“Learning English Changed My Life”

The Study Abroad Journey of Sharlene, Who Found Her True Self at 3D ACADEMY

Studying in Cebu｜A Taiwanese Student Shares Her Real Experience with Classes, Life, and Growth at 3D ACADEMY

Introduction

Sharlene, from Taiwan, is one of the most vibrant and outgoing people you’ll ever meet. On the 3D ACADEMY campus, smiles always seemed to gather around her, no matter where she went.

Her decision to study abroad in Cebu came from a simple yet powerful desire:
“I want to speak English more fluently and more naturally.”

If she was going to commit herself to mastering English, she wanted a place that was safe, comfortable, and full of opportunities for human connection. That’s why she chose Cebu, Philippines—and more specifically, 3D ACADEMY.

At 3D, Sharlene didn’t just learn English from teachers and classmates. She discovered the joy of learning, the importance of staying true to yourself in a new culture, and the value of building genuine relationships with people from around the world.

This is the story of Sharlene’s time in Cebu—what she experienced, what she learned, and how she grew. Through her own words and reflections, we hope her journey will inspire anyone considering studying abroad, or anyone who’s ever felt uncertain about their English skills.

May her story give you the courage to take your first step forward.

Chapter 1: Who Is Sharlene?

Sharlene is a cheerful, energetic young woman from Taiwan. She has the kind of personality that allows her to instantly connect with anyone she meets, brightening the atmosphere wherever she goes. At the 3D ACADEMY campus, people naturally gravitated toward her. Whether in the classroom or at the café, her presence alone would light up the space around her.

Despite her outgoing nature, Sharlene once considered herself “not very good at English.” Although she had studied English in school back in Taiwan, she often felt lost when it came to actual conversation. She admired those who could speak fluently and naturally, like native speakers.
Her motivation to study abroad came from a strong and simple desire:
“I want to handle daily conversations smoothly. I want to speak English with confidence.”

Sharlene explained,
“Leaving my home country to learn in a completely different language and culture was scary—but also exciting. I wanted to expand who I was in a new environment.”
There was a powerful drive within her to grow and transform—and that inner energy became the fuel for her bold decision to study abroad.

While she may have seemed confident, she actually held insecurities about her English ability.
But instead of running from that fear, she chose to confront it head-on.
That blend of strength and openness—that’s perhaps what makes Sharlene truly special.

Chapter 2: A Decision to Take English Seriously

“I want to speak English fluently.”

That was the simple reason Sharlene chose to study abroad. But within that single sentence were years of frustration, effort, and determination.

She had studied English diligently in Taiwan. She memorized vocabulary, practiced grammar, and did her assignments seriously.
But when it came to speaking, her mind would often go blank.
She had so much to say, yet the words wouldn’t come out. Even if she could understand someone, she couldn’t find the right words to reply.
She experienced that frustrating gap time and time again.

“I could write and somewhat read. But I couldn’t speak. Could I really say I ‘knew’ English?”

For Sharlene, immersing herself in a practical, speaking-based environment wasn’t just an option—it was a necessity.
And so, she looked beyond Japan or Western countries and found herself drawn to Cebu, Philippines.

Cebu offered a more affordable cost of living, and many schools—like 3D ACADEMY—provided intensive one-on-one lessons.
The programs were designed with beginners and intermediate learners in mind, making it the perfect fit for her goals.

“I wanted to change the version of myself who couldn’t speak. And to do that, I knew I had to put myself in a place where I’d be forced to speak.”

That resolve would soon bear fruit in her daily life at 3D ACADEMY, where Sharlene would finally gain the confidence and fluency she had always dreamed of.

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Chapter 3: Why Cebu?

When people hear “study abroad,” many immediately think of Western countries—like the United States, the UK, or Australia.
But Sharlene made a different choice: Cebu, in the Philippines.

Her reason was refreshingly practical and grounded in reality.

“It seemed like a convenient place to live. There’s a city, so I thought I could live comfortably.”

Indeed, Cebu is known not only for its stunning beaches and island resorts, but also for its urban conveniences—shopping malls, cafés, restaurants, hospitals, and more.
It’s a place where you can enjoy nature and have everything you need within easy reach.
To Sharlene, Cebu wasn’t some mysterious, foreign land. It felt like a place where she could live safely and comfortably.

Another big appeal was the high level of English spoken in the Philippines—and how friendly the people are.
Filipinos tend to speak clearly and slowly, which makes communication easier for beginners.
And because one-on-one classes are common in Cebu, students can study at their own pace and get personal attention.

“Even after class, I’d keep using English—ordering food, chatting with shop staff, taking taxis. It felt like the learning never stopped.”

Studying abroad isn’t the same as going on vacation.
That’s why Cebu, with its mix of livability and learnability, became the ideal destination for Sharlene.

Chapter 4: Finding 3D ACADEMY

Once she decided on Cebu, Sharlene had many schools to choose from.
So why 3D ACADEMY?

“It was all about the location. I could catch a taxi easily, and everything was nearby. I felt like it would be stress-free to live there.”

She was right.
3D ACADEMY is located in the heart of Cebu City, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and even major shopping malls—all within walking distance.
For students like Sharlene, especially those experiencing their first time abroad, this accessibility brought a strong sense of comfort and security.

She also quickly felt at ease with the atmosphere of the school.
The staff and teachers were incredibly friendly, and the campus had a bright, energetic vibe.
From day one, she felt that this was a place where she could thrive—not just because of the clean facilities and safety, but because of the warm welcome she received from everyone.

“I was nervous on the first day, but the staff guided me so kindly. All my anxiety just melted away.”

Sharlene was also impressed by the campus facilities and support.
Her dorm room was comfortable, and the cleaning and laundry services made life easier, allowing her to focus fully on her studies.

3D ACADEMY became more than just a place to study English.
It became a second home—a safe and supportive space where Sharlene could learn, grow, and feel truly herself.

Chapter 5: Discovering the Joy of Learning

For Sharlene, classes at 3D ACADEMY weren’t just about “studying English.”
They were a daily journey of growth, filled with new ideas, realizations, and self-discovery.

What left the biggest impression on her were the one-on-one lessons.
Her time with JB, Claudine, and Karen—three of her personal teachers—became priceless experiences.

“Their lessons were truly amazing. The topics were so interesting that it didn’t feel like just learning English. It felt like we were learning together.”

The beauty of one-on-one classes is that they’re tailored to your level and interests.
You can ask questions immediately, and the pace matches your comfort.
Sharlene gradually came to enjoy the process of identifying her weak points and overcoming them step by step.

In addition, the group classes offered something equally valuable: freedom of choice.
She could focus on subjects that actually interested her.

Here are the classes she chose:

• Movie Understanding (Teacher: Joyce)

• TOEIC Preparation (Teacher: Merchel)

• Native Speaker Class (Teacher: Matthew)

• Speech Practice (Teacher: Cris)

Every class was something she personally wanted to try. That gave her a natural sense of ownership and motivation.

“Since I chose them myself, I felt more responsible and focused. The native teacher’s class made me nervous, but it was also really exciting!”

English, which once felt like a “difficult subject,” began to transform into a “fun tool” for expression.
At the heart of that change were 3D’s unique teaching style and the vibrant personalities of its instructors.

Chapter 6: A New Appreciation for Learning

When Sharlene finished her study abroad experience, what stayed with her most wasn’t just improved English skills.
It was a deeper shift in mindset—a new love for learning itself.

“Of course my English improved, but more than that, I realized how fun it can be to learn something new.”

It wasn’t just about memorizing vocabulary or mastering grammar.
It was about looking up unknown words, repeating difficult pronunciations, and gathering the courage to keep speaking, even after making mistakes.
All of these became a natural part of her daily life—a lifestyle of learning.

At 3D ACADEMY, the teachers didn’t just lecture.
They listened, encouraged discussion, and helped students grow through genuine dialogue.

“The way they interacted with us was beautiful. They always asked, ‘What do you think?’ and made me feel like my opinions mattered.”

That experience reshaped Sharlene’s entire concept of “learning.”
Beyond just improving her English, she developed critical thinking and the ability to express herself clearly.

She also became less afraid of making mistakes—something that used to hold her back.

“The teachers always said, ‘It’s okay to make mistakes.’ That really helped me speak up without fear. I never had that kind of support in Taiwan.”

Before studying abroad, Sharlene often hesitated to take action out of fear of being imperfect.
But her time at 3D ACADEMY helped her internalize a new belief:
Learning means constantly challenging yourself.

Chapter 7: The Realities of Daily Life

When people think of studying abroad at a language school, the focus often goes straight to classes and English learning.
But in reality, the quality of daily life—things like meals, cleaning, and laundry—plays a major role in overall satisfaction.

In this regard, Sharlene shared her experience with a big smile:

“It was honestly so comfortable.”

Let’s start with the food.

“I was really satisfied. I never got tired of it, and I looked forward to every meal. Even now that I’m back in Taiwan, I still think, ‘I want to eat that again!’”

3D ACADEMY provides daily meals tailored to the tastes of Asian students, including Japanese, Korean, and Taiwanese-style dishes.
Sharlene described the food as gentle on the stomach and well-balanced, which helped her stay healthy and focused throughout her studies.

Next, cleaning and laundry services.
Sharlene didn’t hesitate:

“It was absolutely perfect!”

Cleaning was done several times a week, and laundry was completely taken care of—picked up and delivered by staff.
Fresh bed sheets, neatly made beds—it was like staying in a hotel.

“It might seem like a small thing, but when your living environment is clean and organized, it really lifts your mood. I’m quite particular about cleanliness, so not having to worry about any of that was a huge relief.”

This stress-free lifestyle turned her once-unfamiliar surroundings into a comforting daily routine.
For Sharlene, 3D ACADEMY wasn’t just a place to study. It was also a place where she learned to enjoy the rhythm of living abroad.

Chapter 8: After-Class and Weekend Life

Study abroad life isn’t all about classes.
How you spend your free time—after school and on weekends—can reveal a lot about your personal growth, cultural experiences, and friendships.

Sharlene made the most of her time after class.

“After school, I’d talk with my friends, study a little, and go to bed early. I wanted to keep a good rhythm so I could stay focused in class the next day.”

That said, Friday nights were special.

“Every Friday night, I’d go out for dinner with friends. We tried new restaurants, sampled food from street stalls, and practiced ordering in English. It was a fun way to keep using English outside of class.”

These moments weren’t just for fun—they became natural opportunities for practical learning.

On weekends, Sharlene explored more of what Cebu had to offer.

“I’d go shopping, hang out at cafés, and sometimes even visit other islands and enjoy a mini-vacation.”

Cebu offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of city life and the adventure of island life.
That balance added so much richness to her weekends.

“Even without going on big trips, there were so many little discoveries every day. I felt safe, even in a foreign country—that’s what makes Cebu so special.”

Learn, rest, explore, then learn again.
Through these small daily choices, Sharlene created a study abroad experience that was uniquely her own.

Chapter 9: Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu

No matter how comfortable your study abroad experience is, living in a foreign country always comes with moments of surprise and confusion.
Sharlene was no exception—she encountered several “culture shocks” during her time in Cebu.
Here are the three that left the biggest impression.

1. Street Children

The biggest shock for Sharlene was seeing so many street children in the city.

“While riding in a car, small kids would come to the window at red lights, trying to sell things or asking for help. At first, I didn’t know how to react.”

This might be a common sight in the Philippines, but for Sharlene, it was her first time witnessing poverty up close.
It was a moment when she was confronted with a stark reality of the world.

2. Constant Traffic Jams

Another surprise was the heavy traffic in Cebu.

“Not just in the mornings or evenings—even in the middle of the day, there were times when the taxi barely moved.”

Thankfully, 3D ACADEMY is located in a very convenient area, so she could walk to many places.
Still, Sharlene quickly learned the importance of giving yourself plenty of time when getting around in the Philippines.

3. Security Checks at Shopping Malls

Finally, she was taken aback by the bag checks at the entrances of malls and public buildings.

“At first I was surprised. I mean, it’s just shopping, but they still check your bag…”

Eventually, she came to understand this as a normal security measure in the Philippines.

“Once I got used to it, I accepted it as a sign that safety is being taken seriously.”

These experiences might seem negative at first glance, but for Sharlene, they became a chance to learn about the realities of the world.

“Sure, I was surprised and confused, but that’s what living abroad is all about. I’m actually glad I got to experience these things.”

For Sharlene, studying abroad in Cebu wasn’t just about learning English—it was also a window into life beyond her own country.

Chapter 10: A Message for Future Students

Sharlene’s study abroad experience in Cebu was more than just a way to improve her English—it was a time of deep personal growth.
And now, she has a message for anyone considering studying abroad:

“You don’t have to be perfect. Just try. That’s the most important thing.”

Before her trip, Sharlene had many worries.

“What if no one understands me?”
“What if I can’t make friends?”
“What if I can’t keep up with the lessons?”

But those fears only became clear after she took action. Once she arrived, she found that her worries weren’t as big as she had imagined.

Now back in Taiwan, Sharlene continues to study.

“I want to refine the English I learned at 3D ACADEMY, so I’m still working on it.”

She doesn’t see studying abroad as the end goal—but as the beginning of something greater.
That attitude shows just how much she grew through the experience.

She also shared some realistic advice for future students:

What should you definitely bring?

“Clothes, sunscreen, and skincare products! The sun is really strong, so UV protection is a must.”

What about packing tips?

“You don’t need as much as you think. Most daily items can be bought in Cebu.”

Is it okay if you’re not confident in English?

“Of course! That’s exactly why you should come. People here are kind—they’ll laugh off your mistakes and encourage you.”

Finally, Sharlene ends her story with these heartfelt words:

“Studying abroad is a journey to expand your world. If you’re hesitating, take the first step.
My time at 3D ACADEMY became one of the treasures of my life—and it can be the same for you.”

Sharlene’s story isn’t just about gaining language skills.
It’s about courage, connection, and learning to enjoy the process of growth.
And 3D ACADEMY is the place that helped her discover all of that.

日本語版はこちら（For Japanese Readers）

「英語を学ぶって、人生を変えることだった」──Sharleneのセブ島留学体験記（日本語版）