One-Month Cebu Study Abroad Experience That Boosted My English Speaking Skills

A University Sophomore’s First Time Abroad — Gaining Confidence in Speaking English

Why an English Major Chose 3D ACADEMY in Cebu to Learn to Speak

Many people have thought at least once, “I want to go abroad someday.”
But turning that thought into action isn’t always easy.

This is the story of Ryuya, a second-year university student who took on the challenge of his first study abroad experience, spending one month in Cebu.
Majoring in English and American literature, Ryuya had been studying reading and writing in English at university — but he lacked confidence in speaking.
To overcome that, he chose to study at 3D ACADEMY, a language school in Cebu, Philippines.

His first time living overseas, taking classes all in English, and speaking English every day.
Can you really improve your English in such a short period?
Can a first-time study abroad experience be enjoyable?
Through his honest account, Ryuya shares what life was like in Cebu — the classes, daily routines, new friendships, and how the experience changed him.

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, or unsure whether a short-term program is worth it, this story will surely give you the encouragement to take that first step.

Turning the Dream of Studying Abroad into Reality as a University Sophomore

“I want to be able to speak English.”
“I want to experience foreign cultures firsthand.”
Ryuya had always held these thoughts in his heart, but taking the first step wasn’t easy.

As a student majoring in English and American Literature, he spent his university days studying the foundations of English as well as the works of American and British authors.
He also participated in a seminar on corpus linguistics, exploring the structure and rhythm of English sentences—deepening his appreciation for the mechanics of the language.

Yet despite all the classroom learning, Ryuya felt a wall he couldn’t climb:

“I still couldn’t speak English in real life.”
He reflects, “Reading and writing can be learned at university, but to actually speak English, I realized I needed a different environment.”

That realization led him to consider studying abroad.
While destinations like the U.S. or the U.K. were appealing, the costs were high, and for someone going abroad for the first time, they felt like a big leap.
As he searched for alternatives, he discovered language schools in Cebu, Philippines.

“The one-on-one lessons and lower overall cost made it really attractive.
Most of all, I felt like it was a manageable way to challenge myself for my first time overseas.”

The final push came from a senior at his university who had previously attended 3D ACADEMY.
Hearing that it was a safe, supportive environment gave Ryuya the confidence to go for it.
And so, during his spring break in his second year of university, he embarked on a one-month short-term study abroad experience.

Life at 3D ACADEMY

Ryuya chose to study in the Philippines because of the affordable cost and strong return on investment.
Compared to studying in Western countries, accommodation and tuition were much more reasonable, and the abundance of one-on-one lessons meant more chances to actually speak English.

He found out about 3D ACADEMY through a friend’s recommendation, and decided to enroll.

Ryuya chose the ESL course, a popular general English program at the school.
His total study period was four weeks.
Here’s what he had to say in our interview:

— This was a short, one-month program. How was the experience overall?

“It flew by! Since it was my first time going overseas, I think one month was just right.
If I had stayed longer, I might’ve started to lose focus halfway through.”

My First Time Living Abroad — What One Month in Cebu Was Really Like: Safety, Food, and the Fear of the Unknown

For Ryuya, this study abroad experience in Cebu was his first time ever going overseas.
He was excited before leaving Japan—but also had his fair share of concerns.
The two biggest worries? Safety and food.

“I was worried that using my smartphone in public might be dangerous, since it’s different from Japan.
So at first, I tried not to take my phone out when I was outside.”

However, once he arrived, he found the reality to be quite different from what he had imagined.
While it’s important to stay alert and take basic precautions, he didn’t feel the need for extreme caution.

“Many of the people around the school were really friendly.
Before I knew it, I was having casual conversations with locals.
Some of them even felt like friends by the end of my stay—it left me with a warm impression.”

Food Was Another Concern — But Turned Out to Be a Pleasant Surprise

Ryuya had read some online reviews saying that “the food at language schools in the Philippines isn’t great.”
Worried about this, he brought a big pack of Japanese furikake (seasoning for rice) just in case.

But in the end…

“The food at 3D ACADEMY was honestly really good!
I never even opened the furikake I brought from Japan.”

What stood out even more was a comment from one of his friends who had studied in the Philippines three times:

“Out of all the schools I’ve attended, the food here was the best.”
That comment made Ryuya realize how much care 3D ACADEMY puts into its meals.

That said, he did have one piece of advice for future students:

“It might be a good idea to bring your own Japanese salad dressing.
You can buy it locally, but it’s expensive.”

While he had some nerves at the beginning, Ryuya reflects that his first time abroad turned out to be far more comfortable than expected.
That sense of ease likely helped him stay focused on what he came for: learning and using English.

Building Speaking Skills Through One-on-One Lessons — Inside the ESL Course

Ryuya enrolled in the school’s most popular program: the ESL (General English) course at 3D ACADEMY.
The schedule consisted of seven classes per day, with four one-on-one sessions and three group classes.

“I specifically wanted to improve my speaking skills, so having so many one-on-one lessons was perfect for me.”

Group Classes: Fun, Beginner-Friendly Learning

In the group classes, teachers often incorporated songs and games to help beginners ease into English.

“I was a little nervous at first, but singing and using gestures helped me relax and enjoy the lessons.
I stopped feeling so intimidated by English.”

In the “Travel English” class, students practiced real-life conversations through role-plays—such as checking in at a hotel or handling customer service situations.
These scenarios allowed him to naturally pick up useful, practical expressions through repetition and interaction.

One-on-One Classes: Overcoming Weaknesses and Gaining Deeper Understanding

Ryuya’s one-on-one sessions covered a balance of grammar, reading, speaking, and pronunciation.
One topic that left a lasting impression on him was the use of verb tenses.

“There were so many phrases I’d just guessed at before. But through these classes, I realized my understanding was off.
The teachers explained things so clearly, and I finally understood the logic and rules—not just the feeling.”

Of course, there were times when he couldn’t express what he wanted or struggled to find the right words.
But he says the teachers were incredibly kind and patient, creating an atmosphere where asking questions was easy and natural.

“I never had to leave a question unanswered. That kind of environment really helped me develop usable English, even in a short period of time.”

As the lessons continued, Ryuya began to feel, little by little, that “I can actually speak English.”
By the second week, he had almost completely lost his fear of speaking.

Learning Beyond the Classroom — Self-Study, Homework, and Weekend Adventures

Life at 3D ACADEMY didn’t end when the classes did.
Ryuya describes his after-class hours as crucial for reinforcing what he learned during the day.

“I’d go back to my notebook and write down the vocabulary and phrases we covered in class, then try using them in sentences.
I also did grammar reviews and practiced writing. I made sure to complete every homework assignment.”

Rather than simply memorizing words, he focused on learning how to use them in real communication.
This mindset played a big part in helping him make the most of a short-term study abroad.

Learning Through Friendship

Academics aside, one of the most valuable aspects of his experience was the friendships he built.
Especially with his batchmates—students who entered the school the same week—he formed strong bonds quickly.

“I got really close with my batchmates. After class we’d always say, ‘Where should we go today?’”
He also had many chances to talk in English with students from Taiwan, Korea, and other countries.

Through these conversations, he gained a real sense of “using English to connect with people.”

Weekends = The Perfect Chance to Practice Real-World English

On weekends, Ryuya and his friends went sightseeing across Cebu, visiting places like Oslob (for whale shark watching), Sumilon Island, and Mactan Island.

“Even during trips, we used English all the time—asking for directions, ordering at restaurants, calling taxis.
These were natural moments to use English without even realizing it.”

He found that communicating with locals required a different kind of English than classroom conversations, which made it an excellent opportunity to test what he’d learned.

“Talking with teachers is for learning. Talking with locals is real practice.
Both were meaningful in their own ways.”

From learning English to living in English — for Ryuya, the weekend getaways became just as educational as the time spent in class.

Advice for Future Study Abroad Students: Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes — Just Go for It!

When we asked Ryuya for advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad, his answer was simple and practical:

“If you don’t understand something, ask right away. Don’t hesitate!”

Especially in one-on-one lessons, there are often moments where you’re not quite sure if you understand what the teacher is saying.
But if you let those vague moments pile up without asking, it can lead to confusion about the entire lesson.

“The teachers at 3D ACADEMY are incredibly friendly and patient.
No matter how many questions you ask, they never get annoyed.
So if you don’t get it—just ask. Getting into that habit makes a big difference.”

Daily Life Tip: Bring Your Own Dressing

Ryuya also had a more light-hearted tip for future students:

“The food at 3D was great! But if you’re used to Japanese salad dressing, you might find it lacking.
You can buy Japanese dressing locally, but it’s expensive—so it’s smart to bring a small bottle from home.”

Use Your English Outside the Classroom

Another key message from Ryuya: Get outside and use your English.

“I don’t mean you should just party or hang out all the time. But using English outside the school helps you understand your actual skill level.”

Ordering food, asking for directions, chatting at the market—these are real-world chances to apply what you’ve learned in class.

“It’s nerve-wracking at first, but once you try, you realize you can do it.
Having those little wins—I used English and it worked!—builds real confidence.”

And finally, Ryuya wants to remind everyone that studying abroad isn’t just for special people.

“Even if your English isn’t great, even if you’ve never been abroad—it’s more doable and more fun than you think.
So take that first step!”

Getting Closer to “The Me Who Can Speak English” — Growth and Reflection After One Month

Though it was only a month, Ryuya felt clear progress in his English ability.

“By the end of the first week, I was starting to feel more comfortable.
In the second week, I had a moment where I thought, Hey, I’m starting to really speak now.”

Of course, that doesn’t mean he became perfectly fluent—but the biggest gain was that he lost his fear of speaking.

When “Studying” Becomes “Experience”

In-class learning, evening homework, weekend practice—it was this cycle that turned English into more than a subject.
It became a practical tool that Ryuya could use to express himself.

“I realized English isn’t just something you study—it’s a language.
When someone understands you, it feels amazing. When you understand them, your world expands.”

The experience boosted his motivation even more. Now, he’s looking for ways to use English even in his daily university life.

“Next, I want to go abroad again through a university volunteer program.
It doesn’t have to be another study abroad—just using English in different challenges is something I want to keep doing.”

A Glimpse of the Future: Using English in His Career

While he admits he’s still figuring things out, Ryuya has begun to imagine a future where he uses English at work.

“This experience made me realize I can do it.
I think it’d be exciting to work in a job where I can connect with people from different countries using English.”

That sense of possibility came from the joy of being understood, and the realization that he could express himself—moments made possible by this first study abroad experience.

Epilogue: Discovering a New Self by Taking the First Step

Ryuya’s one-month study abroad experience did more than just improve his English—it became a turning point that expanded his sense of possibility.

His first time abroad.
His first time studying overseas.
His first time in one-on-one English classes.
Because everything was a first, there was so much to absorb, and every day felt meaningful and fulfilling.

The time he spent in Cebu will no doubt influence his future university life and career choices in the years ahead.

For anyone who dreams of “becoming someone who can speak English,”
Ryuya’s story is a reminder that you can do it too—and that taking that first step may lead you to a version of yourself you’ve never met before.

日本語版記事はこちら：
1ヶ月のセブ島留学で英語が話せるように｜Ryuyaさんの“初めての海外”体験記