Today\u2019s feature is all about Ari<\/strong>!<\/p>\n
She showed us a wonderful study-abroad style: learning seriously, enjoying every moment, and staying true to herself throughout the journey.
In this article, I\u2019ll share Ari\u2019s inspiring story with you.<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re planning your own study abroad or still thinking about it, I hope Ari\u2019s experience offers you plenty of valuable insights.<\/p>\n
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About Ari<\/h2>\n![\"IMG_3642\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/IMG_3642-300x225.jpg\")
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<\/h1>\nAfter graduating from a vocational school, Ari worked as a medical clerk at a pharmacy in her hometown of Hokkaido for five years.<\/p>\n
She later resigned and stayed at 3D Academy for six months.<\/p>\n
What inspired you to study abroad?<\/h3>\n
After several years working as a medical clerk, I had grown used to the job and daily routine. Same workplace, same people, same rhythm\u2014while that brought a sense of stability, I couldn\u2019t shake off a quiet sense of dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n That\u2019s when a strong desire arose in me: I remembered how much I had enjoyed studying English back in high school. At the same time, I really wanted to live in a place completely different from Japan.<\/strong> In fact, I had only traveled abroad once before\u2014on a guided tour to Italy several years ago. It all started by chance. That\u2019s when I learned that Cebu is actually a popular destination for English study abroad. Of course, I briefly considered Canada, Australia, and the UK. That\u2019s why Cebu made perfect sense\u2014it\u2019s affordable, and one-on-one lessons are the standard. Now that I\u2019m actually here, I can say with confidence: The cost of living is low, daily life is easy, and most importantly, I get to speak English every single day.<\/strong> (Photo: Girls\u2019 day out at a caf\u00e9 with school friends)<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAre you really going to stay abroad for six months all by yourself?\u201d<\/strong> At the time, I was desperate to break free from my current lifestyle, and I felt that the only way to truly change was to throw myself into a completely new environment. Of course, the people around me didn\u2019t necessarily feel the same. My parents were especially concerned. So I carefully shared everything I had researched about Cebu:<\/p>\n There are many language schools on the island.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Plenty of agents and support systems are available.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Many schools have Japanese staff on-site and prioritize safety.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Compared to other countries, tuition and living expenses are reasonable, and the quality of education is high.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n As I explained these points, my parents slowly came around. Looking back now, I can honestly say that this experience became a major turning point in my life. To be frank, the biggest reason I chose 3D ACADEMY was the cost.<\/strong> When I finally started researching seriously, I wasn\u2019t comparing curriculums or facilities\u2014I was simply comparing total costs, including tuition and accommodation. Once I arrived, though, I realized I had hit the jackpot\u2014even though I\u2019d chosen the school mainly for budget reasons.<\/p>\n The first thing that impressed me was how clean<\/strong> everything was. Most importantly, the staff and teachers were incredibly kind and attentive. During my first month, I enrolled in the \u201c5 Man-to-Man Classes\u201d<\/strong> course\u2014five one-on-one classes per day. But as time went on, I started to feel differently. \u201cIf you really want to improve your English, try some group classes too. Speaking with others is crucial for growth.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That advice resonated with me, and from the second month, I switched to the ESL (General English)<\/strong> course. In group classes, I had the chance to speak with students from other countries. Then, in my final (sixth) month, I returned to the \u201c5 Man-to-Man\u201d<\/strong> course. One great feature of 3D is that you can change your course<\/strong> according to your goals and skill level. The teachers were all incredibly friendly and always greeted us with warm smiles. Even when I struggled to express myself in English, they could grasp my meaning from a few words or gestures and keep the conversation going. (Photo: A trip with teachers and friends)<\/em><\/p>\n My weekly routine at 3D ACADEMY was built on a steady rhythm of focused study and refreshing breaks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n On weekdays, I had classes from morning to late afternoon\u2014each day was packed and fulfilling. I also frequently visited the gym<\/strong> inside the school. At night, I tried to spend as much time as possible reviewing and preparing for the next day\u2019s lessons<\/strong>. On weekends, I sometimes woke up early to visit local caf\u00e9s, or went on day trips and sightseeing with friends or teachers. But actually, my favorite way to spend weekends was in the self-study room at school<\/strong>. Sure, caf\u00e9s were fun and activities were exciting\u2014but in that quiet space, I could clearly feel myself growing, and that gave me real motivation.<\/p>\n When I first started studying abroad, I honestly didn\u2019t have a clear picture of where I\u2019d be six months later. And that\u2019s when I decided to take on a working holiday in Canada<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve already started preparing for a one-year stay, during which I plan to participate in a paid hotel internship<\/strong>. I wouldn\u2019t have made this decision if it weren\u2019t for 3D\u2014 Looking further ahead, I\u2019d love to work as a bilingual tour guide in my hometown, Hokkaido<\/strong>. I never thought that learning English would change the way I see my career and my future. One thing I learned over my six-month stay is this: During the first one or two months, everything is new and exciting, and it\u2019s easy to stay motivated. I think this happens to a lot of long-term students. For me, I tried changing things up when I felt stuck\u2014 Most importantly, I realized that keeping a sense of tension and commitment<\/strong> is key. The six months I spent weren\u2019t always easy\u2014but that\u2019s exactly why I can now look back and clearly feel my own growth and transformation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n (Photo: My batchmates who enrolled at the same time)<\/em><\/p>\n My time at 3D ACADEMY became something truly precious\u2014a treasure of a lifetime<\/strong>.<\/p>\n One of the most impactful parts of my experience was meeting people with backgrounds and values completely different from what I\u2019d encountered in Japan. I also had the chance to study with students from Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Mongolia, and many other countries. Since I\u2019m not great at planning trips on my own, I really appreciated the school-organized weekend trips<\/strong>. And most of all, the time I spent with my teachers was at the very heart of my study abroad experience. The teachers were always so cheerful and welcoming. The classrooms had a positive, uplifting atmosphere. Ari-san had a calm and composed demeanor, paired with an inner strength that left a lasting impression on all of us. Many people imagine study abroad as something active and adventurous\u2014like going on trips every weekend.
But gradually, a small question began to form in my mind:
\u201cIs this really how I want to spend the rest of my life?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
\u201cI want to challenge myself with something completely new.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
Grammar was tricky, but watching movies in English or translating lyrics had been fun.
Although I had drifted away from English after becoming a working adult, I suddenly wanted to rediscover that joy again\u2014to reconnect with the excitement of learning English.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Life in Japan is very comfortable, but I was curious: how would I handle myself in a place where I didn\u2019t speak the language or understand the culture?
What kind of people would I meet? I wanted to dive into that unknown world.<\/p>\n
Because a tour guide handled everything, it wasn\u2019t what you\u2019d call \u201ctraveling independently.\u201d
So this was my first time managing everything on my own.
I wasn\u2019t even used to flying, so I was a bit nervous about coming to Cebu\u2014but honestly, the excitement of stepping into a brand-new world outweighed the fear.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWhy did you choose Cebu?<\/h3>\n
One day at a bookstore, I happened to pick up a book about studying abroad in Cebu.
The bright, cheerful photos and phrases like \u201cone-on-one classes\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cfriendly teachers\u201d<\/strong> immediately caught my eye.<\/p>\n
Compared to Western countries, the cost is much lower, and the teaching style is friendly for beginners.
With its warm climate and kind people, the more I researched, the more I felt,
\u201cThis is the place for me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
But realistically, those options were simply too expensive.
Since I had already quit my job to do this, I had to be practical about tuition and living expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven in a short time, I can study deeply and meaningfully.\u201d<\/strong>
That became my guiding principle.<\/p>\n
Choosing Cebu was the right decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n
It\u2019s the perfect place for someone like me, staying abroad for the first time.<\/p>\n
\nLong-Term Study Abroad as a Solo Female Traveler<\/h3>\n
![\"6500\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/6500-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
That\u2019s something I heard over and over again before leaving Japan.
But to be honest, I personally didn\u2019t feel anxious at all about studying abroad solo for an extended period.<\/p>\n
I believed that going alone\u2014not depending on anyone\u2014would lead to unique growth and discoveries that only I could gain.<\/p>\n
Friends and relatives in my hometown were worried, often asking things like, \u201cIsn\u2019t the Philippines dangerous?\u201d<\/strong>
I realized then that English study abroad in Cebu wasn\u2019t very well known in my circle yet.<\/p>\n
Sending their daughter off alone to a foreign country\u2014one that feels unfamiliar to many Japanese\u2014was understandably worrisome for them.<\/p>\n\n
They eventually said, \u201cWe can see you\u2019ve thought this through,\u201d<\/strong> and began to support me.<\/p>\n
Yes, going alone takes courage\u2014but when you take that step of your own free will, what you gain is immeasurable.<\/p>\n
\nWhy Did I Choose 3D ACADEMY?<\/h3>\n
I didn\u2019t have much prior knowledge about schools in Cebu, so I didn\u2019t really have specific criteria.<\/p>\n
Among the schools I found, 3D ACADEMY had the best value. I thought,
\u201cIf I\u2019m going to stay for six months, I need somewhere affordable enough to sustain that.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
The buildings, classrooms, hallways, even the restrooms were cleaned thoroughly every day.
It made my stay very comfortable, and I\u2019d happily recommend it to anyone who values cleanliness, especially fellow Japanese.<\/p>\n
They were warm and approachable, often sensing and addressing my concerns even before I voiced them.
In the end, I truly felt like I had made the right choice\u2014even though I\u2019d initially picked the school based on price alone.<\/p>\n
\nCourse Content and How My Learning Evolved<\/h3>\n
Since I had some anxiety about my English ability, I figured it was best to start in a setting where I could focus at my own pace without worrying about others.<\/p>\n
One day, I joined a free conversation class<\/strong>, and a teacher said something that stuck with me:<\/p>\n\n
This course includes both one-on-one and group classes, striking a great balance between independent study and real-life communication practice.<\/p>\n
Little by little, I could feel my ability to express myself grow stronger.<\/p>\n
By then, I knew exactly what my weak points were and wanted to focus on them intensively.<\/p>\n
The flexibility really helped me tailor my study plan as I grew.<\/p>\n
What stood out most, though, was their amazing intuition.<\/strong><\/p>\n
That kind of support made me feel confident\u2014\u201cMaybe I really can do this.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWeekday and Weekend Life<\/h2>\n
![\"6491\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/6491-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
After class, I often joined the free yoga classes<\/strong> offered on campus.
Moving my body helped me reset mentally, and the deep breathing exercises eased away the fatigue from studying.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not particularly athletic, but exercising helped clear my head after being immersed in English all day.
More than anything, it gave me a sense of living a healthy lifestyle, which had a positive effect on my overall mindset.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t just rely on the textbooks\u2014I also went back through notes my teachers gave me and my own notebook of weak points.
It was important for me to feel that \u201ctoday\u2019s me is helping tomorrow\u2019s me grow.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cebu has beautiful beaches and mountains, and there\u2019s plenty of natural beauty to enjoy and be refreshed by.<\/p>\n
It was surprisingly quiet on weekends, and the calm yet focused atmosphere helped me stay concentrated for hours at a time.<\/p>\n
\nWhat\u2019s Next in My Career<\/strong><\/h3>\n
But through my life at 3D, my studies, and the many people I met, I began to feel a strong desire to \u201cuse English in my future work.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
By working while using English daily, I hope to sharpen my communication and real-world language skills even further.<\/p>\n
It was here that I learned how fun and rewarding it is to connect with people through English<\/strong>.
It wasn\u2019t just about studying grammar or vocabulary; I got to experience English as a real-life tool, which opened up a new career path for me.<\/p>\n
I think it would be amazing to introduce our beautiful nature and delicious food culture to visitors from around the world\u2014in English.<\/p>\n
But now, a world I could never have imagined just a few years ago is right in front of me.<\/p>\n
\nAdvice for Long-Term Study Abroad<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cThe real challenge comes after you\u2019ve settled in.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
But by the third month, once you\u2019ve grown used to the environment, you may start to hit a bit of a slump.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to think about how to reset yourself when that dip in motivation comes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Switching to a different course, studying in a new place, or rearranging my daily schedule helped bring freshness back into my routine.
Repeating the same thing every day can dull your focus, so you need to actively create new stimulation<\/strong> for yourself.<\/p>\n
Waking up at the same time each day, setting aside fixed time for review and preparation, and scheduling weekly English discussions with others\u2014
Even small rules like these can bring structure and help you stay on track.<\/p>\n
\nMemories at School<\/h2>\n
![\"6490\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/6490-300x169.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll never forget the moment I met a young woman in her 20s who had stopped by 3D in the middle of her solo trip around the world.
I thought, \u201cWait, this adorable girl is traveling the world on her own?!\u201d<\/em>\u2014I was full of both surprise and admiration.<\/p>\n
Through our conversations, I learned about their cultures and daily lives, and I realized that many things I considered \u201cnormal\u201d were completely different<\/strong> elsewhere.
It was in those moments I understood: studying in Cebu isn\u2019t just about learning English\u2014it\u2019s about discovering the world.<\/p>\n
Thanks to those, I was able to visit stunning beaches like Bohol and Pandanon Island with teachers and friends.
I was blown away by the beauty of Cebu\u2019s natural scenery.
The sunsets we watched together, the Filipino dishes we shared, the chats during van rides\u2014every moment became a treasured memory.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Every day in class, I struggled with the challenge\u2014and joy\u2014of expressing myself in English.
One memory I\u2019ll always hold close is the day a teacher told me, \u201cI understand exactly what you\u2019re trying to say.\u201d<\/em>
That simple sentence filled me with such happiness and confidence.<\/p>\n
Whenever I stumbled, they gently reassured me with words like, \u201cIt\u2019s okay\u2014take your time,\u201d<\/em> and whenever I spoke well, they would say, \u201cThat was a great expression!\u201d<\/em>
Those small but heartfelt interactions helped me embrace English with both courage and joy.<\/p>\n
\nAfterword<\/strong><\/h3>\n
As staff members, we could clearly see that she was committed to her goals and always learning with purpose\u2014while staying true to her own pace.<\/p>\n
And yes, that\u2019s one way to enjoy it!
But there are also students like Ari-san, who quietly and steadily work toward a clear future goal.
And they are just as inspiring.<\/p>\n