3D ACADEMY Study Abroad Experience: Ken’s 6-Month Journey of Self-Investment

How Life and Learning in Cebu Sparked the Next Chapter of His Life

“Next, I knew it had to be English.”

That’s how Ken describes the moment he decided to take on a new challenge—studying a foreign language. After building his career as a working professional, he set out on a fresh journey: a six-month English study program at 3D ACADEMY in Cebu. But this wasn’t just about brushing up on English—it became a time to reflect on life itself.

From daily self-study after class, to weekend travels, and deep conversations with friends he met abroad, Ken didn’t just grow his English ability. He also developed the power to express himself, and the openness to embrace cultural differences. Little by little, through daily efforts, these abilities blossomed naturally.

Before he knew it, he was traveling solo to neighboring countries and became a reliable “big brother” figure to younger students around him.
This article shares Ken’s journey at 3D ACADEMY in 8 detailed chapters—from why he chose this path to how his lifestyle, learning, and mindset evolved over time.

Chapter 1: Why Did He Choose to Study English Again—And Why in Cebu?

Ken decided to study abroad at a turning point in his career. Having already gained significant experience in the workforce, this was not his first overseas adventure. Rather, it was a personal “restart”—a time to pause and reflect on his next chapter.

“I wanted to re-invest in myself,” he says.

Though he had previous exposure to English, Ken hadn’t had many chances to use it in everyday life. But he understood the opportunities that come with language skills. That’s why he felt it was the perfect time to commit seriously to learning English again.

His goal wasn’t just a TOEIC score or certification. He wanted to confidently use English in real-life settings—whether for travel or business. Practical, usable English was what he aimed to achieve.

Ken also saw this study abroad experience as a chance to “take inventory” of his life. By temporarily stepping away from his regular routine and immersing himself in a different culture and value system, he hoped to reset and rediscover himself.

“At first, I felt hesitant about joining classes with younger students. But I knew—if I was going to do it, now was the time.”

He chose Cebu as his destination because it offered a perfect balance of natural beauty and urban energy. While the Philippines is still a developing country, Cebu provides a solid level of infrastructure and a warm, welcoming culture. The laid-back rhythm of Southeast Asia gave him space to breathe—while still offering a focused learning environment.

And so began Ken’s six-month journey. His goals were clear, and he thought he was fully prepared.
—But what awaited him were encounters and lessons he could have never imagined.

Chapter 2: Discovering 3D ACADEMY — Finding the Right Way to Learn for Me

There are many English schools in Cebu, but for Ken, the reason he chose 3D ACADEMY wasn’t just about location or price. What mattered most to him was whether the school’s teaching style truly matched his own learning needs. In other words, he prioritized substance over environment.

Ken had long struggled with speaking English. Though he had a decent understanding of grammar and vocabulary, he found it hard to put that knowledge into conversation. He wanted to finally tackle the kind of English that would help him speak—something his reading-and-writing-focused education hadn’t equipped him for.

“3D focuses heavily on speaking and has a strong emphasis on one-on-one classes. I instinctively felt this was the right fit for me.”

At 3D, more than half of the daily lessons are one-on-one. The curriculum is personalized to match each student’s level and weak points, allowing deep, focused study in a one-on-one setting. This personalized approach to learning was exactly what Ken found most appealing.

Beyond the classroom, other factors also made a difference—such as the school’s city-center location and the on-site gym.

“A quiet beachside retreat sounds nice, but I’m the kind of person who wants to live like a local while learning. 3D’s location was perfect—supermarkets, fast food, and malls all within walking distance. And being able to use the gym was a big plus.”

Once he enrolled, Ken found that 3D’s learning style exceeded his expectations. In his one-on-one lessons, teachers respected his pace while focusing directly on the areas he needed to improve.

“In large group classes, you often either fall behind or get bored. But here, the teacher is focused solely on me. I didn’t realize how empowering that would be.”

3D ACADEMY welcomes a diverse range of students—from young learners to working professionals. This diversity, Ken says, added energy to his studies. Being around younger students created a healthy sense of tension that helped him stay motivated.

“I ended up becoming the ‘big brother’ figure for many of the students,” he laughs.

Meeting 3D wasn’t just about choosing a place—it was about finding a learning style that truly fit. And that choice became a major key to Ken’s success in his study abroad journey.

Chapter 3: Developing Communication Skills Through One-on-One and Group Lessons

Ken says the one-on-one lessons at 3D ACADEMY were the most valuable part of his learning experience. As someone aiming to relearn English from the ground up, he found the intensive nature of these private classes to be a powerful way to target his weaknesses.

Learning at His Own Pace, with Maximum Focus

Ken dedicated his lessons to improving areas like pronunciation and listening. He particularly felt his listening skills improve.

“By picking up conversation patterns, I was able to understand the overall meaning even when I didn’t know every word. I definitely felt a leap in my listening ability.”

Teachers would adjust their lesson plans based on Ken’s interests and understanding. Sometimes they incorporated business English expressions; other times, they focused on casual daily conversation. These adaptations helped accelerate Ken’s learning in meaningful ways.

Group Lessons Fostered Competition and Practical Application

Ken also actively participated in group classes. He chose highly practical subjects like:

• TOEIC

• Formal and Informal English

• Business English

• Native Speaker

• Common English

Among these, he found the Formal and Informal English class the most satisfying. He learned multiple ways to express simple greetings depending on the person’s status or the situation.

“Even just saying ‘Hello’ changes depending on whether you’re talking to a friend, a boss, or a stranger. Learning those nuances was incredibly valuable.”

The group setting also pushed Ken’s curiosity and motivation. Competing and learning alongside others exposed him to expressions and usage he wouldn’t have discovered alone.

“In group classes, you hear phrases you’d never think of yourself. Sometimes they were even more stimulating than one-on-one lessons.”

Although he initially felt a bit distant from the younger students, over time he grew closer to them, and class conversations became lively and engaging.

Listening and Speaking: The Pillars of Real English Ability

After six months, Ken had gained more than just vocabulary and grammar. He built two crucial skills: the ability to listen, and the ability to express himself appropriately for each situation. These became the foundation of his practical English skills.

“I’ve developed real conversation skills that also tie into TOEIC and business English. These will definitely help in my future work.”

By making full use of both one-on-one and group lessons, Ken’s experience at 3D ACADEMY became more than just English training—it became a time for learning how to express himself and connect with others.

Chapter 4: The Reality of Life in Cebu and Ken’s Top 3 Culture Shocks

Through six months of study abroad, Ken came to a powerful realization: learning the local culture and lifestyle was just as important for personal growth as learning English itself.

A City Where Nature and Energy Coexist

One of the reasons Ken chose Cebu was its unique blend of beautiful natural scenery and vibrant local life. During the day, you can enjoy blue skies and beaches. At night, the lively buzz of street food stalls and people’s laughter fills the air. Ken says this atmosphere helped him relax and feel free.

“The low-stress climate and the friendly nature of Filipinos really suited me.”

Some of his most memorable experiences included weekend getaways to resort hotels and international travel to neighboring countries. Thanks to affordable airlines (LCCs), Ken often traveled beyond the Philippines, which expanded his horizons far beyond just language learning.

Everyday Surprises That Revealed the “Real Cebu”

Living abroad also brought unexpected challenges and surprises. Ken recalls several moments of cultural difference that truly stood out. Here are his Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu:

1. Buying Medicine Without a Prescription

   “I was shocked that I could buy almost any medicine at the pharmacy without a prescription. It’s convenient, but also a reminder of the culture of personal responsibility.”

2. The Presence and Acceptance of Transgender People

   “You often see transgender individuals in public, and no one seems to care. That kind of everyday acceptance actually felt very natural and comfortable. It made me appreciate how open and diverse the culture is.”

3. Reluctance to Give Change

   “Sometimes it was hard to get small change. People would ask, ‘Is it okay if I give you gum instead?’ It was confusing at first, but eventually, I learned to accept it as part of the local culture.”

Understanding Differences as a Path to Personal Growth

These cultural differences weren’t negative for Ken. Instead, they taught him how to adapt and grow more flexible in unfamiliar environments.

“The Philippines isn’t as neatly organized as Japan, but that’s why I learned so much from the resilience and creativity of the local people.”

Cebu City is also a convenient place to live. There are supermarkets and fast food chains everywhere, and public transport like jeepneys is easy to use. For Ken, having a gym and shopping mall close to campus made everyday life even more enjoyable.

At the same time, he never forgot the basic safety rule: avoid walking alone at night. Staying alert and cautious was key to enjoying his time abroad safely and fully.

Chapter 5: Comfort and Quality in the Dorms and Study Environment

One of the things that impressed Ken the most about life at 3D ACADEMY was the comfort and quality of the dormitory environment. Even with a long stay of six months, he was able to live without stress, thanks to the well-maintained facilities and attentive support system.

Comfortable Rooms and a Fantastic Location

Ken especially appreciated the dorm’s location. The school building itself had a supermarket on the ground floor, and fast food outlets and malls were just next door. Everything he needed was within walking distance.

“It was so convenient, I almost forgot I was abroad. It felt like I was part of the local community, not just a tourist. That helped me experience the ‘real Cebu’ more deeply.”

The rooms were air-conditioned and had Wi-Fi, creating a quiet space for studying. For long-term students like Ken, this stable environment was a huge benefit.

Housekeeping Was Good—But Laundry Was Exceptional

Japanese students often worry about cleaning and laundry abroad. Ken had this to say:

“Cleaning wasn’t exactly Japanese-level, but it was more than acceptable. What really surprised me was the laundry service.”

His shirts came back crisply ironed, with collars perfectly folded, and even torn clothing was returned mended by hand.

“I never thought I’d be moved by laundry, but I really was,” he laughed.

These small acts of care made his life abroad more comfortable and allowed him to stay focused on studying English.

Meals Were Japan-Friendly and Stress-Free

Meals are another important part of daily life. Ken expected more local Filipino flavors, but found that the menus mostly catered to Japanese and Korean tastes.

“It would have been nice to have more Filipino dishes, but for a long-term stay, the consistent quality and taste of the food was a big plus.”

In the end, the variety and familiarity of the meals helped reduce stress and contributed to his overall comfort throughout the stay.

Chapter 6: How Ken Spent His Afternoons and Weekends—Travel and New Perspectives

A six-month stay abroad is a long journey. Ken made the most of not just his study time, but also his free time after classes and on weekends. His approach reflected a mindset of “growing while enjoying.”

Afternoons Were for “Me Time”

After classes, Ken often took time for review and homework, but he also enjoyed exploring the city center or meeting up with students from other schools.

“Back in Japan, I was always pressed for time. Having full control over my schedule felt refreshing.”

By visiting cafes alone or walking through local markets, he naturally found more chances to use English outside the classroom.

Weekends Were for Trips and Resort Hopping

On weekends, Ken visited local tourist spots and resort hotels, enjoying the natural beauty and culture of the Philippines. Sometimes he even spent the whole day resting and resetting his mind and body with a long nap.

“You can go out and explore or just relax and do nothing. Cebu gives you both options.”

From chatting in English at seaside cafes to joining friends for day trips, even the smallest moments offered opportunities for language use and cultural discovery.

Using Cebu as a Hub to Explore Southeast Asia

What made Ken’s experience unique was how he used Cebu as a base to travel internationally. He visited nearby countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand, which significantly broadened his perspective.

“Traveling made me even more motivated to learn English. I realized just how useful it is when exploring different countries.”

English became his common language during these trips, allowing him to feel the real-life benefits of his studies.

Choosing How to Learn and Live

Ken’s time at 3D ACADEMY was not just about language learning. It was also about taking initiative and making his own choices each day.

“As an adult learner, it was a well-balanced experience. Some days were for studying, some days for resting. Everything was up to me.”

His ability to switch between study and personal time smoothly reflected his flexible and positive attitude, both essential qualities for a fulfilling long-term stay.

Chapter 7: Culture Shock and Growth—Learning to Embrace Differences

Living abroad often means facing unexpected cultural differences. During his six months in Cebu, Ken encountered many such moments. But rather than rejecting them, he saw these “shocks” as powerful learning experiences.

Shock #1: Buying Medicine Without a Prescription

One of the most surprising experiences was being able to buy almost any medicine at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.

“I just wanted cold medicine, but ended up getting access to strong meds without any checkup. It was convenient, but very different from Japan. It made me realize how much self-responsibility matters here.”

This made Ken reflect on how deeply “common sense” can vary from country to country.

Shock #2: Transgender Acceptance and Integration

Ken was also surprised by how naturally transgender individuals were accepted and integrated into society in the Philippines.

“At first it was unfamiliar, but I soon saw how naturally accepted they were. Many worked as hairdressers or service staff. In some ways, the society here felt even more progressive than Japan.”

Through this, Ken says he began to develop a stronger mindset of respect for diversity.

Shock #3: Reluctance to Give Change

Ken also found cultural differences in daily transactions. One example was how shop staff often hesitated to give change.

“Sometimes I’d hand over a 100-peso bill for a 10-peso item, and they’d say, ‘Sorry, no change.’ I was like, ‘What!?’ at first, but I eventually got used to it.”

This experience taught him the importance of speaking up when necessary, a useful skill not just abroad, but in life.

Embracing the Unexpected

Through these culture shocks, Ken came to realize how organized life is in Japan, but he also gained a deeper appreciation for flexibility and open-mindedness.

“I was surprised at first, but eventually I came to accept each of these things as part of what makes the country unique. That’s what makes study abroad so rewarding.”

For Ken, experiencing the “real” rather than the “comfortable” is what ultimately sparked true personal growth.

Chapter 8: Summary – Six Months of Growth in English and Personal Development

Ken’s study abroad experience in Cebu wasn’t just about improving his English—it was also a time of deep self-reflection and personal growth. Over six months, he connected with younger students, was respected as a “big brother” figure, and at the same time, learned and grew alongside them.

Progress in English Proficiency

Under a speaking-focused curriculum, Ken’s listening and speaking skills improved significantly. He learned to grasp the flow of conversations, understand meaning from context even when unfamiliar words appeared, and respond appropriately by reading the speaker’s intent.

“Once I got used to common conversation patterns, my fear of speaking English disappeared.”

In the Formal and Informal English class, he learned to adjust his expressions based on the situation or the listener’s role. For Ken, who wanted to use English in professional contexts, this class proved extremely practical and valuable.

Lessons from Cross-Generational Connections

Over the course of six months, Ken became a reliable presence for younger students. But he also gained much from them.

“At first I worried I’d stand out because of my age, but being around them was refreshing. Their perspectives and flexible thinking really inspired me.”

He shared moments of laughter and deep conversations with students from different generations, which became an opportunity to develop his interpersonal and emotional intelligence.

Studying Abroad as Self-Investment

Ken viewed this study abroad experience as a form of self-investment—a way to sharpen his skills and rediscover his potential. His achievements weren’t just limited to English; he also deepened his understanding of diverse people and cultures.

“Originally, I just wanted to re-learn English for travel and work. But in the end, it became a time to hit reset on my life.”

For adults in their 30s or 40s, it’s never too late to study abroad. In fact, having life experience adds depth to the journey. Ken’s story offers real encouragement to other professionals or seniors considering this kind of challenge.

Afterword: Learning English Means Rediscovering Yourself

Ken’s six-month journey in Cebu was far more than a language-learning trip. It was a powerful period of exchange, discovery, and transformation. He bonded with younger students, re-examined his own values, took on a mentoring role, and embraced new ways of thinking.

“Learning English is not just a tool to connect with the world—it’s also a process of getting to know yourself more deeply.”

Ken’s experience proves this point clearly.

Regardless of age or career stage, for those thinking about a “restart” or “second chapter” in life, studying abroad in Cebu can be a reliable and empowering choice. With its supportive environment both for learning and living, 3D ACADEMY stands ready to support anyone ready to take that step.

Some may think, “I wish I had done this sooner.” But as Ken’s story shows, sometimes the timing now is exactly what makes it meaningful.

English is a door to the world—
and a key to discovering a new version of yourself.

▶ 日本語で読む：3D ACADEMY 留学体験記｜Kenさん 自己投資としての6ヶ月