![\"DSC_1912\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/DSC_1912-300x200.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Hi! I’m Chloe, an intern manager at 3D ACADEMY.
Today, I\u2019d like to share the inspiring story of Yuho, who left her job at a travel agency in Japan to embark on a language study journey in Cebu.<\/p>\n
Although Yuho had always struggled with English, she held onto a strong desire to speak it confidently one day.
With that dream in mind\u2014and despite fears like \u201cMaybe this isn\u2019t for me\u201d\u2014she took a leap of faith and experienced her very first study abroad adventure.<\/p>\n
In this interview, she opens up about her life at 3D ACADEMY, what she learned, and how the experience helped her grow\u2014both in language and in life.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nBefore coming to Cebu, Yuho worked at a travel agency in Japan. As part of her job, she handled international travel arrangements and often interacted with foreign tourists. However, despite her role in the travel industry, she rarely had opportunities to speak English herself and often felt frustrated by her limited language skills.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhenever foreign customers visited, I couldn\u2019t assist them myself and had to rely on English-speaking colleagues. I felt frustrated and kept thinking, If only I could speak English…<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Yuho had also traveled extensively in her personal life, visiting various countries across Asia and Europe. Still, she frequently found herself unable to communicate effectively with locals, which reinforced her sense of needing to learn English.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWhile traveling, I mostly relied on gestures to get by at hotels and restaurants. I often had to ask friends to translate, and I felt uneasy whenever I was alone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
These accumulated experiences made her realize she couldn\u2019t keep putting it off, and she began seriously considering studying abroad.<\/p>\n
That said, studying abroad was a completely unknown world for Yuho. Having never studied abroad before, she recalls feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty and doubt.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAt first, I wondered if it was too late to study abroad. Quitting my job was also a tough decision. None of my friends had studied overseas, so it was hard to find reliable information, and it took me a long time to make up my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It took more than six months from the moment she first considered studying abroad to the time she actually departed. In the end, she chose to trust her feelings.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI was filled with worry, but the desire to speak English outweighed my fears. I didn\u2019t want to look back with regret, thinking I should\u2019ve gone.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
With that mindset, Yuho quit her job and embarked on her very first language study experience. She chose Cebu in the Philippines as the destination for this new challenge, and specifically picked 3D ACADEMY<\/strong> for its strong cost performance and reassuring Japanese management.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI was unsure whether I could really do it, but I believed in my desire to speak English and took a step forward toward Cebu.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nWhat Sparked It All\uff5cThe Frustration of Not Being Able to Communicate<\/h2>\n
Yuho\u2019s strong desire to learn English again stemmed from both her professional life and her personal travels.<\/p>\n
While working at the travel agency, she often found herself unable to assist foreign customers directly, something that weighed heavily on her.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEvery time I had to pass customers to a coworker, I thought, If only I could speak English, I could do my job with more confidence.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
During her travels abroad, she also struggled to communicate with locals, which brought the language barrier into sharp focus.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI relied on friends who could speak English or used body language to get by. People were friendly, but I knew the trips would be so much more fulfilling if I could communicate with them myself.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
All of these moments reinforced her awareness of the importance of English. Yuho started seriously considering studying abroad around October 2023<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Still, taking that step wasn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cCan I really do this? Is it safe? Which school should I choose? I had so many concerns because I had no experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
She couldn\u2019t make the decision right away. For about half a year, she continued gathering information while dealing with her fears.<\/p>\n
A few months before her departure, her mindset finally shifted. Her desire to try, even if she failed, became stronger than her hesitation.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI wasn\u2019t perfectly prepared, but I decided to go anyway. I felt that trying and failing would still be better than doing nothing and regretting it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
For Yuho, studying abroad had always been a dream. Taking this first step was both a major life decision and a powerful commitment to her personal growth.<\/p>\n
\nWhy She Chose Cebu and 3D ACADEMY\uff5cPrioritizing an Environment That Fits Her Personality<\/h2>\n
Out of all the possible destinations, Yuho chose Cebu based on one important criterion: finding a learning environment that suited her personality<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI\u2019m not very comfortable speaking up in large groups, so I was looking for a place where I could study in small classes or one-on-one settings.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
One of the strengths of studying English in the Philippines is the focus on one-on-one lessons. Yuho was especially drawn to the idea of practicing conversation at her own pace, without worrying about others around her.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn group lessons, you have to wait for your turn to speak. But with one-on-one lessons, I didn\u2019t have to worry about that at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
After researching and comparing multiple schools through counseling, Yuho ultimately chose 3D ACADEMY<\/strong>. Her decision was based on three key factors:<\/p>\n
1. Affordable and Cost-Effective<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cThe overall cost was reasonable, and the number of lessons included made it feel like a great value. Compared to studying in Western countries, the cost was much more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
2. Japanese-Managed Support System<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cSince this was my first time studying abroad, having someone I could talk to in Japanese if anything went wrong gave me peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
3D ACADEMY has Japanese staff on-site, making it easy for students to get help and support when needed.<\/p>\n
3. School Culture and Student Reviews<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cAs I did more research, I found that the school had a relaxed atmosphere where I could learn at my own pace. That really appealed to me. I felt it was a good fit for my personality.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
She also found blogs and social media posts from past students reassuring and relatable, which gave her a sense of confidence in her choice.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIn the end, I told myself, You won\u2019t know unless you try!<\/em> Looking back, I\u2019m really glad I made that decision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
For Yuho, choosing Cebu and 3D ACADEMY was the first step toward building a study environment that felt comfortable and authentic.<\/p>\n
\nClass Style and Personal Growth\uff5cEnjoying the Process at Her Own Pace<\/h2>\n
Yuho enrolled in the ESL Course (General English)<\/strong>, which included a well-balanced daily schedule of four one-on-one classes<\/em> and three group classes<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAt first, I thought I\u2019d just take one-on-one classes, but I wanted to get used to interacting with other students too, so I decided to include group classes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
One-on-One Classes: A Safe Space to Learn at Her Own Pace<\/h3>\n
The one-on-one classes followed textbook-based lessons focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and speaking\u2014but often included casual conversation as well.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSometimes we\u2019d end up chatting for the whole class, but I actually loved that. It felt practical and fun. It helped me get used to speaking English in a natural way.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
She appreciated that the homework wasn\u2019t overwhelming, which allowed her to review at her own pace and still enjoy her personal time.<\/p>\n
Group Classes: A Chance to Learn Different Cultures and Values<\/h3>\n
In the group classes, Yuho studied with students from other countries like Taiwan. She especially enjoyed a class called \u201cEnglish Demo,\u201d a debate-style lesson.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe were divided into \u2018yes\u2019 and \u2018no\u2019 teams to debate topics. It was so interesting to see how opinions differed by country. It wasn\u2019t just English\u2014I was learning about different cultures too.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Although she was initially shy and unsure about participating in group discussions, she found the experience unexpectedly fun and stimulating.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cListening to others’ opinions helped me practice expressing my own thoughts in English. I\u2019m really glad I stepped out of my comfort zone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nNot Starting from Zero, But Still Filled with Doubt<\/h2>\n
Yuho had no previous study-abroad experience, and her last real exposure to English was during middle and high school.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI always struggled with grammar and vocabulary. To be honest, I don\u2019t remember much beyond high school English. Speaking was my weakest point.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Still, by spending 6 to 7 hours a day in an English-only environment, she was amazed by how quickly she adapted.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThere\u2019s no way I could have experienced this in Japan. I\u2019m so glad I came here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nProgress in English\uff5cHigher TOEIC Score & Remarkable Listening Improvement<\/h2>\n
After just a month and a half of studying abroad, Yuho had already begun to feel noticeable progress in her English skills.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMy TOEIC score went up by over 100 points! I honestly didn\u2019t expect to see results this quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Even though she wasn\u2019t taking specific TOEIC prep classes, simply being immersed in English every day naturally led to better test performance.<\/p>\n
The biggest improvement she noticed was in her listening ability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI used to watch movies and couldn\u2019t understand a word, but now I can catch some of what they\u2019re saying. It\u2019s amazing how much just being exposed to English every day helps.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
As for speaking, she sometimes felt frustrated by her limited vocabulary.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThere were so many times when I knew what I wanted to say, but I just couldn\u2019t find the words\u2026 But going through that process helped me build up more natural expressions.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Yuho appreciated how her teachers corrected mistakes in a gentle and supportive way.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThere was always an encouraging atmosphere\u2014like, \u2018It\u2019s okay to make mistakes, just try speaking.\u2019 So I didn\u2019t feel scared to mess up.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
For Yuho, growth in English<\/em> wasn\u2019t about becoming fluent overnight. It was about gaining the courage to express herself and share her thoughts in English<\/em>.<\/p>\n
\nLife Outside of Class\uff5cBalancing Study and Fun<\/h2>\n
Yuho made the most of her free time, enjoying a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle during her stay in Cebu.<\/p>\n
Weekdays: Relaxing With Massages and Reinforcing Lessons Through Review<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cAfter classes, I\u2019d go to a caf\u00e9 to review or get a massage. I studied for at least 1\u20132 hours a day.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Massages in the Philippines are much more affordable than in Japan, making them a favorite activity among students. They also provided a much-needed break after a full day of English immersion.<\/p>\n
Weekends: Island Hopping, Shopping, and Nature Exploration<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cI always went out on the weekends. The beach, shopping, activities\u2014there was so much to do that I never got bored.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
When the weather was good, Yuho joined island hopping tours<\/strong>, snorkeling around the nearby islands, or went shopping at the malls to find souvenirs. Her days were full of both learning<\/strong> and adventure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Cebu\u2019s unique natural environment and fun local activities helped her stay motivated\u2014even during a long-term stay.<\/p>\n
\nVolunteer Work and School Trips<\/h3>\n
3D ACADEMY also offers Outreach Programs<\/strong> at the end of each month\u2014volunteer activities with local children\u2014and school-organized trips<\/strong> for cultural exchange and relaxation.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cDuring the outreach activities, spending time with the children and seeing their smiles was heartwarming. It was a great way to connect with the local culture and people.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
By focusing not only on study, but also making time for fun, relaxation, and cultural exchange, Yuho was able to enjoy a well-rounded and rewarding experience<\/strong> in Cebu.<\/p>\n
\nInternational Friendships and Dorm Life\uff5cA Safe, Comfortable Environment Filled with Warm Connections<\/h2>\n
For Yuho, her study abroad experience wasn\u2019t just about learning English\u2014it was also deeply shaped by the people she met and the connections she made<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
Connecting With International Students Was a Source of Growth and Inspiration<\/h3>\n
While 3D ACADEMY has a relatively high number of Japanese students, it also welcomes learners from Taiwan, Korea, Vietnam, and other Asian countries.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI went out and had meals with Taiwanese students. I quickly became friends with people from other countries too\u2014it was really stimulating.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
One of the most memorable experiences for Yuho was the group class activity called English Demo<\/strong>\u2014a discussion-style class where students debate in Yes and No groups.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe way people think really differs depending on their country. Sometimes it was surprising, but it gave me the chance to feel diversity firsthand<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It was a truly \u201cstudy abroad\u2013only\u201d kind of experience\u2014linking language learning with cross-cultural understanding.<\/p>\n
\nComfortable Dorm Life and a Wide Variety of Meals<\/h3>\n
The dormitory at 3D ACADEMY provided Yuho with a highly comfortable living environment.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cLaundry and cleaning were done on designated days, and the room was very clean. I was able to live comfortably without any issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
She also appreciated the food options.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThey didn\u2019t just serve Filipino food\u2014there were Japanese and Korean meals too, so I never got bored. And it was great that we got three meals a day, even on weekends.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Feeling secure and comfortable in her daily life made it easier for Yuho to focus on studying. For her, 3D ACADEMY offered an ideal environment where she could learn with peace of mind.<\/p>\n
\nFriendly Teachers and Fun Events Made Learning Enjoyable<\/h3>\n
Yuho also pointed out that one of the school\u2019s biggest strengths was the personality of the teachers and the warm atmosphere<\/strong> on campus.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAll the teachers are cheerful and unique, and the students naturally become friends. There were also school trips and movie nights, so the vibe was always fun.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
For her, 3D ACADEMY wasn\u2019t just a place to study English\u2014it was a space to connect with others and enjoy every moment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nAfter Studying in Cebu\uff5cA Broader Future and the Next Step<\/h2>\n
Yuho\u2019s study abroad experience in Cebu wasn\u2019t just about improving her English\u2014it became a turning point that expanded her future possibilities.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s Next? Considering a Working Holiday in Canada<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cI haven\u2019t made a final decision yet, but I\u2019m torn between going on a working holiday or returning to Japan to work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Yuho isn\u2019t treating her time abroad as just a learning experience\u2014she\u2019s seriously thinking about how to shape her future career and lifestyle.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIf I go on a working holiday, I\u2019d love to go to Canada to study American English. I\u2019m also interested in jobs where I can talk with people from different countries.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nOvercoming Her Pre-Departure Doubts\uff5c\u201cI\u2019m So Glad I Came\u201d<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cBefore coming here, I kept hesitating. But now, I can honestly say\u2014coming to Cebu was the right choice.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Though Yuho started off with little confidence in her English, she saw her TOEIC score increase by over 100 points and now feels comfortable engaging in daily conversation.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAt first I didn\u2019t understand anything, and it was scary. But after spending seven hours a day immersed in English, I started to absorb it naturally.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nA Message for Those Considering Studying Abroad<\/h3>\n
\n\u201cI hesitated for a long time, too. But I\u2019d say\u2014just take that first step.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n