[Study abroad testimonial] Studying in Cebu where she felt that “speaking is fun!”

Where it began: the frustration she felt while studying in New Zealand

Love began to feel a strong wish to “speak English fluently” because of an earlier experience: a short study abroad program in New Zealand during her first year of university.

“That time it was a two-week program with classes only in the morning. On top of that, they were all group classes. Honestly, it wasn’t very useful as practice for ‘speaking’ English.”

She says that during class it was always the same people who took the initiative to speak, and that her own chances to take part were limited. As a result, she remembers that experience as a period of some frustration: “I wanted to speak English, but I couldn’t,” “I knew the words, but the conversation didn’t flow.”

Even so, she says she clearly felt “the joy of learning English abroad.”

“If I could really talk with people from other countries, it would be so much more fun!” That feeling stayed alive inside her for a long time.

And so, driven by the wish “this time I really want to develop my ability to speak,” she decided to set out on this new study abroad trip to Cebu Island, in the Philippines. A program centered on one-on-one classes, with far more opportunities to speak English, and an environment that let her study seriously without driving up costs: those were also the reasons she chose 3D ACADEMY.

Drawn by the “trust and track record” of a school recommended by the university co-op

Among the large number of language schools available, Love chose 3D ACADEMY thanks to a trustworthy source of information and its excellent value for the price.

“3D is the school that was recommended to me at my university’s co-op. They told me that many classmates from previous years had already studied there and that it had a very good reputation.”

After reading real testimonials and receiving explanations from the staff, she intuitively felt that “this school suited her too.”

In addition, a deciding factor was how affordable the price was.

“Compared with other language schools, 3D was quite inexpensive. I thought that this way I could put more money toward daily life and sightseeing, and that it wouldn’t be too much of a burden on my parents.”

Besides group classes, another point she especially valued, after reflecting on her previous experience, was that there were “plenty of one-on-one classes.”

“This time I really wanted to develop my ‘ability to speak’ English, so a class style centered on speaking seemed ideal to me.”

In this way, within a limited time and budget, Love decided that 3D ACADEMY was “the most suitable environment for her,” and so she resolved to study there.

Classes where she discovered the joy of speaking English and the real feeling of “being understood”

What left the deepest mark on Love during this study trip at 3D was a profound change: “the resistance she felt to speaking English disappeared.”

“At first I was also worried about making mistakes. But because the teachers corrected me right away, kindly, and listened carefully to everything I said, English started coming out of me naturally.”

Speaking was precisely the area she felt she had not been able to develop during her study in New Zealand.

“On my previous trip everything was group classes and I could hardly speak. But at 3D I had up to four one-on-one classes a day, an environment where ‘you have no choice but to speak.’”

Through conversations with her teachers, she gradually expanded her vocabulary and expressions, and she says she felt the joy of being able to convey her own ideas every day.

Teachers who made her want to speak more

What Love describes as “the greatest appeal of 3D” is, without a doubt, having such warm and friendly teachers.

“However small the achievement, they would tell me ‘Good job!’ and that gave me confidence. I ended up talking about things I wouldn’t normally even mention in Japan (laughs).”

An atmosphere that let her enjoy English not as a “school subject” but as a tool for communication raised Love’s motivation even further.

In this chapter you can clearly see the enormous influence that both 3D’s curriculum and the human warmth of its teachers had in developing English as a true “communication skill.”

A clean room and delicious meals as the foundation of learning

Love also spoke with a smile about her experience in the 3D ACADEMY dorm, saying she was “very satisfied.”

“The cleaning staff tidied the room every day, so it was always clean and comfortable. Being able to live without that kind of stress was something I really appreciated.”

The food also received high marks. The three daily meals offered by the dorm have a Japanese-style base, designed for the tastes of students from Japan, and, apart from the scarcity of vegetables, she was fully satisfied.

“When I thought about the food in Cebu I felt a bit uneasy, but the food at 3D was much more delicious than I had imagined. I looked forward to it every day!”

Shopping and sightseeing on weekends｜Enjoying the charm of Cebu with her classmates

Between studies, she also made sure to set aside time to unwind.

“On weekends I went shopping at the mall with friends, or took part in the excursions organized by the school.”

One of the memories that stayed with her most was the short excursion to the Simala church.

“I had seen it in a brochure and it caught my eye. In person it was even prettier than in the photos, so I was very glad I went. The bus ride takes about two hours, but it’s inexpensive and easy to do.”

The area was safe enough to go out in her free time, and these small outings seemed to work as an excellent break between studies.

Exchange with classmates from other countries broadens your outlook

Love says that, thanks to this study trip, she made friends from countries as varied as Taiwan, Mongolia and Indonesia.

“I got along especially well with my roommate from Taiwan. We’re still in touch on Facebook even now.”

3D ACADEMY is a school where students of many nationalities come together. Using English as a “learning tool” while naturally enjoying multicultural exchange was one of the factors that contributed most to Love’s high level of satisfaction.

Overcoming insecurity and discovering that “speaking is fun”

For Love, this study trip to Cebu Island became an experience that deeply transformed “her attitude toward English.”

“In my previous study in New Zealand, everything revolved around group classes and my speaking barely improved. That’s why I had come to think that ‘I simply don’t know how to speak.’”

What dispelled that idea were the one-on-one classes at 3D ACADEMY.

“Since it’s one-on-one, you find yourself in a situation where ‘you have no choice but to speak.’ But far from being negative, that turned out to be very positive: little by little I got used to it.”

In class, the teacher paid close attention to everything Love said and, if there was a mistake, pointed it out right away; then they practiced the correct expression together on the spot. According to her, that repetition is what allowed her to steadily improve her speaking.

Confidence came through a relationship of trust with her teachers

“The 3D teachers are really very approachable, and they give you a lot of confidence to speak. I ended up telling them things I wouldn’t even say in Japan (laughs).”

Love recalls that feeling that “it’s okay to make mistakes” naturally turned into self-confidence.

Thanks to the closeness with her teachers and the time spent chatting not only during classes but also after them, she came to take in the idea that English was not simply a “subject” but a true “tool for communication.”

The joy of being understood in her own English, turned into motivation

“At first I could barely put words together, but now I’m happy when the other person laughs or is surprised thanks to my own English.”

By experiencing the “joy of being understood,” learning English stopped being an “obligation” for Love and became an “exciting experience.”

“Speaking English has become fun, and now I want to keep getting better and better.”

The wish to “work using English” became much clearer

Love’s study trip doesn’t end with “simply learning the language.” She has a clear vision of her future.

“In the future I’d like to work using English. That’s why, even after returning to my country, I’ll keep studying.”

The joy of “speaking English” that she discovered in Cebu also had a positive influence on her career outlook. Working in a field where “what you like” and “what you’re good at” intersect: this study trip was the first step toward that goal.

Back in her country, she plans to practice English online and prepare for the TOEIC

Love admits that, before this trip, her motivation to study English was low, but now she keeps studying with a positive attitude, wishing to “stay in touch with English in her daily life.”

“I want to start taking online English classes so I don’t lose the conversation skills I gained. I also want to work hard on preparing for the TOEIC and get a good score.”

In addition to the practical English ability she gained at 3D, it seems she has developed a wish to also demonstrate her skills through an official certification.

Studying abroad can also be useful for job hunting

For Love, who is currently in her third year of university, job hunting is about to begin.

Beyond “being able to speak English,” the very experience of living, learning and adapting within another culture becomes a big plus when it comes to standing out to employers.

“The weekend activities and the exchange with friends of other nationalities left a very strong impression on me. I could feel, even if only a little, that ‘I can get by in any environment.’”

The days she spent on Cebu Island gave Love a sense that “the world is very big,” along with the confidence that “she can make it there too.”

Love’s three weeks, marked by more confidence and more smiles

The greatest achievement Love gained through this study trip at 3D ACADEMY was coming to feel that “speaking English is fun.”

Even if she worried about grammar or word order, she discovered the joy of putting words together to be understood and learned to speak without fear of making mistakes. That small change will surely build up into great confidence for her future learning.

Especially memorable is the story that she stays in touch almost every day, even after returning to her country, with her roommate from Taiwan, with whom she lived for only one week. The friendship that English made possible will undoubtedly be a treasure for Love’s whole life.

Love, thank you so much for studying with us at 3D ACADEMY and for giving us such a lovely smile!

In such a short period, you faced many challenges, and it was very impressive how actively you enjoyed the classes, the activities and the exchange with your classmates.

Coming to feel that English is “fun” and gaining the confidence to speak with assurance will undoubtedly be a great asset for your future life.

We are sure that, back in Japan, you will be able to keep moving forward with your TOEIC and online English studies. And we sincerely hope that, in the future, you will also dare to look for a job related to English.

The whole team is looking forward with great excitement to the day we can see each other again in Cebu!