Study Abroad Experience｜Taking the First Step from “I Can’t Speak English”

Mizuki’s One-on-One Learning Journey

Introduction

Hello! We’re the staff at 3D ACADEMY.

Today, we’d like to share the inspiring story of Mizuki, who chose our one-on-one course in Cebu, Philippines. Despite her initial fear of not being able to speak English, she overcame her anxiety and created a study abroad experience that truly suited her.

What sparked her interest in studying abroad? It all began with her sister’s study abroad experience in Toronto.

“My sister looked so bright and full of life. I thought, someday I want to challenge myself overseas too.”

However, when she actually started thinking seriously about going abroad, a wave of worries followed—her English skills, the cost, safety, her personality…

Still, Mizuki searched for a “small step” that would fit her needs. That’s when she discovered 3D ACADEMY, which offers one-on-one classes, and decided to head to Cebu.

In this article, we’ll dive into Mizuki’s study abroad journey—sharing her real experiences and honest reflections!

Learning at Her Own Pace｜Mizuki’s “Imitate and Speak” English Lesson Style

One-on-One Only: Finding the Style That Fits

Mizuki chose one-on-one lessons exclusively, rather than joining group classes. This approach perfectly matched her personality, allowing her to develop a study method that truly suited her.

“At first, English lessons can make you feel like you have to speak as much as possible right away. But for me, whenever the teacher said a phrase that I thought, ‘Hey, that’s useful!’ I would immediately try to imitate it out loud.”

In the beginning, Mizuki struggled to find the right words. But by mimicking her teacher’s phrases exactly as they were spoken, she gradually picked up more natural-sounding English.

For example, when her teacher said, “That makes sense,” during a lesson, Mizuki thought, “This phrase is super useful in conversation!”—and began using it right away herself.

Controlling Homework and Preparation at Her Own Pace

At 3D ACADEMY, many classes come with assigned homework and preparation tasks, which helps students build a solid review habit.

In the beginning, Mizuki diligently completed every assignment, thinking she had to do everything perfectly.

But then she came to an important realization:

“Even if I try to do everything every day, there are times when my heart just isn’t in it. Forcing myself to push through doesn’t help—it doesn’t stick in my head, and I don’t enjoy the lesson either.”

From then on, she began adjusting her approach—sometimes telling her teacher, “I’d like to skip homework today,” or giving herself permission to take it easy when she wasn’t feeling motivated.

Of course, this didn’t mean she was slacking off—it was more about creating a healthy balance: doing her best when she could, and allowing space when needed.

“On days when I review properly before class, the lesson flows really smoothly. So I can clearly see the difference when I don’t prepare. That’s why it’s important to ask myself, ‘What do I want to do today?’ and decide based on that.”

Honest Communication Made Possible by One-on-One Lessons

Admitting to your teacher that you didn’t do your homework can feel intimidating.

But for Mizuki, it was actually a turning point.

“Because it’s one-on-one, the teacher and I built a close relationship. They understood my personality and energy level. Being honest actually improved our communication.”

Some days, it’s okay to rest. Other days, it’s time to focus. That’s how Mizuki was able to transform “studying English” from an obligation into something she genuinely looked forward to.

Feeling the Progress｜Overcoming the First Month of Nerves

From Silence to Self-Expression

Mizuki says her first month was filled with anxiety. During class, she was constantly worried:

“What if I can’t express myself properly to the teacher?”
“What if I can’t answer their questions? That would be so embarrassing…”

But now, she can confidently say things like “I don’t want to do homework today”—clearly and assertively in English. That alone is a huge transformation.

“Being able to express how I feel in English—that’s a real achievement. The old me would’ve just followed instructions without saying a word.”

This isn’t about being selfish. It’s about understanding her own learning style and emotional state, and finding the most effective way to study.

✍️ “Now I Can Write Down the Words I Hear”｜Building the Basics

For many beginners, listening and writing in English are particularly tough skills to master.

Mizuki recalls that in the beginning, even when she could hear the words her teacher said, she couldn’t write them down properly.

“I thought I heard it right, but I didn’t know the spelling… or I wasn’t even sure what I’d heard.”

But now, she can smoothly jot down words as she hears them. That’s a clear sign her listening and vocabulary have improved.

“I can take notes faster during lessons now, and I feel like I’m gradually getting used to ‘thinking in English.’”

She also mentioned that lately, her eyes naturally go to English signs and billboards in town—and she finds herself trying to understand them.

“Before, I never paid attention. But now I catch myself thinking, ‘Oh, that word came up in class!’ and it makes me smile.”

From Single Words to Full Sentences｜Small Changes That Add Up

In the beginning, Mizuki could only string together basic words when speaking English.

But thanks to the steady practice and support of her teachers, she gradually became able to speak in full sentences.

“At first, it was like… ‘Go… eat… food…’—so broken it made me laugh at myself. But my teacher would always say, ‘Here’s how you say it properly,’ and I would repeat the correct sentence again and again. Eventually, I started to speak in full sentences naturally.”

The ability to recall and use complete phrases in conversation is a huge step forward—and one of the biggest advantages of one-on-one lessons.

How Mizuki Uses Her Textbooks｜Why She Prefers to Buy Instead of Copy

When asked, “Do you use textbooks?” Mizuki didn’t hesitate:

“Yes, definitely. I’ve bought four so far—and already finished two.”

While the school does offer the option to copy some materials, Mizuki chose to buy hers from the start.

“Making copies is kind of a hassle, and loose pages annoy me. I prefer to have the whole book in one neat bundle. So I just bought what I needed.”

Having organized textbooks makes it easier to review and prepare, and helps lessons flow more smoothly.

And now, those well-used books have become proof of her personal growth.

“Each time I finish a book, I feel proud. And when I flip through the pages later and realize I understand more than before—it makes me really happy.”

Weekend Refreshers at Malls and Beaches｜Experiencing Rural Life in the Philippines

A Much-Needed Break from Busy Weekdays

While weekdays were packed with lessons, weekends became Mizuki’s precious time to recharge. But it wasn’t just about having fun—she used the time to explore different cultures, enjoy new scenery, and apply her English in real-life settings.

“I often went to the mall with friends. We’d go shopping, chat at cafes… It felt familiar, like being in Japan, and that made me feel relaxed and comfortable.”

One particularly memorable weekend experience was a short trip with her teacher to the teacher’s hometown—Bantayan Island, in northern Philippines.

“Bantayan Island had the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. The color of the sea, the blue of the sky—it was like something out of a dream. You just don’t get that kind of view in Japan.”

But it wasn’t just the scenery that left an impression—she also got to experience rural life up close.

“I stayed at my teacher’s family home. The toilet had to be flushed with a bucket of water, there was no hot shower, and the internet didn’t work at all. It was a bit overwhelming at first.”

Through that experience, she gained a new appreciation for the comfortable lifestyle she enjoyed at 3D ACADEMY.

“At the dorm, we have air conditioning, working internet, and proper toilets! I didn’t realize how lucky I was until I went to the countryside.”

Even her weekend travels became valuable lessons—teaching her not only about the country but about gratitude and resilience.

What I Wish I’d Prepared Before Coming｜Vocabulary & Health Care Tips

Build Your Vocabulary Before You Go

Although Mizuki adapted quickly to life at 3D ACADEMY, there were still a few things she wishes she had prepared more thoroughly in advance.

“I wish I had memorized more vocabulary. When you don’t know enough words, it limits your speaking and writing abilities.”

While she learned a lot during her classes, she realized that having a basic vocabulary in place would have made her first month much smoother.

She especially recommends brushing up on junior high to high school level vocabulary, as it helps with listening comprehension and reduces the stress of everyday conversation.

“If you’re not confident in English, at least go through one vocabulary book before you leave—it’ll make everything so much easier!”

Supplements as a “Safety Net”

Another important tip from Mizuki is about staying healthy.

“A change in environment can easily affect your body, so I’m glad I brought supplements. I took vitamins and probiotics every day.”

With unfamiliar food and Cebu’s hot climate, it’s easy to feel worn out. Having a health routine helped her maintain both energy and focus during her stay.

✏️ Final Thoughts｜How English Helped Me Grow Out of My Shell

Throughout the interview, Mizuki spoke with a warm smile and calm confidence. Although she described herself as “really shy,” the staff didn’t get that impression at all.

It was clear that her ability to express herself in English had given her a newfound sense of confidence.

Seven hours of class per day. A nerve-racking first month. Slowly writing down words. Gradually forming full sentences.

Each step was part of a steady journey of growth.

And now, Mizuki is preparing for the next chapter: a step-up study abroad in Canada. Just like her sister before her, she’s ready to discover a new path in a new country.

There’s no doubt that her experience at 3D ACADEMY laid a strong foundation for her confidence and skills.

Thank you, Mizuki, for sharing your story with us. All of us at 3D ACADEMY are cheering you on!

Read in Japanese

この記事の日本語版はこちらからご覧いただけます：
留学体験記｜「英語が話せない」からの一歩｜Mizukiさんが選んだマンツーマン留学