What’s the best way to study before I go?

What’s the best way to study before I go?

Short Answer: You don’t need to be fluent before coming—but preparing even a little can make your experience much smoother, more enjoyable, and more effective.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience with English, this guide will help you get ready for your English study abroad journey at 3D ACADEMY.

Why Study Before You Go?

Some students believe they should “wait until they arrive” to begin studying. While that’s possible, even just a few hours of preparation can make a huge difference in:

• Boosting your confidence on day one

• Making placement tests easier

• Understanding teachers more quickly

• Making friends and communicating from the start

• Getting more value from your one-on-one classes

Remember: The goal is not perfection. The goal is to start getting familiar with English again.

For Complete Beginners

If you can’t speak any English yet, that’s okay—many students at 3D ACADEMY start from zero. Here are some simple ways to prepare before you arrive:

1. Learn the Alphabet & Pronunciation

• Practice the English alphabet and basic phonics (A-B-C sounds)

• Apps like Duolingo ABC or YouTube phonics songs are great for this

• Learn how to spell your name in English (useful for immigration, check-in, etc.)

2. Memorize Basic Phrases

• Hello / How are you? / I’m fine, thank you

• What is this? / How much? / I don’t understand

• Please / Thank you / Excuse me / Can you help me?

You can download a phrasebook app or write phrases on flashcards to review daily.

3. Practice Listening to Natural English

• Watch English videos with English or Japanese subtitles

• Listen to short English podcasts (slow speed)

• Try “EnglishClass101” or “BBC Learning English: English at the Movies”

The goal is not full comprehension—just getting used to the sounds.

✏️ For Intermediate Learners

If you’ve studied English before (in school, at work, or through self-study), focus on refreshing and activating your skills:

1. Review Basic Grammar & Sentence Structure

• Subject + Verb + Object

  • “I eat breakfast.”

  • “She studies English.”

• Present / Past / Future simple

• Common prepositions (in, on, at)

• Question words (what, where, when, how)

Books like “Essential Grammar in Use” or free online grammar sites like Perfect English Grammar are great tools.

2. Expand Daily Vocabulary

• Focus on words you’ll use in daily life at school or in Cebu

  • Food, shopping, transportation, emotions, numbers, time, body parts

• Use spaced repetition apps like Anki, Quizlet, or Memrise

Set a goal: Learn 5–10 new words per day and use them in short example sentences.

3. Improve Listening with Shadowing

• Choose short dialogues or videos

• Listen, then repeat out loud with the same rhythm and tone

• You’ll improve both listening and speaking fluency

Try videos like “Real English Conversations” or YouTube: Speak English with Mr. Duncan

Mental Preparation Matters Too

Studying before your trip is not just about vocabulary or grammar—it’s also about your mindset.

1. Get Comfortable Making Mistakes

At 3D ACADEMY, nobody laughs at grammar errors. We celebrate effort and progress.
The more you speak, the faster you learn. It’s okay to say things wrong—as long as you keep trying.

2. Build a Habit of Daily English

Even 10 minutes a day of English can create momentum.
Use your commute, lunch break, or bath time to:

• Listen to an English podcast

• Write 3 sentences in English

• Say aloud what you did today in English

Consistency beats intensity.

3. Set Clear Goals for Your Stay

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to pass a TOEIC or IELTS test?

• Do I want to speak confidently in everyday life?

• Do I want to prepare for working abroad?

Your answers will help you and your teachers customize your classes once you arrive.

Recommended Study Tools Before You Arrive

Here’s a curated list of beginner-friendly and intermediate-level tools:

You don’t need to use them all. Choose 1–2 and make them a habit.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even motivated students sometimes prepare in the wrong way. Here’s what not to do:

1. Studying Only Grammar Books for Hours

It’s easy to fall back into “textbook mode” and forget about speaking.
Grammar is important, but practice speaking and listening too.

2. Trying to Become Fluent Before Arrival

You don’t need to be fluent. That’s why you’re going abroad to study!
Perfectionism leads to frustration. Aim for progress, not perfection.

3. Not Preparing at All

Students who don’t review even simple phrases often feel nervous on Day 1.
Even a little review gives you confidence and comfort.

What 3D ACADEMY Will Teach You

Even if you do very little before coming, don’t worry—our teachers will guide you step by step.

At 3D ACADEMY, we offer:

• One-on-one lessons every weekday

• Beginner-friendly classes using gestures, visuals, and slow speech

• Patient teachers who have worked with complete beginners

• Staff who speak Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, to support you as needed

Many students say they felt a “breakthrough” in English after just 1–2 weeks.

✅ Summary: How to Prepare Before Studying Abroad

✈️ Final Message

Studying abroad is one of the best ways to improve your English—but a little preparation before you leave can make your journey even more rewarding.

Even 1 week of pre-arrival practice can:

• Reduce your fear of speaking

• Help you connect with classmates faster

• Make your first classes more enjoyable

• Save time in adjusting to your new environment

Start small. Stay consistent. And come to Cebu with curiosity and courage.
We’ll take care of the rest.