What I Discovered About Real English Skills in My Second Cebu Study Abroad Experience

Nelly’s 7-Week Challenge and Growth

A Deeply Fulfilling “Second Summer” in Cebu

“I want to go back to Cebu someday.”
With that feeling in mind, Nelly walked once again through the gates of 3D ACADEMY in the summer of 2024. Many students who study abroad don’t stop after just one experience—some return for a second or even third time. Nelly is one of them.

This time, he stayed for seven weeks, with the clear goal of sharpening his speaking skills in preparation for a potential future at a graduate school overseas. New classmates, new teachers, stimulating group classes, and everyday moments in Cebu—all of these, he says, not only improved his English but also contributed to his personal growth.

In this study abroad report, we take a closer look at what Nelly gained during his seven weeks in Cebu and what makes a “repeat study abroad” at 3D ACADEMY so worthwhile.

Chapter 1: Why Go Back? Nelly’s Motivation for Studying English Again

“After my first study abroad experience, some time had passed. But then I felt that urge to study seriously again,” says Nelly.

The decision to return to Cebu was driven by a realistic possibility: studying at a graduate school abroad. To do that, he realized he needed more than just academic reading and writing—he needed to be able to speak confidently in presentations and discussions.

And his reasons for choosing Cebu again were clear:

• Outstanding cost-performance

• A curriculum focused on intensive one-on-one lessons

• And above all, a sense of trust and comfort from his previous stay

3D ACADEMY, with its long history and Japanese management, stood out as a school that provides a well-organized and supportive environment for students.

“I felt the same as the first time—like this is the place where I want to learn again,” he says.

With his previous experience as a foundation, Nelly returned to Cebu with a more refined goal. Because it was his second time, he could see the challenges more clearly—and gain even deeper insights. That’s what elevated his English skills to the next level.

Chapter 2: What Was Life Like During Those 7 Weeks at 3D?

Nelly’s daily routine during his stay could be described as “English immersion from morning to night.” With just seven weeks, his focus was on packing in as much meaningful learning and experience as possible.

A Schedule Focused on One-on-One Classes (Plus Selective Group Lessons)

“The first few days were all about figuring out which teachers and classes were the best fit for me,” says Nelly.
At 3D, students are allowed to change their schedule flexibly after arrival, so he tried several group classes before narrowing down what matched his learning style and goals.

“My main objective was to improve my speaking skills, so I focused on one-on-one lessons. Still, the group classes added a healthy kind of pressure that was really motivating.”

In his one-on-one classes, teachers corrected even small pronunciation or grammar mistakes without rushing, giving him space to learn at his own pace.
Meanwhile, in the group setting, he found it refreshing to hear how other students expressed themselves and used different phrases.

Campus Life: Structured, Yet Flexible

Nelly stayed in the on-campus dormitory, which allowed him to move between his room and classrooms with ease—no commuting required.

“I’d usually wake up around 7 a.m., have breakfast, then head straight to class. After lunch, I’d continue with more lessons. In the evenings, I’d go to the gym to reset before reviewing what I’d learned or chatting with classmates.”

3D ACADEMY values student independence, and its relaxed atmosphere is ideal for self-directed learners like Nelly.

“The fact that the gym is right on campus is great. Studying all day can be mentally tiring, so exercising really helped me refresh.”

Building Connections—And Staying in English

“One new experience for me was joining the Sweets Club. We’d talk about our favorite desserts in English and go around Cebu visiting different cafes. It was a fun way to use English in a casual, enjoyable setting.”

Nelly also made a conscious effort to avoid relying on Japanese.

“In a school run by Japanese staff, it’s easy to slip into speaking Japanese with other students. But I deliberately tried to connect with non-Japanese students whenever I could.”

He also appreciated that the Filipino teachers frequently brought up everyday topics in English, making it easier to develop casual conversational skills without feeling like he was “studying.”

A Relaxed Pace That Led to Real Results

“In my first study abroad experience, I think I tried too hard to be perfect. This time, I focused on finding a pace that felt right for me. Because of that, I was able to concentrate better and feel less stressed.”

By approaching his second study abroad with a more relaxed mindset, Nelly found he could connect more naturally with his teachers and get even more out of his classes.

Chapter 3: The Key to Improvement—Balancing Pressure and Comfort

“During my first study abroad, I thought the most important thing was just to talk. But this time, I wanted to speak correctly and clearly.”

In his second time studying abroad, Nelly focused not just on speaking, but on speaking well. What helped him reach this new level were two things: the careful corrections he received in one-on-one classes, and the healthy pressure of group classes. Balancing these two proved to be the key to his rapid improvement in speaking.

One-on-One Lessons: A Luxury of Personalized Feedback

“Even when I made the same mistake over and over, my teachers patiently corrected me and gave me example sentences. That really helped.”

At 3D ACADEMY, students can take up to 4 to 6 one-on-one classes per day. Nelly dedicated many of these to polishing his speaking accuracy. His goals included:

• Mastering pronunciation (especially TH, L, and R)

• Using articles and prepositions correctly

• Choosing the right conjunctions in complex sentences

• Identifying and fixing his habitual errors

These lessons were conducted as conversations, with teachers “recasting” his sentences—repeating them in corrected form—which helped him understand not just the what, but also the why behind each correction.

“I recorded some of my lessons and listened to them afterward. That’s when I really started to notice my pronunciation issues and understand the logic behind the corrections.”

Group Classes: Motivation Through Social Energy

Group lessons brought a different kind of benefit: a sense of challenge and accountability. Speaking in front of peers made him more aware of how his English sounded to others.

“At first, group classes were a little intimidating. But once I tried them, I realized English is about communication, not perfection.”

Nelly tried out every available group class and then selected the ones that matched his learning style. One class that left a strong impression was English Demo taught by Teacher Rylene. Although he couldn’t join it this time due to scheduling conflicts, he remembered it well from his first stay.

“Listening to how other students express their ideas really expands your vocabulary and phrasing. And sometimes, I’d hear someone say something and think, ‘Hey, I can say that too!’—which gave me confidence.”

A Safe Space to Make Mistakes

Everyone says, “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.” But in reality, that’s easier said than done. What helped Nelly push past that fear was the supportive environment at 3D ACADEMY.

“The teachers were always smiling, never negative about mistakes. They’d say things like ‘Good try!’ or ‘Almost correct!’—it made me feel encouraged, not embarrassed.”

Being able to experience both the pressure of performing and the safety to fail created the ideal environment for growth. Nelly believes that was a major factor behind his significant improvement in speaking skills.

A Noticeable Change in Just 7 Weeks

“Every day, I started to feel more and more like I could express my thoughts clearly in English. It felt natural. And more importantly, it felt like people really understood me.”

His growth wasn’t something a test score could fully capture—it was something more practical, more real: the ability to speak up and be understood. Exactly the kind of skill needed to thrive in a graduate program abroad.

Chapter 4: Life Outside the Classroom—How I Spent My Afternoons and Weekends in Cebu

Study abroad is often associated with long hours in the classroom—but in reality, many successful students place just as much value on how they spend their free time.

Nelly was no exception. During his 7-week stay in Cebu, he carefully balanced study and relaxation to create a rhythm that worked for him.

Weekdays: A Cycle of Study, Exercise, and Recharge

“Studying English all day can tire your brain. That’s why I made it a point to reset with the gym or a walk—it really helped me stay sharp.”

His weekdays followed a steady flow: morning and afternoon classes, gym or rest in the evening, and review or light reading at night.

The school’s on-campus gym was a huge plus. After intensive mental work in class, being able to move his body was a great way to refresh.

“I didn’t do heavy workouts—just stretching or cardio to feel more awake. It also helped me maintain concentration the next day.”

Weekends: Exploring, Traveling, and the Sweets Club

Weekends were for getting out and enjoying the city. From shopping malls to island hopping and cafe hopping, Cebu offered a variety of activities.

“One of my favorite memories was joining the Sweets Club. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a group of students who love desserts. We researched new places every week and visited them together.”

They didn’t just eat—sometimes they reviewed the sweets or gave short presentations in English. It turned fun into learning.

“It didn’t feel like I had to study. It felt like I wanted to speak English because I was enjoying myself. That relaxed feeling helped me speak more naturally.”

The People You Meet Shape the Experience

Another major takeaway for Nelly was the friendships and conversations he had with fellow students from all over the world.

“Every week, someone would graduate, and new students would arrive. That constant rotation brought so many unique perspectives into my life.”

He met people who were also on gap years, working professionals switching careers, and even digital nomads learning English while traveling. These conversations often sparked deeper reflections on his own path.

“It may sound dramatic, but I really did start thinking about life, not just language. The people I met were inspiring.”

Study Abroad Isn’t Just About Studying

Of course, classes and textbooks are important. But being in an environment where you can learn comfortably and consistently is just as vital.

Nelly’s time outside the classroom was as valuable as the time inside. He:

• Stayed active to refresh his body

• Connected his hobbies to English

• Built friendships that supported his learning

All of this helped him go beyond “learning English” to using English as a tool for expression and connection.

Chapter 5: Living Conditions, Food, and Culture Shock

When studying abroad, classroom quality matters—but so does comfort in daily life. Even the best lessons can fall short if your living situation is stressful.
For Nelly, life at 3D ACADEMY was “very comfortable,” though he did encounter a few surprises and points for improvement along the way.

Dorm Life: Safe, Convenient, and Well-Managed

Nelly stayed in an on-campus dormitory, meaning his classroom and living space were all in one place. There was no need to commute in the morning or worry about safety at night.

“The room was clean, and regular cleaning and laundry services were a huge help. I was especially surprised by how fast the laundry was—much quicker than in Japan!”

Services like room cleaning and laundry are part of what makes studying in the Philippines convenient. Nelly appreciated how little he had to worry about anything outside of learning.

Meals: Tasty, but Could Be a Bit Healthier?

3D ACADEMY provides three buffet-style meals a day, often mixing Japanese, Filipino, and Korean cuisine. Most students give the meals high ratings.

Still, Nelly commented:

“The food was delicious, but I would have liked more healthy options. I tend to gain weight easily, so having a lot of fried or heavy foods every day was a bit concerning.”

He suggested that low-carb options and more vegetables could offer better balance. That said, he found breakfast staples like cereal and eggs to be reliably satisfying. Plus, the campus has a small convenience shop, which made snacking easy between meals.

The Surrounding Environment: Calm, But Not Isolated

The school is located in a quieter part of Cebu City, slightly removed from the touristy areas. Still, there are shopping malls, pharmacies, and restaurants nearby for all basic needs.

“It’s not overly convenient, but for a study-focused environment, it’s perfect. It’s quiet and peaceful, yet close enough to go out when needed.”

The nights were quiet too, allowing for uninterrupted study and sleep.

Nelly’s Top 3 Culture Shocks in Cebu

Living abroad inevitably brings cultural surprises. Here are the three that stood out most to Nelly:

1. So Many Staff in Stores and Restaurants!

“When you walk into a convenience store or a restaurant, there are so many staff. Some of them just stand there watching. At first, it was kind of confusing!”

In the Philippines, it’s common to have more employees than strictly necessary, both due to low labor costs and employment culture. While it felt strange at first, Nelly admitted it was actually helpful—assistance was always available.

2. Insanely Cheap and Delicious Mangoes

“In Japan, mangoes are luxury fruits. Here, you can buy one for around 50 yen! And they’re incredibly sweet.”

Cebu is famous for mangoes. Nelly made a habit of visiting local markets on weekends to buy them in bulk, along with other fruits like watermelon.

3. Gun Violence Feels Surprisingly Close

“One thing that shocked me was how common gun-related incidents felt. There was even an incident near the dorm while I was there. It made me more aware of safety.”

While the school itself is located in a safe area, Nelly learned to be cautious when going out—especially at night and alone.

Experiencing New Cultures Broadens Your World

“At first, some things felt scary or confusing. But I think discovering these differences is one of the true values of studying abroad.”

By living abroad, Nelly came to realize that many things he had considered “normal” were actually just cultural habits. This awareness, he says, was one of the most eye-opening parts of his journey.

Chapter 6: What Makes a Language School Worth Returning To? Nelly’s Reflections

“Seven weeks might sound long, but it went by in a flash. Still, I really felt that I accomplished something this time.”

For Nelly, this second stay in Cebu was more than an English program—it became a time to reflect deeply on his values and goals for the future.

Before and After: What Changed the Most?

The biggest change? Confidence.

“I used to second-guess myself whenever I spoke English. But now, that hesitation is mostly gone. Sure, accuracy matters, but more importantly, I learned to just say it.”

He also noticed a huge improvement in casual conversation and group discussions.

“There were moments I just kept talking—and even surprised myself!”

Laying the Foundation for Grad School Abroad

Nelly is now seriously considering graduate studies abroad. To prepare, he knew he needed more than just high test scores—he needed real communication skills.

“This was the perfect ‘groundwork’ experience. You can’t build these skills with textbooks alone. I needed to practice thinking, organizing, and sharing ideas in real English.”

That daily process of expressing thoughts, listening, and responding helped turn his classroom English into a natural part of how he communicates.

Why He Would Choose 3D ACADEMY Again

When asked if he’d return to the same school, Nelly didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, I’d definitely come back to 3D. And not just because the classes are good.”

For him, the value lies in the whole environment:

• Detailed support from Japanese management

• Flexible curriculum adjustments and diverse teachers

• A balance of study and comfortable living

• A focus on personal growth—not just grades or test results

“At the end of every class, I kept thinking, ‘That was fun. I want to learn more.’ That’s a rare and powerful feeling in language learning.”

A Message to Future Study Abroad Students

“If you want to become a better English speaker, just go. It’s okay to feel nervous at first—everyone does. But once you’re there, you’ll be surrounded by people with the same goals, and you’ll learn something new every single day.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just speak. Make mistakes. Learn. Do it again. One day, you’ll realize you’re speaking with confidence—and you’ll surprise yourself.

3D is the kind of place that helps you grow like that. If you want to find your own style of learning, this is a great place to start.”

Chapter 7: Packing Tips and Practical Advice — Nelly’s Study Abroad Essentials

Throughout his seven-week stay, Nelly discovered which items were truly helpful—and which ones he could have left behind. In this final chapter, he shares his top packing tips and practical advice for anyone considering studying abroad in Cebu or the Philippines.

What Was Worth Bringing

■ Laptop (Notebook PC)

“Absolutely essential. I used it almost every day for taking notes, making presentation slides, and checking PDF files shared by teachers.”

There are many tasks that smartphones just can’t handle efficiently. For anything from document editing to online study tools, a lightweight laptop is highly recommended.

■ Power Adapter & Extension Cord

“Some rooms don’t have many outlets, so an extension cord really helps. And a power adapter is a must.”

While many outlets in the Philippines are similar to Japan, some differ—so a multi-type adapter is the safest option.

■ Medication (Cold medicine, stomach relief, eye drops, etc.)

“You can buy medicine locally, but Japanese medications feel more reliable. Since some people may get stomach issues from the food, it’s good to be prepared.”

What I Probably Didn’t Need…

■ Too Many Clothes

“Laundry service is available twice a week, so you don’t need that many clothes. A few T-shirts and shorts were more than enough.”

The dress code is casual, and many students end up buying clothes locally anyway.

■ Heavy-Duty Security Gear

“Of course, safety is important. But I felt very safe both in the dorm and around campus, so there wasn’t much need for extra locks or gear.”

Some students bring padlocks or wire locks, but storing valuables in the dorm’s safe is usually sufficient.

Things I’m Glad I Did Before the Trip

• Warmed up with online English lessons

• Reviewed basic daily English phrases using an app

• Researched Cebu’s weather, cost of living, and lifestyle on YouTube and blogs

“Since I had mentally prepared for what kind of lifestyle to expect, I wasn’t overwhelmed when I arrived.”

10 Practical Study Abroad Tips (From Nelly)

1. Even if you’re unsure, speak English anyway—be brave.

2. Building rapport with your teachers makes classes more enjoyable.

3. Focus on your weak areas through one-on-one lessons.

4. Don’t overwork—use weekends to relax and recharge.

5. Turn hobbies into English practice (like joining local clubs).

6. Make time to speak English even with fellow Japanese students.

7. Get used to Filipino English accents—it helps you adapt.

8. Managing your health is part of managing your learning.

9. If you get tired of the cafeteria, explore delivery or cafes.

10. When in doubt—ask questions, try things. That’s the fastest path to growth.

Study Abroad Is What You Make It

“No matter how good the school is or how well-prepared the environment, in the end, your experience depends on how you use your time. And that’s exactly what makes study abroad so valuable—you learn how to find your own pace.”

Nelly spoke these words with a sense of calm and confidence that wasn’t there during his first stay.
In this second journey, he discovered a new perspective—and a new version of himself.

His words are sure to resonate with anyone preparing to take their own first step abroad.

日本語版を読む｜Nellyさんの7週間のセブ留学体験記