A Once-in-a-Lifetime Spring Break: Jessica’s 4-Week ESL Journey in Cebu Before Starting Her Career

Spring Break × One-on-One Lessons = An Unforgettable Experience

“I wanted to challenge myself with serious English learning while I was still a student.”

With that thought in mind, Jessica, a student at a language-focused vocational school in Japan, spent her spring break in Cebu for a four-week ESL study abroad program. Majoring in English and Chinese, this was her “last chance before starting work” to experience studying abroad.

She chose 3D ACADEMY, a school known for its cost-effectiveness and emphasis on one-on-one lessons. Surrounded by students from around the world, she spent each day fully immersed in both learning and fun.

In this interview, Jessica shares her experiences—what the classes were like, her favorite teachers, her weekend adventures in Cebu, practical tips for future students, and how this short-term program influenced her goals after returning to Japan.

“I stopped worrying about making mistakes. During these four weeks, I completely lost my fear of speaking English!”

If you’re considering studying abroad or still trying to decide which school is right for you, be sure to read until the end—you might just find the inspiration you’re looking for.

Chapter 1: Making the Most of Spring Break Before Starting Her Career

As she approached graduation, Jessica realized that this short spring break would be her last opportunity to study abroad before entering the workforce. That sense of urgency pushed her to take the leap and make the most of her limited time.

“I knew this would be my last chance to study abroad. Since I already had a job lined up, I really wanted to make the most of this final break to improve my English before starting work.”

Jessica was enrolled in a vocational college where she studied both English and Chinese. Her school offered a special study abroad program, and 3D ACADEMY was one of the partner institutions. Best of all, the program allowed students to receive academic credit and be treated as present during spring term, which meant she could maintain her perfect attendance.

“I’ve had 100% attendance since I started school, and I wanted to keep that record until graduation! So I was really happy this program wouldn’t affect that.”

Another key factor in choosing 3D ACADEMY was cost. Jessica had been saving money from part-time jobs to fund the trip, so affordability was crucial.

“My school introduced three partner institutions, and among them, 3D ACADEMY was clearly the best in terms of cost-performance. Plus, they offer mainly one-on-one lessons, which sealed the deal for me!”

And so began Jessica’s four-week journey in Cebu—packed with study, adventure, and meaningful experiences. Her mission: to study hard, play hard, and make every day count.

Chapter 2: Gaining Confidence in Speaking Through the ESL Course

At 3D ACADEMY, Jessica enrolled in the standard ESL course, which consists of seven classes per day: four one-on-one lessons and three group classes. The curriculum is well-balanced, helping students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and vocabulary skills.

“One class that really stood out for me was my first period in the morning with Teacher She. It was early and I’d usually feel sleepy, but her bright and funny personality kept me totally engaged!”

The biggest benefit of one-on-one lessons is being able to focus closely with the teacher. Jessica shared how her typical class was structured:

1. Look at a photo and predict the content, then explain it in her own words

2. Listen to the teacher read aloud and then read it again herself

3. Learn new vocabulary and expressions found in the text

4. Answer comprehension questions based on what she learned

“It wasn’t just about going through a textbook. I was encouraged to speak all the time, which really helped me overcome my fear of using English.”

Jessica had previously studied abroad in Australia, but the program there was focused mainly on group classes. Looking back, she said:

“I was always afraid of making mistakes, so I hesitated to speak. But this time, since one-on-one lessons mean you can’t hide or rely on others, I had no choice but to speak—even if it was awkward at first.”

As she repeated this process daily, speaking English began to feel natural. One day, while casually chatting with her Taiwanese roommate, she realized something:

“I was speaking English without even thinking about it. That’s when I knew—I’d actually improved! It was such a great feeling.”

Improving her speaking skills was one of the biggest goals of the study abroad experience. Jessica truly felt the impact of the program—how even in a short time, she had grown significantly through consistent, practical speaking opportunities.

Chapter 3: Fun and Learning Combined in Movie-Based Group Classes

In addition to one-on-one lessons, the ESL course also includes three group classes per day. Unlike individual lessons, group classes give students a chance to learn alongside others, exposing them to different accents, perspectives, and speaking styles.

“To be honest, I found the group lessons more challenging at first. The pace was fast, and it was hard to keep up with the other students’ answers. But in a good way—it pushed me to improve.”

Among the group classes, Jessica especially enjoyed one called “Movie Understanding”, a unique course where students watch films and analyze the language used in them—such as phrases, expressions, and idioms.

“At first I was nervous about watching movies without subtitles, but they chose well-known films or famous scenes, which made it easier to follow. I actually wanted to rewatch some movies after class because it was so fun!”

The class was not just entertaining—it was educational. Students learned natural, real-world English including casual speech and slang often used by native speakers. It was a perfect way to expand conversational vocabulary in a fun context.

Another valuable part of the class was the discussion time, where students shared their thoughts in English and practiced expressing opinions.

“Explaining feelings like ‘What do you think this character felt?’ was tough in English, but it was really great practice.”

This enjoyable experience helped lower the barrier to learning English for Jessica. Through movies, she found that “learning can be fun”—and that made all the difference.

Chapter 4: Enjoying Cebu After Class and on Weekends with Friends

Life at 3D ACADEMY wasn’t just about studying—Jessica made the most of her free time after classes and on weekends.
With the mindset that “experiencing Cebu is just as important as studying English,” she actively explored the city with her fellow students.

■ After-Class Fun: Malls, Cafes, and Night Pools!

After finishing her daily lessons, Jessica would often head out for a change of scenery. Her go-to spots were nearby Ayala Mall and SM Mall, which were perfect for shopping, eating out, or even picking up souvenirs.

“I’d go out for dinner with friends or just relax at Starbucks. Even on weekdays, those after-class hours were a great time to unwind.”

One of her favorite local experiences was visiting night pools. With beautiful lighting and even jacuzzi-equipped facilities, it felt like being on vacation at a resort.

“Night pools aren’t really a thing in Japan, so it felt like such a unique part of being in Cebu. Everything was so photo-worthy—I posted a ton of pictures on social media!”

For quieter moments, she often used the study room in the New Building on campus. Each desk came with a reading lamp and charging outlet, creating a perfect environment for getting homework done.

“It was so quiet and comfortable in there. I’d finish all my assignments quickly so I could still go out in the evening and enjoy time with friends!”

■ Weekend Escapes: Island Adventures with Friends

On weekends, Jessica and a group of 8 to 10 fellow students often set out on exciting island-hopping trips together. Cebu’s nearby islands offered the perfect getaway for adventure and relaxation.

Some of the main places she visited included:

• Mactan Island – Resort hotel pools and seaside cafes

• Nalusuan & Pandanon Islands – Crystal-clear waters and amazing snorkeling spots

• Bantayan Island – A scenic and photogenic island ideal for overnight stays

• Oslob – A famous destination where you can swim with whale sharks!

“The ocean was just unbelievably beautiful. We went somewhere different almost every weekend! The overnight trip to Bantayan felt like a total escape from reality—it was one of my best memories!”

Evenings were just as fun. Jessica and her friends often went to night markets or trendy night cafes, where they chatted, relaxed, and sometimes even studied together in small groups.

“Except for the final week—when I suddenly realized I needed to focus on studying again! (laughs) But other than that, I made the most of every moment.”

As for food, Jessica highly recommends two restaurants near the school:

• Pink House

• Alice Garden

Both are within walking distance from 3D ACADEMY and are loved for their cozy atmosphere and delicious dishes.

“They were perfect for hanging out with friends after class or on weekends. The ambiance is really nice too!”

“Since I came all the way to Cebu, I wanted to enjoy everything—the ocean, the food, and more.”
Jessica truly made that wish come true, filling her weekends with not only unforgettable memories but also valuable experiences beyond just studying English.

Chapter 5: How This Experience Differed from Her Previous Australia Study Abroad

Jessica’s trip to Cebu wasn’t her first time studying abroad. She had previously spent three weeks in Australia as part of a language program through her vocational school. But she says this Cebu trip felt completely different in many ways.

“In Australia, I stayed with a host family, and it took me over an hour by train and on foot to get to school. Just the commute was exhausting, and honestly, I didn’t have much energy left to go out and have fun.”

Classes in Australia were mostly group lessons held only in the morning or afternoon, which left her feeling a bit unsatisfied.

“I did learn a lot, but honestly, I wish there had been more class time. And since it was only group lessons, I barely had a chance to speak.”

In contrast, her experience in Cebu involved seven classes per day, including four one-on-one sessions, giving her far more speaking opportunities. Plus, the balance between study and free time was ideal.

“In Cebu, I could go out and enjoy myself right after class. There was barely any travel stress. And with one-on-one lessons, you can’t just sit there quietly—you have to speak! It really helped me naturally start talking more.”

Jessica realized that going to a native English-speaking country doesn’t automatically mean faster improvement, and that the cost-effectiveness and intensive speaking environment in the Philippines made a huge difference.

“Back then, I chose Australia mostly because it was a native English country. But this time, I focused on how much speaking practice I could actually get—and Cebu delivered exactly that.”

Being surrounded by English isn’t enough. Actually speaking and using the language is what improves your skills. Jessica’s two study abroad experiences proved just how true that is.

Chapter 6: Real Advice from Jessica to Future Study Abroad Students

“I want to study abroad someday, but I’m still nervous…”

If that sounds like you, Jessica has some honest and helpful advice based on her own experience.

■ It’s Normal to Feel Nervous—Everyone Does

“I was super anxious at first too, especially because I was going alone this time. I kept wondering, ‘Can I really handle this on my own?’ But when I got there, I found so many people in the exact same situation, and we bonded really quickly.”

Jessica had previously studied abroad with friends, but going solo brought a different kind of personal growth.

“When you travel alone, you have to make your own decisions and solve problems by yourself. It made me so much more confident.”

■ Jessica’s “Glad I Brought This!” Packing List

From her personal experience (including some unexpected troubles!), here are a few must-have items she recommends:

• Electronic dictionary & wristwatch
  　→ Lifesavers after she lost her phone!

• Stomach medicine, sunscreen, bug spray
  　→ Super useful for island adventures and staying healthy

• Small crossbody bag or waist pouch
  　→ Handy for keeping valuables safe and avoiding pickpockets

One particularly memorable mishap?

“I accidentally left my phone in a taxi… and never got it back. It was devastating. But after that, my dictionary and watch helped me get by—and I was SO glad I had packed them!”

■ Mindsets That Helped Her Succeed

Jessica shared two key principles that helped her make the most of her stay:
Have fun and don’t be afraid to speak.

“At first, I was scared of making mistakes and felt embarrassed. But in one-on-one lessons, you have to speak, and the teachers are really encouraging. Eventually, I stopped worrying about getting everything perfect.”

And finally, the warm atmosphere of Cebu, the supportive environment at the school, and the friendships she built helped her stay positive throughout.

“You’re never going to feel 100% ready. But taking that first step really can change your world. That’s what I learned.”

Chapter 7: Jessica’s Future Plans and How She Wants to Use Her English Skills

Starting this spring, Jessica is taking her first steps into the working world.
She says that her study abroad experience in Cebu didn’t just improve her language skills—it also positively impacted her future career path.

“I’ll be working in sales administration for a company that deals with international clients. Some of our clients are from English-speaking countries, so I hope I can use my English skills to support the team.”

Building on what she learned at her language-focused vocational school, and the practical English she gained in Cebu, Jessica’s current goal is to be someone who supports others—using English as a tool.

“I’ve always enjoyed helping people from behind the scenes. That’s why I want to keep improving my ability to support others in English.”

■ Lifelong English Learning—Even After Entering the Workforce

Jessica is determined to continue studying English even after starting her full-time job. In particular, she’s focusing on learning polite and formal expressions for business settings.

“I’m getting more comfortable with casual conversation, but I still feel unsure in formal situations. That’s why I plan to keep learning a little every day—even after I start working.”

She’s also aiming to improve her TOEIC score and eventually become confident in writing business emails and handling phone calls in English.

■ Personal Dreams: Travel, Explore, and Use English Freely

Jessica doesn’t just want to use English for work—she has big dreams for her personal life, too.
Her next goal is to return to Australia as a traveler, and she also hopes to spend time exploring Europe in the future.

“This trip to Cebu reminded me how much I love being overseas. I want to be someone who can travel the world freely and comfortably.”

■ A Final Message for Those Still Hesitating to Study Abroad

“Honestly, I was really anxious before going abroad. But once I took the leap, I realized that most of the things I was worried about weren’t that big of a deal after all.”

“It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to not speak perfectly. If you take that first step, something will definitely change. If you’re unsure, I hope you’ll find the courage to go.”

Language growth, cultural experiences, and friendships that will last a lifetime—
Even in just four weeks, Jessica gained confidence, transformation, and lasting memories.
Her story is sure to inspire anyone who’s thinking, “If not now, when?”

Read This Article in Japanese

If you’d like to read Jessica’s story in Japanese, check out the original article here:
就職前ラストチャンス！春休み4週間で挑んだセブ留学｜JessicaさんのESL体験記（日本語版）