestly felt a bit like a life-or-death situation, haha.”

In the Philippines, cars definitely have the right of way. Motorbikes and tricycles weave through traffic constantly. At first, this chaotic traffic was overwhelming, but Kento eventually adapted and developed a sense of how to move around safely.

He also mentioned being startled by the presence of street children — some would approach cars or pedestrians asking for money.

“It hurt to see, honestly. But I realized it’s just part of life here. As long as you stay alert and protect your belongings, it’s manageable.”

The school also gave clear safety guidelines: don’t walk alone late at night, use zippered bags, and avoid flashy valuables. Kento felt that as long as he followed the rules, he didn’t feel in danger.

A Learning Experience Beyond Language

Life in Cebu isn’t as polished or orderly as Japan — but Kento didn’t see that as a negative.

“I learned how fortunate Japan is, and at the same time, I became more flexible and open to different ways of living.”

The infrastructure and safety may not be perfect, but every day in Cebu brought something new. For Kento, that unpredictability and richness became part of the charm. It wasn’t just a language experience — it was a life experience.

Chapter 7｜Dorm Life and Meals: “I Was Surprised How Often We Got Japanese Food!”

For many students, one of the biggest pre-departure concerns is, “Will I be okay with the food?” For long-term stays especially, having meals that suit your taste can make or break the experience.

Kento admits he was worried at first — but 3D ACADEMY pleasantly surprised him.

“Honestly, I expected to eat unfamiliar local food every day. But there were so many Japanese-style meals, I was really surprised.”

Meals at the dorm — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — were well-balanced and included familiar dishes like karaage (fried chicken), yakisoba, and miso soup. Because of this, Kento rarely felt homesick for Japanese food.

Of course, some Filipino dishes did appear occasionally. At first, he felt a little nervous about trying them, but more often than not, he found them tasty.

Brought Cup Noodles… Barely Touched Them

Before leaving Japan, Kento packed a few instant noodles and ready-made meals, just in case. But in the end, he hardly used them.

“The dorm food was good enough that I didn’t really miss Japanese meals. And anyway, if I ever needed something, there were convenience stores and supermarkets nearby.”

Because meals were satisfying and stress-free, he was able to focus more on studying — and enjoy his daily life with peace of mind.

Comfortable and Easy Dorm Life

When it came to the dorm rooms themselves, Kento was pleasantly surprised.

“They were more comfortable than I expected. There was air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and even cleaning and laundry services.”

Students naturally interacted in the common areas, and sometimes even ate meals with teachers, giving Kento more chances to practice English in everyday situations.

Great for First-Time Travelers Abroad

For those who are new to living overseas, the quality of meals and accommodations can make a big difference. In that sense, 3D ACADEMY’s dorms were ideal — not only for learning English, but for adjusting to life in a foreign country.

“It was a perfect balance — good for studying and good for living.”

Thanks to the low stress around food and housing, Kento was able to focus 100% on learning and enjoying his time in Cebu.

Chapter 8｜After School and Weekends: Balancing Learning and Fun

At 3D ACADEMY, students have a full schedule of classes from morning until evening. But after class and on weekends, the time is yours. Kento made the most of these hours by balancing self-study and relaxation.

Weekday Evenings: Study with a Side of Self-Care

Most weekdays, Kento focused on homework and review. Going over the phrases he’d learned in class and preparing for the next day helped reinforce everything while it was still fresh.

“It really sticks better when you review it the same day you learn it.”

But of course, nonstop study can be exhausting. That’s why he also took time to unwind—eating out with classmates, taking short walks, and occasionally treating himself to a massage.

Massages in the Philippines are incredibly affordable. For just a few hundred yen, you can enjoy a full hour of relaxation. Many students, including Kento, made it a weekly reward.

Weekends: Adventure Mode Activated

With no classes on the weekends, Kento used this time to explore the unique experiences that only Cebu could offer.

One of the most unforgettable was whale shark watching in Oslob — one of the few places in the world where you can see these gentle giants up close. At first, Kento was nervous, but once he got in the water, he was blown away by the size and grace of the creatures.

He also tried Skywalk (a glass platform around a skyscraper) and the Edge Coaster, a thrilling rooftop ride where your seat tilts toward the ground — experiences you simply can’t find in Japan.

“Every weekend felt like an adventure. And through all of it, I naturally kept using English.”

3D ACADEMY also offers optional school-sponsored trips and activities on weekends, giving students a chance to discover nearby islands and dive deeper into Filipino culture.

“There Were Still So Many Places I Wanted to See”

Cebu is full of incredible destinations — beaches, islands, diving spots, zip lines. Even after six weeks, Kento felt like he had only scratched the surface.

What makes Cebu special is the ability to study hard while living fully. For Kento, that perfect balance became one of the most valuable parts of his study abroad journey.

Chapter 9｜Top 5 Must-Haves & Culture Shock Moments

Looking back on his 6-week stay, Kento shared the items that helped him the most — and the cultural differences that surprised him. If you’re planning your own trip, his tips may come in handy.

Top 5 Items That Made Life Easier

1. Electronic Dictionary or Offline Translation App
   “Super helpful during class and self-study. Phone apps work too — just watch your battery.”

2. Snacks from Japan or Your Hometown
   “Great for sharing and starting conversations. Everyone loves trying something new.”

3. English Study Books or Word Lists
   “Having Japanese explanations made solo study much easier.”

4. High-Quality Notebooks and Stationery
   “Local notebooks can be thin or hard to write on. Familiar tools made studying smoother.”

5. Compact Wallet or Small Bag
   “Safer and more convenient than big wallets. I brought a small crossbody bag for going out.”

Top 3 Culture Shocks

1. The Number of Street Children
   “It was really hard to see at first. Some asked for money — it made me realize the social realities here.”

2. Motorbike Rules? What Rules?
   “It’s normal to see two or three people riding one motorbike — no helmets! It felt dangerous at first.”

3. Loose Traffic Rules, But No Accidents?
   “People ignore signals all the time, but I never actually saw a crash. That surprised me most!”

Bonus: Beyond English — Becoming a Global Thinker

“Learning English was a big step, but what really changed was how I see the world. I learned to accept differences, and to consider other people’s perspectives.”

Studying abroad teaches more than language. It gives you a new lens on your own country — and on life itself. These are lessons you won’t find in any textbook.

Epilogue｜A Journey That Changed Me — And Could Change You, Too

Kento’s journey started with zero English ability. At first, he felt nervous, unsure, and overwhelmed. But step by step, through one-on-one lessons, group classes, and real-life interactions, he found the courage to speak, the skills to express himself, and the openness to embrace a new culture.

Learning English is not just about grammar or test scores. It’s about finding your voice, adapting to differences, and discovering the joy of connecting across borders.

“I want to speak English, but I’m scared…”
If you’ve ever felt that way, maybe it’s time to take that first step — like Kento did.

3D ACADEMY offers a warm, supportive environment where even beginners are welcome. The teachers and classmates you meet here will encourage you, believe in you, and walk beside you on your journey.

Kento’s six weeks brought him far more than a higher TOEIC score. He gained real English, real growth, and an experience that shaped his future.

Now, it’s your turn.
Start your journey. Change your life — in Cebu.

▶ 日本語原文はこちら：
英語ゼロからTOEIC150点アップ！高校卒業後に2度留学したKentoさんの6週間体験記