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Many people have thought at least once, \u201cI want to go abroad someday.\u201d
But turning that thought into action isn\u2019t always easy.<\/p>\n
This is the story of Ryuya, a second-year university student who took on the challenge of his first study abroad experience<\/strong>, spending one month in Cebu. His first time living overseas, taking classes all in English, and speaking English every day. If you\u2019re thinking about studying abroad, or unsure whether a short-term program is worth it, this story will surely give you the encouragement to take that first step.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to be able to speak English.\u201d As a student majoring in English and American Literature, he spent his university days studying the foundations of English as well as the works of American and British authors. Yet despite all the classroom learning, Ryuya felt a wall he couldn\u2019t climb:<\/p>\n \u201cI still couldn\u2019t speak English in real life.\u201d<\/strong> That realization led him to consider studying abroad. \u201cThe one-on-one lessons and lower overall cost made it really attractive. The final push came from a senior at his university who had previously attended 3D ACADEMY. Ryuya chose to study in the Philippines because of the affordable cost and strong return on investment<\/strong>. He found out about 3D ACADEMY through a friend\u2019s recommendation, and decided to enroll.<\/p>\n Ryuya chose the ESL course<\/strong>, a popular general English program at the school. \u2014 This was a short, one-month program. How was the experience overall?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIt flew by! Since it was my first time going overseas, I think one month was just right. For Ryuya, this study abroad experience in Cebu was his first time ever going overseas<\/strong>. \u201cI was worried that using my smartphone in public might be dangerous, since it\u2019s different from Japan. However, once he arrived, he found the reality to be quite different from what he had imagined. \u201cMany of the people around the school were really friendly. Ryuya had read some online reviews saying that \u201cthe food at language schools in the Philippines isn\u2019t great.\u201d<\/strong> But in the end\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cThe food at 3D ACADEMY was honestly really good! What stood out even more was a comment from one of his friends who had studied in the Philippines three times:<\/p>\n \u201cOut of all the schools I\u2019ve attended, the food here was the best.\u201d That said, he did have one piece of advice<\/strong> for future students:<\/p>\n \u201cIt might be a good idea to bring your own Japanese salad dressing. While he had some nerves at the beginning, Ryuya reflects that his first time abroad turned out to be far more comfortable than expected<\/strong>. Ryuya enrolled in the school\u2019s most popular program: the ESL (General English) course<\/strong> at 3D ACADEMY. \u201cI specifically wanted to improve my speaking skills, so having so many one-on-one lessons was perfect for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In the group classes, teachers often incorporated songs and games<\/strong> to help beginners ease into English.<\/p>\n \u201cI was a little nervous at first, but singing and using gestures helped me relax and enjoy the lessons. In the \u201cTravel English\u201d class, students practiced real-life conversations through role-plays<\/strong>\u2014such as checking in at a hotel or handling customer service situations. Ryuya\u2019s one-on-one sessions covered a balance of grammar, reading, speaking, and pronunciation<\/strong>. \u201cThere were so many phrases I\u2019d just guessed at before. But through these classes, I realized my understanding was off. Of course, there were times when he couldn\u2019t express what he wanted or struggled to find the right words. \u201cI never had to leave a question unanswered. That kind of environment really helped me develop usable English, even in a short period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n As the lessons continued, Ryuya began to feel, little by little, that \u201cI can actually speak English.\u201d<\/strong> Life at 3D ACADEMY didn\u2019t end when the classes did. \u201cI\u2019d go back to my notebook and write down the vocabulary and phrases we covered in class, then try using them in sentences. Rather than simply memorizing words, he focused on learning how to use them in real communication<\/strong>. Academics aside, one of the most valuable aspects of his experience was the friendships he built<\/strong>. \u201cI got really close with my batchmates. After class we\u2019d always say, \u2018Where should we go today?\u2019\u201d Through these conversations, he gained a real sense of \u201cusing English to connect with people.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n On weekends, Ryuya and his friends went sightseeing across Cebu, visiting places like Oslob (for whale shark watching), Sumilon Island, and Mactan Island<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cEven during trips, we used English all the time\u2014asking for directions, ordering at restaurants, calling taxis. He found that communicating with locals required a different kind of English than classroom conversations<\/strong>, which made it an excellent opportunity to test what he\u2019d learned.<\/p>\n \u201cTalking with teachers is for learning. Talking with locals is real practice. From learning English<\/strong> to living in English<\/strong> \u2014 for Ryuya, the weekend getaways became just as educational<\/strong> as the time spent in class.<\/p>\n When we asked Ryuya for advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad, his answer was simple and practical<\/strong>:<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t understand something, ask right away. Don\u2019t hesitate!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Especially in one-on-one lessons, there are often moments where you’re not quite sure if you understand what the teacher is saying. \u201cThe teachers at 3D ACADEMY are incredibly friendly and patient. Ryuya also had a more light-hearted tip for future students:<\/p>\n \u201cThe food at 3D was great! But if you\u2019re used to Japanese salad dressing, you might find it lacking. Another key message from Ryuya: Get outside and use your English<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t mean you should just party or hang out all the time. But using English outside the school helps you understand your actual skill level.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ordering food, asking for directions, chatting at the market\u2014these are real-world chances to apply what you\u2019ve learned in class<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s nerve-wracking at first, but once you try, you realize you can<\/em> do it. And finally, Ryuya wants to remind everyone that studying abroad isn\u2019t just for special people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cEven if your English isn\u2019t great, even if you\u2019ve never been abroad\u2014it\u2019s more doable and more fun than you think. Though it was only a month, Ryuya felt clear progress in his English ability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cBy the end of the first week, I was starting to feel more comfortable. Of course, that doesn\u2019t mean he became perfectly fluent\u2014but the biggest gain was that he lost his fear of speaking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n In-class learning, evening homework, weekend practice\u2014it was this cycle that turned English into more than a subject. \u201cI realized English isn\u2019t just something you study\u2014it\u2019s a language<\/em>. The experience boosted his motivation even more. Now, he\u2019s looking for ways to use English even in his daily university life.<\/p>\n \u201cNext, I want to go abroad again through a university volunteer program.
Majoring in English and American literature, Ryuya had been studying reading and writing in English at university \u2014 but he lacked confidence in speaking<\/strong>.
To overcome that, he chose to study at 3D ACADEMY<\/strong>, a language school in Cebu, Philippines.<\/p>\n
Can you really improve your English in such a short period?
Can a first-time study abroad experience be enjoyable?
Through his honest account, Ryuya shares what life was like in Cebu \u2014 the classes, daily routines, new friendships, and how the experience changed him.<\/p>\n![\"S__21840006\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/S__21840006-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTurning the Dream of Studying Abroad into Reality as a University Sophomore<\/h2>\n
\u201cI want to experience foreign cultures firsthand.\u201d
Ryuya had always held these thoughts in his heart, but taking the first step wasn’t easy.<\/p>\n
He also participated in a seminar on corpus linguistics, exploring the structure and rhythm of English sentences\u2014deepening his appreciation for the mechanics of the language.<\/p>\n\n
He reflects, \u201cReading and writing can be learned at university, but to actually speak<\/em> English, I realized I needed a different environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
While destinations like the U.S. or the U.K. were appealing, the costs were high, and for someone going abroad for the first time, they felt like a big leap.
As he searched for alternatives, he discovered language schools in Cebu, Philippines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
Most of all, I felt like it was a manageable way to challenge myself for my first time overseas.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Hearing that it was a safe, supportive environment gave Ryuya the confidence to go for it.
And so, during his spring break in his second year of university, he embarked on a one-month short-term study abroad experience.<\/p>\n
\nLife at 3D ACADEMY<\/h2>\n
Compared to studying in Western countries, accommodation and tuition were much more reasonable, and the abundance of one-on-one lessons meant more chances to actually speak English.<\/p>\n
His total study period was four weeks<\/strong>.
Here\u2019s what he had to say in our interview:<\/p>\n\n
If I had stayed longer, I might\u2019ve started to lose focus halfway through.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"S__21840002\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/S__21840002-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMy First Time Living Abroad \u2014 What One Month in Cebu Was Really Like: Safety, Food, and the Fear of the Unknown<\/h2>\n
He was excited before leaving Japan\u2014but also had his fair share of concerns.
The two biggest worries? Safety and food<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
So at first, I tried not to take my phone out when I was outside.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
While it’s important to stay alert and take basic precautions, he didn’t feel the need for extreme caution.<\/p>\n\n
Before I knew it, I was having casual conversations with locals.
Some of them even felt like friends by the end of my stay\u2014it left me with a warm impression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nFood Was Another Concern \u2014 But Turned Out to Be a Pleasant Surprise<\/h3>\n
Worried about this, he brought a big pack of Japanese furikake (seasoning for rice) just in case.<\/p>\n\n
I never even opened the furikake I brought from Japan.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
That comment made Ryuya realize how much care 3D ACADEMY puts into its meals.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
You can buy it locally, but it\u2019s expensive.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
That sense of ease likely helped him stay focused on what he came for: learning and using English.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nBuilding Speaking Skills Through One-on-One Lessons \u2014 Inside the ESL Course<\/h2>\n
The schedule consisted of seven classes per day<\/strong>, with four one-on-one sessions<\/strong> and three group classes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
Group Classes: Fun, Beginner-Friendly Learning<\/h3>\n
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I stopped feeling so intimidated by English.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
These scenarios allowed him to naturally pick up useful, practical expressions through repetition and interaction.<\/p>\nOne-on-One Classes: Overcoming Weaknesses and Gaining Deeper Understanding<\/h3>\n
One topic that left a lasting impression on him was the use of verb tenses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
The teachers explained things so clearly, and I finally understood the logic and rules\u2014not just the feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
But he says the teachers were incredibly kind and patient<\/strong>, creating an atmosphere where asking questions was easy and natural.<\/p>\n\n
By the second week, he had almost completely lost his fear of speaking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nLearning Beyond the Classroom \u2014 Self-Study, Homework, and Weekend Adventures<\/h2>\n
Ryuya describes his after-class hours as crucial for reinforcing what he learned during the day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
I also did grammar reviews and practiced writing. I made sure to complete every homework assignment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This mindset played a big part in helping him make the most of a short-term study abroad.<\/p>\n
\nLearning Through Friendship<\/h3>\n
Especially with his batchmates<\/strong>\u2014students who entered the school the same week\u2014he formed strong bonds quickly.<\/p>\n\n
He also had many chances to talk in English with students from Taiwan, Korea, and other countries.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nWeekends = The Perfect Chance to Practice Real-World English<\/h3>\n
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These were natural moments to use English without even realizing it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
Both were meaningful in their own ways.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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<\/p>\nAdvice for Future Study Abroad Students: Don\u2019t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes \u2014 Just Go for It!<\/h2>\n
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But if you let those vague moments pile up without asking, it can lead to confusion about the entire lesson.<\/p>\n\n
No matter how many questions you ask, they never get annoyed.
So if you don\u2019t get it\u2014just ask. Getting into that habit makes a big difference.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nDaily Life Tip: Bring Your Own Dressing<\/h3>\n
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You can<\/em> buy Japanese dressing locally, but it\u2019s expensive\u2014so it\u2019s smart to bring a small bottle from home.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nUse Your English Outside the Classroom<\/h3>\n
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Having those little wins\u2014I used English and it worked!<\/em>\u2014builds real confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
So take that first step!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nGetting Closer to \u201cThe Me Who Can Speak English\u201d \u2014 Growth and Reflection After One Month<\/h2>\n
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In the second week, I had a moment where I thought, Hey, I\u2019m starting to really speak now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nWhen \u201cStudying\u201d Becomes \u201cExperience\u201d<\/h3>\n
It became a practical tool<\/strong> that Ryuya could use to express himself.<\/p>\n\n
When someone understands you, it feels amazing. When you understand them, your world expands.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
It doesn\u2019t have to be another study abroad\u2014just using English in different challenges is something I want to keep doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nA Glimpse of the Future: Using English in His Career<\/h3>\n
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