“Six Months of Learning in My Own Way”

Ari’s Story of Studying in Cebu and Chasing Her Dream

Hello everyone! This is Chloe, your intern manager.

Time really flies—I can’t believe I’ll be heading back to Japan this weekend.
That means I just had my last weekend here at 3D ACADEMY.

At first, I thought, “It’s my last weekend—I should visit all my favorite places one last time!”
But in the end, I decided not to go sightseeing or revisit memory spots. Instead, I spent a relaxing time in the dorm, snacking and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Surprisingly, those quiet moments felt like the most luxurious way to end my time here.

Now that I’ve fully adjusted to life in Cebu, I’ve somehow accumulated a mountain of stuff!
I kept telling myself, “I should start packing soon…” and before I knew it, the whole weekend had passed. Oops!

Anyway, enough about me—
Today’s feature is all about Ari!

She showed us a wonderful study-abroad style: learning seriously, enjoying every moment, and staying true to herself throughout the journey.
In this article, I’ll share Ari’s inspiring story with you.

Whether you’re planning your own study abroad or still thinking about it, I hope Ari’s experience offers you plenty of valuable insights.

About Ari

After graduating from a vocational school, Ari worked as a medical clerk at a pharmacy in her hometown of Hokkaido for five years.

She later resigned and stayed at 3D Academy for six months.

What inspired you to study abroad?

After several years working as a medical clerk, I had grown used to the job and daily routine.
But gradually, a small question began to form in my mind:
“Is this really how I want to spend the rest of my life?”

Same workplace, same people, same rhythm—while that brought a sense of stability, I couldn’t shake off a quiet sense of dissatisfaction.

That’s when a strong desire arose in me:
“I want to challenge myself with something completely new.”

I remembered how much I had enjoyed studying English back in high school.
Grammar was tricky, but watching movies in English or translating lyrics had been fun.
Although I had drifted away from English after becoming a working adult, I suddenly wanted to rediscover that joy again—to reconnect with the excitement of learning English.

At the same time, I really wanted to live in a place completely different from Japan.
Life in Japan is very comfortable, but I was curious: how would I handle myself in a place where I didn’t speak the language or understand the culture?
What kind of people would I meet? I wanted to dive into that unknown world.

In fact, I had only traveled abroad once before—on a guided tour to Italy several years ago.
Because a tour guide handled everything, it wasn’t what you’d call “traveling independently.”
So this was my first time managing everything on my own.
I wasn’t even used to flying, so I was a bit nervous about coming to Cebu—but honestly, the excitement of stepping into a brand-new world outweighed the fear.

Why did you choose Cebu?

It all started by chance.
One day at a bookstore, I happened to pick up a book about studying abroad in Cebu.
The bright, cheerful photos and phrases like “one-on-one classes” and “friendly teachers” immediately caught my eye.

That’s when I learned that Cebu is actually a popular destination for English study abroad.
Compared to Western countries, the cost is much lower, and the teaching style is friendly for beginners.
With its warm climate and kind people, the more I researched, the more I felt,
“This is the place for me.”

Of course, I briefly considered Canada, Australia, and the UK.
But realistically, those options were simply too expensive.
Since I had already quit my job to do this, I had to be practical about tuition and living expenses.

That’s why Cebu made perfect sense—it’s affordable, and one-on-one lessons are the standard.
“Even in a short time, I can study deeply and meaningfully.”
That became my guiding principle.

Now that I’m actually here, I can say with confidence:
Choosing Cebu was the right decision.

The cost of living is low, daily life is easy, and most importantly, I get to speak English every single day.
It’s the perfect place for someone like me, staying abroad for the first time.

Long-Term Study Abroad as a Solo Female Traveler

(Photo: Girls’ day out at a café with school friends)

“Are you really going to stay abroad for six months all by yourself?”
That’s something I heard over and over again before leaving Japan.
But to be honest, I personally didn’t feel anxious at all about studying abroad solo for an extended period.

At the time, I was desperate to break free from my current lifestyle, and I felt that the only way to truly change was to throw myself into a completely new environment.
I believed that going alone—not depending on anyone—would lead to unique growth and discoveries that only I could gain.

Of course, the people around me didn’t necessarily feel the same.
Friends and relatives in my hometown were worried, often asking things like, “Isn’t the Philippines dangerous?”
I realized then that English study abroad in Cebu wasn’t very well known in my circle yet.

My parents were especially concerned.
Sending their daughter off alone to a foreign country—one that feels unfamiliar to many Japanese—was understandably worrisome for them.

So I carefully shared everything I had researched about Cebu:

• There are many language schools on the island.

• Plenty of agents and support systems are available.

• Many schools have Japanese staff on-site and prioritize safety.

• Compared to other countries, tuition and living expenses are reasonable, and the quality of education is high.

As I explained these points, my parents slowly came around.
They eventually said, “We can see you’ve thought this through,” and began to support me.

Looking back now, I can honestly say that this experience became a major turning point in my life.
Yes, going alone takes courage—but when you take that step of your own free will, what you gain is immeasurable.

Why Did I Choose 3D ACADEMY?

To be frank, the biggest reason I chose 3D ACADEMY was the cost.
I didn’t have much prior knowledge about schools in Cebu, so I didn’t really have specific criteria.

When I finally started researching seriously, I wasn’t comparing curriculums or facilities—I was simply comparing total costs, including tuition and accommodation.
Among the schools I found, 3D ACADEMY had the best value. I thought,
“If I’m going to stay for six months, I need somewhere affordable enough to sustain that.”

Once I arrived, though, I realized I had hit the jackpot—even though I’d chosen the school mainly for budget reasons.

The first thing that impressed me was how clean everything was.
The buildings, classrooms, hallways, even the restrooms were cleaned thoroughly every day.
It made my stay very comfortable, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone who values cleanliness, especially fellow Japanese.

Most importantly, the staff and teachers were incredibly kind and attentive.
They were warm and approachable, often sensing and addressing my concerns even before I voiced them.
In the end, I truly felt like I had made the right choice—even though I’d initially picked the school based on price alone.

Course Content and How My Learning Evolved

During my first month, I enrolled in the “5 Man-to-Man Classes” course—five one-on-one classes per day.
Since I had some anxiety about my English ability, I figured it was best to start in a setting where I could focus at my own pace without worrying about others.

But as time went on, I started to feel differently.
One day, I joined a free conversation class, and a teacher said something that stuck with me:

“If you really want to improve your English, try some group classes too. Speaking with others is crucial for growth.”

That advice resonated with me, and from the second month, I switched to the ESL (General English) course.
This course includes both one-on-one and group classes, striking a great balance between independent study and real-life communication practice.

In group classes, I had the chance to speak with students from other countries.
Little by little, I could feel my ability to express myself grow stronger.

Then, in my final (sixth) month, I returned to the “5 Man-to-Man” course.
By then, I knew exactly what my weak points were and wanted to focus on them intensively.

One great feature of 3D is that you can change your course according to your goals and skill level.
The flexibility really helped me tailor my study plan as I grew.

The teachers were all incredibly friendly and always greeted us with warm smiles.
What stood out most, though, was their amazing intuition.

Even when I struggled to express myself in English, they could grasp my meaning from a few words or gestures and keep the conversation going.
That kind of support made me feel confident—“Maybe I really can do this.”

Weekday and Weekend Life

(Photo: A trip with teachers and friends)

My weekly routine at 3D ACADEMY was built on a steady rhythm of focused study and refreshing breaks.

On weekdays, I had classes from morning to late afternoon—each day was packed and fulfilling.
After class, I often joined the free yoga classes offered on campus.
Moving my body helped me reset mentally, and the deep breathing exercises eased away the fatigue from studying.

I also frequently visited the gym inside the school.
I’m not particularly athletic, but exercising helped clear my head after being immersed in English all day.
More than anything, it gave me a sense of living a healthy lifestyle, which had a positive effect on my overall mindset.

At night, I tried to spend as much time as possible reviewing and preparing for the next day’s lessons.
I didn’t just rely on the textbooks—I also went back through notes my teachers gave me and my own notebook of weak points.
It was important for me to feel that “today’s me is helping tomorrow’s me grow.”

On weekends, I sometimes woke up early to visit local cafés, or went on day trips and sightseeing with friends or teachers.
Cebu has beautiful beaches and mountains, and there’s plenty of natural beauty to enjoy and be refreshed by.

But actually, my favorite way to spend weekends was in the self-study room at school.
It was surprisingly quiet on weekends, and the calm yet focused atmosphere helped me stay concentrated for hours at a time.

Sure, cafés were fun and activities were exciting—but in that quiet space, I could clearly feel myself growing, and that gave me real motivation.

What’s Next in My Career

When I first started studying abroad, I honestly didn’t have a clear picture of where I’d be six months later.
But through my life at 3D, my studies, and the many people I met, I began to feel a strong desire to “use English in my future work.”

And that’s when I decided to take on a working holiday in Canada.

I’ve already started preparing for a one-year stay, during which I plan to participate in a paid hotel internship.
By working while using English daily, I hope to sharpen my communication and real-world language skills even further.

I wouldn’t have made this decision if it weren’t for 3D—
It was here that I learned how fun and rewarding it is to connect with people through English.
It wasn’t just about studying grammar or vocabulary; I got to experience English as a real-life tool, which opened up a new career path for me.

Looking further ahead, I’d love to work as a bilingual tour guide in my hometown, Hokkaido.
I think it would be amazing to introduce our beautiful nature and delicious food culture to visitors from around the world—in English.

I never thought that learning English would change the way I see my career and my future.
But now, a world I could never have imagined just a few years ago is right in front of me.

Advice for Long-Term Study Abroad

One thing I learned over my six-month stay is this:
“The real challenge comes after you’ve settled in.”

During the first one or two months, everything is new and exciting, and it’s easy to stay motivated.
But by the third month, once you’ve grown used to the environment, you may start to hit a bit of a slump.

I think this happens to a lot of long-term students.
That’s why it’s important to think about how to reset yourself when that dip in motivation comes.

For me, I tried changing things up when I felt stuck—
Switching to a different course, studying in a new place, or rearranging my daily schedule helped bring freshness back into my routine.
Repeating the same thing every day can dull your focus, so you need to actively create new stimulation for yourself.

Most importantly, I realized that keeping a sense of tension and commitment is key.
Waking up at the same time each day, setting aside fixed time for review and preparation, and scheduling weekly English discussions with others—
Even small rules like these can bring structure and help you stay on track.

The six months I spent weren’t always easy—but that’s exactly why I can now look back and clearly feel my own growth and transformation.

Memories at School

(Photo: My batchmates who enrolled at the same time)

My time at 3D ACADEMY became something truly precious—a treasure of a lifetime.

One of the most impactful parts of my experience was meeting people with backgrounds and values completely different from what I’d encountered in Japan.
I’ll never forget the moment I met a young woman in her 20s who had stopped by 3D in the middle of her solo trip around the world.
I thought, “Wait, this adorable girl is traveling the world on her own?!”—I was full of both surprise and admiration.

I also had the chance to study with students from Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mongolia, and many other countries.
Through our conversations, I learned about their cultures and daily lives, and I realized that many things I considered “normal” were completely different elsewhere.
It was in those moments I understood: studying in Cebu isn’t just about learning English—it’s about discovering the world.

Since I’m not great at planning trips on my own, I really appreciated the school-organized weekend trips.
Thanks to those, I was able to visit stunning beaches like Bohol and Pandanon Island with teachers and friends.
I was blown away by the beauty of Cebu’s natural scenery.
The sunsets we watched together, the Filipino dishes we shared, the chats during van rides—every moment became a treasured memory.

And most of all, the time I spent with my teachers was at the very heart of my study abroad experience.
Every day in class, I struggled with the challenge—and joy—of expressing myself in English.
One memory I’ll always hold close is the day a teacher told me, “I understand exactly what you’re trying to say.”
That simple sentence filled me with such happiness and confidence.

The teachers were always so cheerful and welcoming. The classrooms had a positive, uplifting atmosphere.
Whenever I stumbled, they gently reassured me with words like, “It’s okay—take your time,” and whenever I spoke well, they would say, “That was a great expression!”
Those small but heartfelt interactions helped me embrace English with both courage and joy.

Afterword

Ari-san had a calm and composed demeanor, paired with an inner strength that left a lasting impression on all of us.
As staff members, we could clearly see that she was committed to her goals and always learning with purpose—while staying true to her own pace.

Many people imagine study abroad as something active and adventurous—like going on trips every weekend.
And yes, that’s one way to enjoy it!
But there are also students like Ari-san, who quietly and steadily work toward a clear future goal.
And they are just as inspiring.

That’s what makes 3D ACADEMY special—the freedom of its atmosphere and the diversity it embraces allow students to build a study abroad experience that reflects who they are.
It’s a place where different styles and personalities coexist, and where students can inspire each other simply by being themselves.

Ari-san’s dream of becoming a bilingual tour guide in Hokkaido isn’t just built on language skills—it’s also rooted in the life-changing experiences she gained at 3D, the diverse perspectives she encountered, and the inner drive she cultivated through her time abroad.

We’re sure that in Canada, too, Ari-san will continue walking her path with grace and determination.
All of us at 3D ACADEMY are cheering her on wholeheartedly.
And we truly look forward to the day we meet her again—this time as a professional tour guide sharing the beauty of Japan with the world.

Read this article in Japanese

If you’d like to read Ari’s story in Japanese, click the link below:
「自分らしく学ぶ6ヶ月」Ariさんが語る、セブ島留学とその先の夢