3D ACADEMY: Complete Packing Guide for Studying Abroad

Before traveling to study on Cebu Island, many people are not sure what to pack.

In this guide for those coming to study at 3D ACADEMY, we sort out and present what is “essential,” what is “worth bringing,” what is “useful to have,” and what is “not necessary.”

We recommend reading this page once before you travel and again after you arrive.

• Passport (with at least 6 months of remaining validity when you enter the Philippines, and covering at least the days of your stay)
• Plane ticket (E-ticket. Printed and with you. We recommend booking an onward ticket even if you will not use it)
• Certificate of admission (issued by the school. Printed and with you)
• Cash (we recommend bringing the equivalent of several tens of thousands of yen)
• International travel insurance (we recommend bringing a certificate of coverage in English)
• Chargers (for your computer, mobile phone and camera)
• Your usual medicines (for colds, stomach problems, headaches, eye drops, etc.)

We also recommend bringing a credit card (it is very handy if it allows cash withdrawals abroad).

When entering the Philippines, you may be asked to show an onward ticket to a third country within 30 days. At our school, we recommend booking an onward ticket even if you will not use it.

The visa can be extended in the Philippines through the school, so you do not need to arrange it in advance even if your stay is longer than 30 days. Depending on the travel agency, you may sometimes be told to set your return date within 30 days. In that case, another option is to buy an open ticket that matches the length of the program, provisionally set a return date within 30 days, and change it to your planned return date after you arrive at the school.

Even if you went through exit control using an automatic facial recognition system (for example, at Narita Airport), please also go to an exit control officer and ask them to put the “departure stamp” in your passport. This stamp is required for the visa extension procedure.

If the airline tells you that “for stays of more than 30 days a visa is required,” explain that “the visa will be extended in the Philippines through the school.” If necessary, show documents such as the certificate of admission. If check-in is still difficult, you will first need to buy a ticket with a return date within 30 days, and once you arrive in the country, arrange a date change or cancellation.

• International debit card (very handy abroad. It may be a good time to apply for one before your trip. Do not forget your PIN)
• Credit card (very handy if it allows cash withdrawals abroad. In some cases it can be used as ID)
• Study materials in Japanese (they cannot be bought in the Philippines. For grammar study, for example, materials in Japanese are more efficient)
• Glasses, contact lenses and care products (they can be bought in the Philippines, but they are expensive and the choice is limited)
• Folding umbrella (it often rains suddenly. A folding umbrella is very useful)
• Hair dryer (Japanese appliances need a voltage converter. The school also rents them, in limited numbers and for a fee)
• Clothes for at least one week (laundry is done 2 times a week. From drop-off to pick-up it can take up to 4 or 5 days)

Clothes can also be bought cheaply in the Philippines. You can bring just the bare minimum and buy what you are missing in Cebu. Laundry is done 2 times a week, and from drop-off to pick-up it can take up to 4 or 5 days, so we recommend bringing a little more underwear and socks than usual, keeping this turnaround in mind.

• Sandals (useful in the heat. Beach flip-flops can be bought cheaply in the Philippines)
• Sneakers (for sports or going out)
• Cap and sunglasses (recommended because of the strong sun. They can also be bought in the Philippines)
• Small bag or waist pouch (handy as a bag for small items)
• Towels (they can be bought in the Philippines, but good-quality ones cost more than in Japan)
• Swimsuit (during your stay there are many chances to go to the beach or the pool)
• Insect repellent (it can be bought in the Philippines, but there is less choice than in Japan)
• Cosmetics, shampoo and body soap (some products may not suit your skin, so it is better to bring the ones you already use)
• Sunscreen (it can be bought in the Philippines, but it is more reassuring to bring the one you already use)

The items in this section can be bought in the Philippines if you have no particular preferences. If you want to travel light, it is fine to plan to buy them there. Buying what you need as the need arises is also a good option.

• Laptop (recommended if your stay is longer than one month)
• Electronic dictionary (useful if you do not plan to use apps on your phone)
• Stationery (it can be bought in the Philippines, but good-quality items cost more than in Japan)
• Extension cord (useful if few outlets are available)
• Supplements (they can be bought in the Philippines, but they cost more than in Japan)
• Japanese food (furikake, instant miso soup, seasonings, etc., only for those who want it)
• Other everyday items (nail clippers, etc., if you have some you already use)

About outlets: the outlets at the school have the same shape as those in Japan. You do not need an adapter, but always make sure, before leaving your country, that your electrical appliances are compatible with 220V. If you bring a laptop, always keep it in a place that can be locked when you go out, to prevent theft.

• Paper dictionary (an electronic dictionary is best. During classes there is hardly any time to look things up in a paper dictionary)
• Traveler's checks (they can hardly be used in the Philippines)
• Plug adapter (the outlets at the school have the same shape as Japanese sockets)
• Voltage converter (if you do not need it right away, it can be bought cheaply in the Philippines)
• Flashy valuables (flashy clothes or accessories, expensive watches, etc. You will hardly have an occasion to use them. For safety, it is better not to bring them)

The voltage in the Philippines is 220V. The plug shape is the same as in Japan, but electrical appliances made only for 100V cannot be used as they are. Before leaving your country, check whether you need a voltage converter.

Avoid bringing expensive watches, accessories or designer items. When you go out, carry your cash split between different places and avoid walking alone at night. We ask that each person take care of their own valuables.

Essential

• Passport
• Plane ticket (E-ticket)
• Certificate of admission
• Cash
• International travel insurance
• Chargers
• Your usual medicines

Recommended

• Credit card
• International debit card
• Study materials in Japanese
• Glasses or contact lenses
• Folding umbrella
• Hair dryer
• Clothes for one week

Useful

• Sandals
• Sneakers
• Cap and sunglasses
• Small bag
• Towels
• Swimsuit
• Insect repellent
• Cosmetics
• Sunscreen
• Laptop
• Electronic dictionary
• Stationery
• Extension cord
• Supplements
• Japanese food

Not necessary

• Paper dictionary
• Traveler's checks
• Plug adapter
• Voltage converter
• Flashy valuables

On Cebu Island you can find almost everything you need for daily life. If you want to travel light, it is fine to prepare only the essentials well and buy the rest once you are there.

If you have any questions, please feel free to consult our Japanese staff, both before you travel and during your stay.