Why I Skipped Other Schools and Returned to 3D

When I first decided to study English in the Philippines, I had one goal in mind: improvement. Like many others, I scoured the internet, read comparison blogs, watched YouTube reviews, and even asked a few friends who had studied abroad. I didn’t want to just pick any school—I wanted to find the best one.

So I tried three.

Yes, three different schools, in three different cities in the Philippines. Each had its own advantages. One had ultra-modern facilities and buffet meals. Another had a strict English-only policy and rigorous daily tests. The third one had an amazing beach nearby and weekend diving trips. And yet, despite everything they offered, something always felt… off.

It wasn’t until I stepped into 3D Academy in Cebu—almost by accident—that I realized what I’d been missing.

School #1: The “Luxury” Experience

My first school was in Clark. The brochure promised beautiful dorms, fast Wi-Fi, international cuisine, and highly qualified teachers. When I arrived, everything looked perfect—almost too perfect.

The classes were decent, but robotic. Teachers followed a strict script. Students weren’t allowed to go “off-topic,” even when they wanted to talk about something more meaningful. Everything felt like a checklist: vocabulary, grammar, test practice, done. It felt more like working at a call center than studying a language.

Outside the classroom, students barely talked to each other. Most returned to their private rooms after class. It was clean and quiet—but a little cold.

I stayed for four weeks, improved a bit, and left unsatisfied.

School #2: The “Military” Style

Next, I went to a school in Baguio, known for its strict daily routine. Classes started at 7am, ended at 9pm, and homework filled whatever free time remained. English-only was enforced 24/7. Break the rule, and you got a fine.

At first, I thought this would be good for discipline. “I’ll study hard and improve fast,” I told myself.

But after two weeks, I felt like I was suffocating. I couldn’t relax. I couldn’t connect with classmates because we were all too tired or stressed. Some students thrived in that system—but I wasn’t one of them.

I realized I didn’t need more pressure. I needed support.

School #3: The “Holiday” Vibe

My third school was located in Dumaguete, close to the beach. The environment was relaxed and beautiful. People surfed in the morning, studied during the day, and had BBQ parties at night.

It was fun—but maybe too fun. Some students skipped classes. Teachers were nice, but inconsistent. The lessons were often casual, with little structure. I had great memories there, but not great progress.

I started to wonder—was there a place that had balance?

Visiting 3D “Just to Compare”

After returning home briefly, I decided to go back to the Philippines one more time. A friend I had met in Dumaguete told me about a school called 3D Academy in Cebu. “Not too strict, not too relaxed,” she said. “Just right.”

I wasn’t convinced. But I had time, and I was already in Cebu visiting a friend, so I decided to drop by the school—just to compare.

The receptionist welcomed me with a smile and offered a tour. The lobby was lively but not chaotic. Students were chatting in English—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Teachers waved as we passed by classrooms.

I didn’t feel tension.

I felt curiosity.

That same day, I signed up for a two-month course.

What Made 3D Different?

At first glance, 3D Academy may not look as flashy as some of the high-end schools. But it had something the others didn’t: a human touch.

1. Friendly, Professional Teachers

My one-on-one teachers were warm, open, and responsive. They took the time to learn my goals, my weak points, and even my personality. One teacher noticed I loved photography, so she adapted our lessons to include visual vocabulary and even photography articles.

They didn’t follow a script—they followed me.

2. Flexible but Focused Atmosphere

3D didn’t force me to study like a machine. I could choose my course intensity. If I wanted more free time, I could take fewer classes. If I wanted to focus on TOEIC or business English, I could change the curriculum mid-course. It was tailored, but still structured.

I was finally learning without feeling stressed.

3. A Community, Not a Campus

What surprised me most was the sense of community. Students ate meals together, hung out at JY Square Mall, went on weekend trips, and supported each other. I made friends from Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia. We didn’t just learn English together—we lived together.

For the first time, I wasn’t just a student.

I felt like I belonged.

After Graduation: Still Connected

After two months, I returned home. I felt satisfied—not just with my English improvement, but with my experience. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had wasted money or time.

Back home, I told a close friend about 3D. She was thinking of studying in the Philippines too, and I said, “You have to go to 3D. I’ve tried other schools. This one is different.”

She applied.

And then something interesting happened—I missed it. I missed the morning classes, the shared meals, the sound of Cebu jeepneys, even the dorm room with its creaky air conditioner.

So I went back.

Returning with a Friend

The next year, I returned to Cebu—this time with my friend. We enrolled at 3D together and stayed for another month. But this second experience felt different in a good way.

I wasn’t just a beginner anymore. I helped her adjust, translated for her during orientation, and introduced her to teachers and classmates. I felt like a guide, a mentor.

And yet—I was still learning.

In fact, my English improved even more during this second trip, because I was more confident, more comfortable, and more focused on conversation than correctness.

I began to realize that 3D wasn’t just a place to study English—it was a place to use English.

Not the Fanciest—But the Best Fit

3D Academy isn’t the most luxurious school in the Philippines. It doesn’t have beachfront views or a Michelin-level cafeteria. But it doesn’t need those things.

It offers something far more valuable: a space where you can grow, safely and authentically.

Every school has its strengths. But for me, learning is emotional. I need a place where I feel understood. Where I can relax and improve. Where the pressure isn’t forced, but the progress is real.

That’s what I found at 3D.

My Life Today

Since then, I’ve recommended 3D to three other friends. All of them have had positive experiences. One of them is even on her third visit.

As for me, I continue to use English in my daily life. I work in a company where English emails, meetings, and presentations are the norm. Without 3D, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence to apply for this job.

And when life gets too fast—or too noisy—I sometimes imagine myself walking down the street to JY Square, mango shake in hand, chatting with a classmate about dreams and ideas in English.

That’s the magic of 3D. It’s not just a school. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and restart.

Final Thoughts

If you’re overwhelmed by choices, if you’ve tried other schools and still feel unsatisfied, or if you just want to find a space that fits your rhythm, I hope my story helps.

Don’t always chase the fanciest building or the strictest program.

Sometimes the best place is the one that makes you feel human again.

For me, that place was 3D Academy.