![\"DSC_1680\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/DSC_1680-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cLife would open up so much more\u2026 if only I could speak English.\u201d
Have you ever felt the same?<\/p>\n
In this feature, we introduce Tako, a Japanese university student who took a bold step: he paused his senior year and quit job hunting to study English in Cebu. With zero prior study abroad experience, he immersed himself in one-on-one lessons, improved his speaking skills, and even boosted his TOEIC score.<\/p>\n
Now, he\u2019s preparing for a new chapter as an intern in Cebu.
\u201cI wanted to face English now\u2014before entering the working world,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Why did Tako choose Cebu, and what led him to 3D ACADEMY?
From his first impressions of class and dorm life, to what he learned from the experience and his future plans\u2014this is a must-read for any student torn between job hunting and studying abroad.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meet Tako, a current university student who made a bold choice\u2014pausing her senior year to study English in Cebu.
Until then, she had never studied abroad.
But driven by a strong desire to \u201cmaster English before graduation\u201d and \u201cwork globally in the future,\u201d she decided to stop job hunting and take the leap.<\/p>\n
Tako also plans to begin an internship at an English language school in Cebu after her studies\u2014proving that she’s actively using English as a stepping stone to her next stage in life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI always wanted to experience studying abroad at least once in my life,\u201d she shares.
What started as a simple language study goal soon became a turning point that went far beyond just improving her English skills.<\/p>\n
Tako had long dreamed of one day working around the world.<\/p>\n
She had been studying English on and off throughout college, but her desire to \u201cspeak it fluently\u201d kept growing stronger.<\/p>\n
The real turning point came during job hunting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile attending company info sessions and interviews, I realized how much value employers place on English skills.
I felt that instead of entering the workforce right away, now was the time to go abroad and improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
She chose to pause her job search and invest in herself\u2014
a decision that wasn\u2019t easy but one she ultimately committed to with courage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI knew that the only time I\u2019d have to truly focus on English was now, while I\u2019m still a student. That\u2019s what made me decide.\u201d<\/p>\n
This choice became the catalyst for a major shift in her life.<\/p>\n
After deciding to take a break from job hunting and study abroad, Tako had a clear reason for choosing Cebu among the many destinations available.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was looking for one-on-one lessons at a reasonable price. That\u2019s what made studying in the Philippines\u2014especially Cebu\u2014so appealing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because she made the decision somewhat late in her university life, she didn\u2019t have a large budget, so cost-effectiveness<\/strong> was a key factor.<\/p>\n What gave her the final push was the advice of a senior who had previously studied abroad.<\/p>\n \u201cThey told me that Filipinos are really friendly and cheerful. Among all the language schools, she chose 3D ACADEMY for its strong value and beginner-friendly support.<\/p>\n \u201cThey offer a lot of classes at a reasonable price, and the atmosphere seemed welcoming. Rather than thinking, \u201cI can\u2019t afford to go abroad,\u201d Tako approached her situation with a mindset of \u201cmaking the best choice within the limits I had\u201d<\/strong>\u2014and that\u2019s how her Cebu journey became possible.<\/p>\n Tako enrolled in the ESL course (7 classes per day: 4 one-on-one and 3 group lessons). \u201cI could polish my conversation skills in one-on-one classes, and absorb different English expressions by listening to other students in group classes. One of the most memorable aspects for her was learning grammar in English<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was really tough at first. But my teacher would patiently explain, saying things like, \u2018This is what I mean,\u2019 The teachers at 3D are known for their patience and personalized support. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just about memorizing grammar rules\u2014it was the experience of learning English through English<\/strong>, In addition to her seven daily classes, Tako set aside about three hours of self-study on days without a full schedule.<\/p>\n \u201cI used my free time\u2014especially in the evenings\u2014to study in the dorm or self-study rooms. She started her studies by reviewing basic junior high-level English grammar and vocabulary, gradually moving on to more advanced material.<\/p>\n \u201cAt first, I went back to the basics\u2014be-verbs, tenses, and so on. With her next round of job hunting in mind, Tako set TOEIC improvement as a clear milestone. \u201cI also practiced using mock tests to get used to the format of the actual TOEIC exam. At the beginning of her stay, Tako struggled with speaking English and felt deeply uncertain about her abilities.<\/p>\n \u201cI often had things I wanted to say but couldn\u2019t find the words. The first month, especially, was tough\u2014she couldn\u2019t see much progress and began to feel anxious.<\/p>\n But after that initial period, things started to change.<\/p>\n \u201cI started to understand more of what my teachers were saying, and I could have simple conversations with locals around town. In the beginning, fear of making mistakes or embarrassment held her back. But gradually, she overcame that mindset. \u201cMy teachers always told me, \u2018It\u2019s okay to make mistakes\u2014just try speaking,\u2019 so I felt safe and supported. For Tako, the biggest gain wasn\u2019t just improved English skills\u2014it was the mindset shift: breaking out of her shell and learning to engage in conversation without fear.<\/p>\n Outside of class, Tako made sure to enjoy her life in Cebu with a clear balance between study and relaxation.<\/p>\n Weekdays: Focused Study and Gym Workouts<\/strong><\/p>\n After classes, she either worked out at the gym or took time to rest and recharge in her room.<\/p>\n \u201cOn days without plans, I added about three hours of self-study. I focused on TOEIC prep and grammar review to build a strong foundation step by step.\u201d<\/p>\n Her self-study centered on reviewing grammar and vocabulary, especially junior high-level English at the beginning. Now, she\u2019s focusing more on raising her TOEIC score in preparation for job hunting.<\/p>\n Weekends: Local Fun for Affordable Refreshment<\/strong><\/p>\n On weekends, Tako enjoyed local activities around Cebu City\u2014without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n \u201cI went out with friends to play billiards or go skating. There are a lot of affordable places to have fun, which really helps.\u201d<\/p>\n By balancing serious study with regular refreshment, she maintained a healthy routine both mentally and physically.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I love about Cebu is that I can focus on studying, but also step outside and relax anytime. The easy shift between on and off mode is a real plus.\u201d<\/p>\n In long-term study abroad, your living and dining environment plays a big role in your learning efficiency. Tako shared her impressions of 3D ACADEMY\u2019s dorms and meals:<\/p>\n 4-Person Dorm in the New Building\uff5cA Place for International Exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n Tako stayed in the new dorm building at 3D ACADEMY. She was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and comfort.<\/p>\n \u201cHonestly, I was expecting something more basic, but it was way nicer than I imagined.\u201d<\/p>\n She stayed in a four-person room with foreign roommates, which turned out to be a great opportunity for daily English use.<\/p>\n \u201cEven in the room, I had chances to speak English. It really helped me get used to conversations in a natural way.\u201d<\/p>\n Having an English-speaking environment beyond class gave her an extra boost in language development.<\/p>\n Buffet-Style Meals\uff5cDelicious and Satisfying<\/strong><\/p>\n Living in a dorm with three meals a day, food quality was important\u2014and Tako was more than satisfied.<\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t expect much, but the meals were actually really good. The buffet style meant I could always find something I liked.\u201d<\/p>\n Her only \u201ccomplaint\u201d?<\/p>\n \u201cIt was so tasty\u2026 I didn\u2019t lose as much weight as I thought I would! (laughs)\u201d<\/p>\n With a variety that included not only Filipino food but also Japanese and Korean dishes, 3D ACADEMY made it easy for students to enjoy their meals without getting bored. We asked Tako to share her honest thoughts on both the positives and the areas of improvement she noticed during her time at 3D ACADEMY.<\/p>\n Pros: Convenient Location and Friendly Teachers<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the first things she highlighted was the school\u2019s excellent location.<\/p>\n \u201cThere were convenience stores, caf\u00e9s, and shopping malls nearby, which made daily life very convenient.\u201d<\/p>\n She also appreciated the cheerful and friendly nature of the teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cThe teachers always made us laugh and corrected mistakes kindly during class, so it was fun to learn every day.\u201d<\/p>\n For beginners especially, the closeness with teachers plays a key role in motivation\u2014and 3D\u2019s staff really made her feel supported.<\/p>\n Cons: Older Buildings and High Ratio of Japanese Students<\/strong><\/p>\n On the other hand, Tako pointed out a couple of things that could be improved: the age of some buildings and the large number of Japanese students.<\/p>\n \u201cSince the school has a long history, you do notice that some buildings are a bit old. But the new dorm I stayed in was clean and comfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n As for the student mix:<\/p>\n \u201cThere are a lot of Japanese students, which can be comforting\u2014but it also makes it easy to slip back into speaking Japanese. You really have to make a conscious effort to speak English.\u201d<\/p>\n While the presence of Japanese students provides a sense of security, it can also be a challenge for those aiming for full English immersion.<\/p>\n After completing her language study at 3D ACADEMY, Tako plans to stay in Cebu and work as an intern at another language school.<\/p>\n \u201cEven before coming to Cebu, I knew I wanted to study English for a long time without spending too much. So becoming an intern felt like the perfect option for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Having already adapted to life in Cebu, she now wants to shift from the role of a student to someone supporting the learning environment.<\/p>\n \u201cRather than just being a learner, I want to experience what it\u2019s like to support other students and work in an international setting.\u201d<\/p>\n Living in Cebu has helped her gain confidence, and she now wants to take her next step toward a future of global work.<\/p>\n \u201cMy dream is to work around the world using English, and I believe every step I take now will lead me closer to that future.\u201d<\/p>\n To close, we asked Tako to share a message for those who are considering studying abroad in Cebu.<\/p>\n What do you wish you had done before coming to study abroad?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI definitely should have reviewed junior high school-level grammar and vocabulary before coming.\u201d<\/p>\n She explained that having to look up words or review basic grammar during class felt like a waste of time.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re stopping the conversation to check a word, you miss opportunities to speak. Even a little prep before leaving would\u2019ve made my start much smoother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since I tend to be a bit shy, I thought being around that kind of culture might help me open up more too.\u201d<\/p>\n
I felt like it would be a good match for someone like me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n4. Classes and Learning Style\uff5cDiscovering Grammar Through English<\/h2>\n
Her goal was to strengthen her speaking and listening skills\u2014so this course was the perfect fit.<\/p>\n
It was a well-balanced learning experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
which helped me realize where I had misunderstood\u2014and those \u2018Aha!\u2019 moments were so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tako says the lessons became enjoyable thanks to teachers who celebrated her breakthroughs with her.<\/p>\n
and that made it so much more exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n5. Study Habits and TOEIC Preparation\uff5cA Realistic Look at Tako\u2019s Daily Learning<\/h2>\n
I was focused, since one of my goals was to improve my TOEIC score.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then I shifted my focus toward vocabulary and phrases commonly seen in the TOEIC.\u201d<\/p>\n
While 3D\u2019s curriculum wasn\u2019t specifically designed for TOEIC prep, the daily conversation practice and listening exercises helped her steadily build the necessary skills.<\/p>\n
The practical English I gained at 3D has absolutely helped me improve my test performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n6. Growth in English and Mindset\uff5cOvercoming Fear and Speaking with Confidence<\/h2>\n
It was really frustrating not being able to express myself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each small success\u2014just being understood\u2014really boosted my confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
She began initiating conversations, putting together sentences on her own, and communicating with more courage.<\/p>\n
Now I\u2019ve come to see that learning through mistakes is part of the process.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n7. Daily Life in Cebu\uff5cFocused on Weekdays, Active on Weekends<\/h2>\n
\n8. Dorm Life and Meals\uff5cComfortable Living and Unexpectedly Delicious Food<\/h2>\n
For long-term students, this variety is a big advantage.<\/p>\n
\n9. Pros and Cons of 3D ACADEMY\uff5cA Realistic Look at Strengths and Challenges<\/h2>\n
\n10. Life After Study Abroad\uff5cWhy Tako Chose to Stay in Cebu as an Intern<\/h2>\n
\n11. Advice for Future Study Abroad Students\uff5cTako\u2019s Honest Message<\/h2>\n