Quit My Job to Study English! Namu’s 4-Month Life-Changing Journey in Cebu

Introduction｜From Corporate Life to Cebu: Namu’s Bold Leap Into Language Learning

Hello! I’m Chloe, the internship manager at 3D ACADEMY.

How are you spending the autumn holiday season?
Here at 3D ACADEMY, we’re seeing more short-term students than usual, many of whom are using this time off to experience a one-week stay in Cebu.

Today, however, I’d like to introduce a different kind of story—a student who committed to four full months of English study here in Cebu.
This is the real study abroad experience of Namu.

After graduating from university, Namu spent three years working in sales at a food manufacturer. Then, determined to do something she could only do “right now,” she made the bold decision to quit her job and pursue English study in Cebu.

She didn’t come unprepared—before arriving, she had set a clear goal, studied on her own, and made sure to take control of her learning style. She fully embraced her experience and made the most of every single day.

Her interview is packed with honest insights and helpful tips that are sure to inspire anyone who’s thinking about studying abroad.

So without further ado, let’s dive into Namu’s real-life journey of learning, growth, and discovery in Cebu!

Profile｜Why Namu Decided to Study Abroad After University

Namu is currently 25 years old. After graduating from university, she joined a food manufacturing company and worked in sales for three years.

While she was steadily building her career as a working professional, she always had a strong desire deep down:
“I want to speak English better” and “I want to challenge myself with something I can only do now.”

The spark that ignited that feeling came during her graduation trip in university.
She traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia—an experience that would leave a lasting impact on her values and perspective.

“Whether it was at hotels or restaurants, I saw locals speaking English like it was completely normal. I couldn’t say anything, and it honestly frustrated me.”

At the time, she had already accepted a job offer, so she decided to first gain some work experience.
She made a promise to herself:

“If, after working for three years, I still want to study abroad, I’ll go and study English overseas.”

And true to her word, three years later, she found herself in Cebu, embarking on the study abroad journey she had always dreamed of.

It All Began With the Frustration of Not Speaking English

“I want to live abroad someday.”
That vague dream started to feel real during her spring break in junior year of university, when she visited Vietnam and Cambodia.

Namu didn’t just stick to the tourist spots—she explored the local areas too.
One thing that stood out to her was how naturally the locals used English in their daily lives, especially those working in guesthouses or shops.

“I only spoke Japanese, but everyone there communicated in English like it was second nature. I was shocked at how widely English was used.”

Surprisingly, she never thought to learn Vietnamese or Khmer. Instead, she clearly realized,

“If I want to communicate with the world, I need to speak English.”

That realization became the first step toward what would eventually become her Cebu study abroad experience.

“If I hadn’t taken that trip, I don’t think I’d be who I am today. That really was the beginning of everything.”

“I Was Scared to Quit My Job” — But I Knew This Was My Only Chance

In her third year as a full-time employee, Namu found meaning in her daily work. But deep down, she continued to carry a quiet, persistent wish:

“I really want to learn English someday.”

However, when it came time to actually consider quitting her job to study abroad, fear and doubt hit her hard.

“Honestly, I was scared. Not many people quit after just three years, and I had no idea if I’d be able to find another job after. That anxiety never went away.”

Still, Namu ultimately chose to go. The reason? It was surprisingly simple.

“If I get married and have a family later, I might never be able to study abroad. I felt like this might be the only time in my life when I could do something like this.”

One more thing that gave her the final push was the support of her boss.

“He told me, ‘If there’s something you really want to do, now’s the time to do it.’ That one sentence gave me the courage I needed. I’m truly grateful.”

With the support of those around her—and a decision that aligned with her own heart—Namu finally took her first bold step toward a new chapter.

Why She Chose Cebu and 3D ACADEMY

( Photo: With her teacher, Jel)

Out of all the possible study abroad destinations, why did Namu choose Cebu, Philippines?
And among all the language schools there, why 3D ACADEMY?

Namu answered without hesitation.

The first reason: affordability.

“Compared to studying in Western countries, the cost was way lower. And I could still get high-quality one-on-one lessons. The balance between cost and value was perfect.”

That one-on-one format was especially appealing because Namu’s goal was clear: to speak English.

“I was really serious about becoming able to speak. I wanted a place where I could focus on speaking every day—and the Philippines was ideal for that.”

But the biggest reason? Namu simply loved the people of the Philippines.

“When I traveled around Southeast Asia, I was always drawn to how bright, kind, and open the Filipino people were. Even when I visited Manila, I felt how naturally friendly and welcoming they were—it just felt right.”

As for choosing 3D ACADEMY specifically, it was a recommendation from a friend that sealed the deal.

“A friend of mine had studied at 3D before, and she told me great things—stable Wi-Fi, close relationships between students and teachers, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Everything she said matched what I was looking for.”

Namu also mentioned that she didn’t want a “strict, Spartan-style” school.

“I’m the type of person who loses motivation when I feel forced or pressured. So I really appreciated the freedom at 3D. I could study at my own pace, in my own way—that was huge for me.”

The Friendly and Flexible Atmosphere Was Just Right for Me

When asked, “What do you love most about 3D ACADEMY?”
Namu didn’t hesitate to answer: the friendly and relaxed environment.

“The classes are solid, but not overly strict. I loved that I had the freedom to manage my own time.”

For her, staying motivated was easier in a flexible environment rather than one full of rigid rules. That balance was key to her continued progress.

She was also pleasantly surprised by the warm, genuine relationships she built with her teachers.

“Even teachers who weren’t in charge of my classes would smile and say ‘Hi!’ in the hallways. It felt so welcoming and homey—I enjoyed every day.”

Some teachers became more than just instructors—they felt like friends she had made in Cebu.

“Even when I wasn’t feeling my best, the teachers would notice right away and check in on me. There was so much warmth. It really felt like a safe, comfortable space.”

For Namu, 3D ACADEMY was more than just a place to study.
It became a place where she could be herself, both as a learner and as a person.

Learning Style｜Speaking-Focused One-on-One Lessons That Boosted Confidence

( Photo: A snapshot from one of Namu’s group classes)

Namu enrolled in the ESL (General English) course, which combines multiple one-on-one lessons and group classes into a daily schedule.

What she appreciated most was the focus on speaking during the one-on-one classes.

“Each lesson had a theme, and I’d discuss that topic with my teacher. Sometimes it was about social issues or cultural differences… and sometimes it turned into love life advice! (laughs)”

By expressing her thoughts in English on various topics, Namu felt that her communication skills and vocabulary improved dramatically.

“Instead of just memorizing things, I learned grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation naturally through conversation. It stuck with me way better than textbook learning.”

She also mentioned how the curriculum was flexible—she could modify the lesson content with her teachers at any time, based on her interests and goals.

“If I wanted to practice presentations one day, or write a resume in English, the teachers were always happy to help. That flexibility was huge.”

In addition to one-on-one sessions, Namu also took part in group classes once or twice a week.
These included lessons with native English speakers, giving her exposure to more natural pronunciation and phrasing.

“Group classes helped improve my listening, and I got to meet students from other countries too. That part was really fun.”

Being able to change subjects and teachers weekly helped keep things fresh and engaging, which was especially important for her as a long-term student.

Progress in English｜From Daily Conversation to Love Talk—All in English!

After four months of studying abroad, how much had Namu’s English improved?
When asked this question directly, she smiled and confidently replied:

“I’m totally comfortable with daily conversation now. It doesn’t scare me anymore!”

Though she was nervous during her very first English classes, she can now handle everything from negotiating taxi fares to ordering at restaurants—and even more complex topics.

“I feel like I’ve gained the ability to express my thoughts and feelings in English.
Honestly, being able to talk about my love life in English might be the biggest sign of growth! (laughs)”

Her teachers, who had watched her progress from day one, also frequently commented on how much she had improved.

“One teacher who knew me from the beginning said, ‘Your English has really changed.’
That made me so happy—it meant my hard work was paying off.”

Of course, Namu is the first to admit there’s still room to grow.

“My next goal is to raise my level so I can discuss more complex topics like politics, business, or social issues with confidence.”

She spoke with a strong sense of accomplishment—and just as strong a desire to take on the next challenge.
You could clearly feel both from the way she talked.

How to Make the Most of Study Abroad｜Preparation and Goal Setting Are Key

( Photo: Took tons of selfies with my teachers!)

Reflecting on her time in Cebu, we asked Namu, “What are you glad you did before coming?”
She gave us two key answers.

The first: basic preparation before departure.

“You don’t need to study anything super advanced, but knowing some basic vocabulary and grammar really makes a huge difference when you start.”

At 3D ACADEMY, most lessons are conducted entirely in English.
While the teachers are kind and patient, it can be overwhelming if you don’t understand anything at all.

“Just the basics are fine. Even just reviewing junior high school English or working through one vocabulary book will give you a big boost in confidence.”

The second point was the importance of having a clear goal.

“I came with a clear goal: to reach a conversational level of English. That goal kept me motivated every day.”

Without a goal, Namu explained, it’s easy to lose focus or fall into a study slump.

“If you can define what kind of English you want to be able to use, it really changes how you approach each class—and it makes it easier to talk with your teachers about what you want to learn.”

Just these two things—preparation and a goal—can dramatically increase the value of your time abroad.
It’s simple, but it’s powerful advice straight from someone who lived it.

Looking Ahead｜From Guesthouse Work to a Working Holiday in Australia

Now that she has improved her English, what kind of future does Namu envision for herself?
As it turns out, she’s already taking steps toward her next chapter.

“I love learning about other cultures through English, and I also enjoy sharing Japanese culture. That’s why I want to work at a guesthouse that welcomes international travelers.”

By working in a guesthouse, Namu hopes to meet people from around the world and continue to improve her English through real-life interaction.

Eventually, she plans to do a working holiday in Australia.

“When I was working in Japan, I felt like I was constantly putting my life on hold.
Before I knew it, I had almost no private time—I was just working all the time.”

But during her four months in the Philippines, she was deeply moved by the way Filipino people value family and life itself.
It changed her perspective.

“I realized it’s okay to prioritize how I want to live. That it’s okay to make choices that are true to myself.”

For Namu, English is more than just a skill—it’s a tool for creating the life she wants.
She’s determined to keep building her skills so she can eventually work abroad and live life on her own terms.

Her story reminds us that study abroad isn’t a final destination—it’s a launchpad to a wider world of possibilities.

To Anyone Considering Cebu｜Enjoy Every Moment and Take Control of Your Life

When asked if she had a message for those considering studying abroad in Cebu, Namu didn’t hesitate.

“Through this experience, I didn’t just improve my English—I reclaimed my sense of self.”

She shared how studying at 3D ACADEMY opened doors not only in language, but in friendships, confidence, and mindset.

“The teachers were incredibly friendly. Even those who weren’t my instructors made an effort to talk to me and became good friends.”

She also made Japanese and Taiwanese friends, and they often went out exploring Cebu together on weekends and holidays.

“The food was great, and as long as you stay aware and cautious, you can have a very safe and enjoyable experience.”

Her final advice?

“If you’re even a little curious, just go for it.
When you can speak English, your world really expands.
Studying abroad is just the beginning—after that, it’s all about enjoying the ride!”

To Anyone Considering Cebu｜Enjoy Every Moment and Take Control of Your Life

At the end of our interview, we asked Namu if she had a message for anyone considering studying abroad in Cebu.
With a slightly shy smile, she shared her thoughts with quiet confidence.

“More than just learning English, I feel like this experience helped me rediscover who I really am.”

Her time at 3D ACADEMY wasn’t just about language—it was a chance to meet people from all walks of life and reflect on her own values.

“The teachers were so friendly. Even those who weren’t my assigned instructors would talk to me like a friend. I also made amazing friends from Japan, Taiwan, Korea… It was such a valuable experience.”

On weekends and holidays, she and her friends went island hopping, explored the city, and laughed together nonstop.

“The food in Cebu was great, and as long as you’re mindful and stay aware of your surroundings, it’s totally safe.
More than anything, if you’re even a little bit curious—just go. Take the leap.”

She left us with one final message:

“When you can speak English, your world opens up.
Studying abroad is just the beginning.
After that, it’s all about enjoying the journey!”

Editor’s Note｜To Namu, Our Sunshine at 3D ACADEMY

Throughout the interview, Namu often laughed as she shared her story.
Even now, we can still picture her surrounded by friends and teachers, enjoying each day with a positive spirit.

To us staff members, Namu truly felt like the sunshine of 3D ACADEMY.
Warm, approachable, and full of inner strength—she naturally attracted people wherever she went.
With a personality like that, there’s no doubt her future will be just as bright.

As she heads into her next adventure—working at a guesthouse and eventually heading to Australia—
All of us at 3D ACADEMY will be cheering her on every step of the way.

Wishing you all the best, Namu!

Read the full story in Japanese