![\"IMG_0230\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_0230-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Combining His Love for Caf\u00e9s and Vintage Fashion<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI study English because I want to make my dream come true.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s what Natsu, a university student majoring in English and American literature, told us. In this article, we\u2019ll share Natsu\u2019s personal journey\u2014why he chose to study abroad, what kind of classes he took, and how the experience changed him.<\/p>\n Despite feeling nervous about living abroad for the first time, Natsu saved up the money on his own and took the leap. The four weeks he spent at 3D ACADEMY weren\u2019t just about improving his English\u2014they helped him gain confidence and move one step closer to his dream.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re currently thinking about studying abroad or looking for motivation to learn English, we hope Natsu\u2019s story will inspire you to take your next step forward.<\/p>\n \u201cOne day, I want to open a shop that combines my love for caf\u00e9s and vintage clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n To make that dream a reality, Natsu realized he needed one essential skill: English<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Currently a second-year university student in the Kansai region of Japan, Natsu is majoring in English and American literature. At school, he reads literary works in English and writes analytical essays, gaining exposure to academic English on a daily basis. However, he began to feel that what he was learning in the classroom wasn\u2019t quite enough.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I\u2019m going to buy clothes overseas or interact with international customers in the future, I need to be able to actually speak English.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Natsu\u2019s interest in English was sparked during a school trip in his second year of high school. He spent five days in Singapore and Malaysia, where he had the chance not only to sightsee but also to interact with local high school students. The experience of communicating with people from different cultures in English left a lasting impression on him.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was the first time I thought, \u2018It would be so much more fun if I could really speak English.\u2019 Once you can communicate, other cultures and people feel much closer. After that, I started to take my English classes more seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n At university, Natsu also joined a fashion circle where he enjoyed taking street-style photos and creating pamphlets. As he continued to explore his interests, the desire to turn his passion into a career became stronger.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to work surrounded by the things I love. If that means running my own shop, then I need the ability to connect with the world\u2014and that means learning English.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With that in mind, Natsu started saving money from part-time jobs and made the decision to spend his long vacation on an English study abroad program. Wanting to improve his English to pursue his dream is one thing\u2014but for a university student, cost<\/strong> can be the biggest hurdle.<\/p>\n For Natsu, affordability was a key factor when choosing where to study abroad.<\/p>\n His first step was to visit the international office at his university. There, he had access to records and reports from past exchange students, many of whom had studied in major English-speaking countries like the U.S. and Australia. But what really caught his eye were the price tags\u2014some students had spent over 1 million yen (around $6,500 USD) for just one month.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cOne of the students who went to the U.S. said it cost around 1.5 million yen for a month, including living expenses. I knew I wanted to fund the trip myself through part-time jobs, so that just wasn\u2019t realistic for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s when Natsu turned his attention to studying in the Philippines. Then, by chance, a friend introduced him to 3D ACADEMY<\/strong>\u2014his friend\u2019s senior had actually graduated from the school. Hearing firsthand that the school had a great location<\/strong>, comfortable living conditions<\/strong>, and excellent cost performance<\/strong> made Natsu even more interested.<\/p>\n In the end, he chose 3D ACADEMY for three main reasons:<\/p>\n Compared to studying in the U.S. or Canada, 3D ACADEMY offered one-on-one lessons at a fraction of the cost. Even with just a one-month stay, the structure allowed for noticeable progress\u2014making it a smart investment.<\/p>\n As someone who didn\u2019t consider himself fluent in English, Natsu wanted a school where he wouldn\u2019t feel left behind. The fact that a supermarket was located right below the school<\/strong> provided peace of mind, especially for someone experiencing their first long-term stay abroad. \u201cTo actually become a good English speaker, I knew I needed real opportunities to speak. But that\u2019s hard to find in Japan. That\u2019s why I wanted a place where I could immerse myself, even if only for a short time.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n By weighing his dreams against the practicalities, Natsu found that 3D ACADEMY struck the perfect balance\u2014cost-efficiency, learning environment, and peace of mind<\/strong>\u2014making it the ideal place to take his next step.<\/p>\n Natsu enrolled in the ESL (English as a Second Language) course<\/strong>, designed to comprehensively develop general English skills. This course caters to a wide range of levels, from beginners to intermediate learners, and is ideal for those who want to improve their ability to speak English.<\/p>\n His study abroad program lasted four weeks<\/strong>\u2014a relatively short stay for a first-time language learner. \u201cTo be honest, one month wasn\u2019t enough.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s the first thing Natsu said during the interview.<\/p>\n \u201cIt went by so fast. Just when I started to feel comfortable with English, it was already time to go home. If I could, I would have stayed for two or three months.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Even so, he says the progress he made in just four weeks was real and rewarding.<\/p>\n Although Natsu had some experience with writing essays in English at university, he had very little speaking practice<\/strong>. \u201cDuring the first class, I couldn\u2019t even say basic words like apple<\/em> or play<\/em>. It was honestly a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n But as the days went by, he gradually got used to putting thoughts into words<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, I can express myself more naturally in simple conversations. That\u2019s a big improvement for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The ESL course at 3D ACADEMY offers up to four one-on-one lessons per day<\/strong>, combined with two to three group classes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Because Natsu\u2019s top priority was to improve his speaking skills, he devoted nearly all of his one-on-one sessions to conversation practice. He also took vocabulary and idiom classes to expand the range of expressions<\/strong> he could use.<\/p>\n In the group classes, Natsu explored various areas that matched his interests and skill level. \u201cIn the movie class, I learned a lot about the natural rhythm of English and real native expressions. The pronunciation class also helped me become more aware of how I speak in everyday conversations.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n What made the biggest difference was the intensive speaking practice<\/strong> Natsu was able to do, even within a limited time.<\/p>\n \u201cBecoming fluent takes time. But I realized that just allowing myself to try, and not being afraid to make mistakes, made a huge difference. That mindset shift alone was worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Back home in Japan, it\u2019s hard to find a space where you\u2019re constantly encouraged to speak. It wasn\u2019t just about learning the language\u2014it was about using English as a real tool for communication, connection, and personal growth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t learn English only inside the classroom.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s what Natsu said when reflecting on his study abroad experience. Since he studied abroad during the summer, there were many other Japanese students on campus, and naturally, conversations in Japanese tended to increase. \u201cEven during short breaks between classes, I tried to chat with my teachers. He also used English while out and about after school<\/strong>, whether it was ordering food at a restaurant, talking to shop staff at the mall, or asking locals for directions. \u201cAt first, I made a lot of mistakes, and it was embarrassing. But after a few tries, the happiness of being understood outweighed the fear. This habit of using English outside class turned out to be the perfect complement to what he learned in his one-on-one lessons.<\/p>\n For example, if he learned a new phrase in the morning, he\u2019d immediately try it out in conversation that afternoon.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen you use it in real life, the phrase becomes your own\u2014it starts coming out naturally.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n He also realized something deeper:<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a huge gap between knowing<\/em> English and actually using<\/em> it. But the more chances you have to speak, the smaller that gap becomes. Some people worry that they won\u2019t have many chances to speak English if there are too many Japanese students around. \u201cIn the end, it\u2019s up to you. You can choose who you talk to, and in what language. To make the most of a short-term study abroad experience, Natsu followed a simple but powerful cycle:<\/p>\n Learn in class \u2192 Use it in real life \u2192 Review it the next day.<\/strong><\/p>\n Repeating this cycle for four straight weeks turned his English from something academic into something truly usable<\/strong>\u2014a skill he could rely on.<\/p>\n The greatest value of studying abroad may not lie in vocabulary lists or grammar rules. For Natsu, two teachers left a particularly lasting impression. Their classes didn\u2019t just improve his English\u2014they helped shape his way of thinking and gave him the courage to express himself.<\/p>\n \u201cBack in Japan, I never had the chance to express my opinions in English.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That\u2019s how Natsu described his initial nerves when he started his one-on-one lessons with Teacher May<\/strong>. \u201cAt first, it took me a long time to organize my thoughts, and I couldn\u2019t express myself well. But she always waited patiently and supported me. Gradually, I was able to speak up more confidently.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n May often told him, \u201cI want to hear your opinion.\u201d<\/em> Through this experience, Natsu came to see English not just as a subject to study, but as a tool to express his ideas<\/strong>\u2014a means of communication with real impact.<\/p>\n The second teacher who left a strong impression was Teacher Jim<\/strong>, who led beginner-level group classes. But every time Natsu gave an answer, Jim would respond with a simple but powerful question: \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cAt first, I was confused. I thought I had given a complete answer. But when Jim kept asking \u2018Why?\u2019, I realized I needed to go deeper\u2014to explain the reasoning behind my thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n This repetition taught Natsu to build a habit: state your opinion \u2192 consider your reasons \u2192 explain them clearly<\/strong>. \u201cThat kind of thinking skill will be useful not just for English, but in any situation in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The repeated interactions with these teachers gave Natsu something invaluable: confidence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n He doesn\u2019t describe his growth as simply \u201cbecoming fluent.\u201d \u201cWhat matters more than perfect grammar is putting your heart into what you say. In the end, the greatest gift of his study abroad experience was this sense of joy\u2014the joy of being able to communicate and connect with others through English<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cCan I really keep up with the classes if I can\u2019t speak English?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That was one of Natsu\u2019s biggest concerns before going abroad. \u201cEven beginners don\u2019t need to worry!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n At 3D ACADEMY, there are many students just like Natsu\u2014beginners who come with limited English skills. \u201cEven when I didn\u2019t understand something, the teachers would explain it using simpler phrases or even gestures. One thing he learned during his stay: your attitude\u2014especially not being afraid to make mistakes\u2014has a huge impact on how fast you grow.<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the biggest strengths of 3D ACADEMY is its warm, welcoming atmosphere<\/strong> created by the teachers.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery morning, the teachers greeted me with a big smile and a cheerful \u2018Good morning!\u2019 It helped me relax from day one.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With one-on-one classes, students get the time and space to speak at their own pace.<\/p>\n \u201cEven when I got stuck trying to say something, the teachers never rushed me. They just waited and listened. To support his learning outside the classroom, Natsu created his own vocabulary flashcard app<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Whenever a new word or phrase came up in class, he would jot it down and immediately add it to the app. \u201cIt\u2019s so easy to check words on your phone. Reviewing became a natural habit. As a final message to others considering studying abroad, Natsu offered this advice:<\/p>\n \u201cEven if you\u2019re not confident in your English, if you truly want to speak it, then it\u2019s absolutely worth taking the leap. In the end, studying abroad isn\u2019t just about improving your language skills. After completing his four-week study abroad program in Cebu, a new desire began to grow within Natsu: His next goal? Studying in Canada.<\/strong> \u201cTo be honest, at first I just wanted to improve my English skills. But during my time in Cebu, I discovered how fun it is to express my thoughts in English. The Cebu experience clarified both his strengths and the areas he still needed to work on. At Natsu\u2019s university, students who achieve high TOEIC scores are eligible for scholarships or financial support for overseas study<\/strong>. \u201cMy speaking improved a lot during the study abroad program. Now I\u2019m focusing more on listening, reading, and test-taking skills. Natsu isn\u2019t learning English just for the sake of speaking it. That dream is to open a one-of-a-kind shop that combines his love for caf\u00e9s and vintage fashion<\/strong>. \u201cIf I can speak English, I can travel the world and hand-pick pieces that I truly believe in. For Natsu, learning English is simply a tool to pursue his dream<\/strong>. \u201cStudying abroad gave me this feeling of, \u2018If I try, I can do it.\u2019 After completing his short but impactful four-week study abroad experience in Cebu, At the core of that desire wasn\u2019t just a love for English itself, At 3D ACADEMY, many students arrive with a clear purpose, just like Natsu. \u201cI want to open a caf\u00e9 that also sells vintage clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
He has a clear vision: to one day open his own shop that blends his love for caf\u00e9s and vintage fashion, sourcing unique items from overseas. And as a first step toward that dream, he decided to study English abroad in Cebu, Philippines.<\/p>\n
\n![\"6665627257349\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/6665627257349-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter 1: Learning English to Achieve a Dream \u2014 Why Natsu Chose to Study Abroad<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
This was his first serious step toward investing in his future\u2014and he chose Cebu as the starting point.<\/p>\n
\n![\"6665615424597\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/6665615424597-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter 2: Making Study Abroad Possible on His Own Budget \u2014 3 Reasons Why Natsu Chose 3D ACADEMY<\/h2>\n
\n
While still an English-speaking environment, the costs were only a third to half of those in Western countries. And on top of that, the Philippines offered one-on-one lessons<\/strong> as a standard, which appealed to him as a more effective way to learn.<\/p>\n
\n1. Affordable Even When Self-Funded<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n2. Supportive Environment for Beginners<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Thanks to advice from a former student, he learned that 3D ACADEMY\u2019s teachers were kind and patient<\/strong>, and that the overall support system made living and learning easier<\/strong>, easing his initial worries.<\/p>\n
\n3. Great Location and Daily Convenience<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Once there, he found daily life surprisingly smooth and easy, with no major hurdles in settling in.<\/p>\n
\n\n
\nChapter 3: Four Weeks Immersed in English \u2014 Growth Through the ESL Course<\/h2>\n
Still, it was an incredibly intensive and meaningful experience filled with learning and self-discovery.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nFrom \u201cWords Won\u2019t Come Out\u201d to \u201cI Can Speak Naturally\u201d<\/h3>\n
In Japan, he rarely had chances to actually use English in conversation.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\nFocused on Speaking \u2014 One-on-One Lessons Every Day<\/h3>\n
\nGroup Classes: Movies, Pronunciation, and Beginner-Friendly Options<\/h3>\n
These included a beginner English class<\/strong>, a pronunciation class<\/strong>, and a movie-based class<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
\n\u201cEven in Four Weeks, I Felt Real Change in Myself\u201d<\/h3>\n
\n
But during his time in Cebu, Natsu was able to experience what it means to \u201clive through English.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nChapter 4: Practicing \u201cUsable English\u201d Beyond the Classroom \u2014 Building a Habit of Speaking Daily<\/h2>\n
\n
For him, it wasn\u2019t just about attending classes\u2014he turned his entire daily life into an English training ground<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nCreating Opportunities to Speak<\/h3>\n
But Natsu made a conscious effort to create opportunities to speak English throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n
Even casual small talk was a great chance to apply what I had just learned\u2014and it helped me remember new expressions much more easily.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
All these small actions became practical training sessions in real life.<\/p>\n\n
Once you experience success even once, you want to try again.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nFrom \u201cLearning\u201d to \u201cUsing\u201d \u2014 When English Becomes a Living Language<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
That\u2019s something you can\u2019t really experience in Japan.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nYou Can Create an English Environment\u2014Even If Surrounded by Japanese<\/h3>\n
But Natsu took a more proactive perspective:<\/p>\n\n
Even with Japanese friends, you can have \u2018English-only days.\u2019 That alone becomes great practice.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n
\n![\"6665627161652\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/6665627161652-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter 5: Deep Lessons from Memorable Teachers \u2014 Learning to Speak with Confidence and Purpose<\/h2>\n
It may come from the powerful experience of having a genuine conversation in English\u2014sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone in another language<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nOne-on-One Discussions with Teacher May \u2014 Tackling Social Issues in English<\/h3>\n
\n
Her classes involved not only learning expressions and vocabulary, but also discussing social issues<\/strong>\u2014giving Natsu the chance to practice putting his personal views into English words.<\/p>\n\n
That simple phrase gave him the motivation to keep trying.
By the end of his one-month stay, he could explain his stance on complex topics in English.<\/p>\n
\nGroup Classes with Teacher Jim \u2014 Learning to Think through \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/h3>\n
These classes revolved around everyday topics, where students would share their thoughts in English.<\/p>\n\n
It not only strengthened his English, but also improved his logical thinking.<\/p>\n\n
\nBecoming Someone Who Can Share Ideas in English<\/h3>\n
Instead, he says he became someone who\u2019s no longer afraid to speak<\/strong>\u2014someone who can express ideas, even imperfectly, with sincerity and purpose.<\/p>\n\n
I\u2019m really grateful to my teachers for helping me realize that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nChapter 6: For Future Students \u2014 Why Even Beginners Can Feel Confident Studying Abroad<\/h2>\n
\n
But after completing his four-week study abroad program, he now says with full confidence:<\/p>\n\n
\nMore Important Than Skill Is the Willingness to Speak<\/h3>\n
Classes are divided by level, so everyone can start from a place that matches their ability. That\u2019s why Natsu rarely felt lost or overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n
Honestly, I think the courage to say \u2018I don\u2019t understand\u2019 is more important than knowing everything from the start.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nFriendly Teachers Create a Safe, Supportive Space<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
It really made me feel comfortable speaking, even when I wasn\u2019t confident.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nCustom Vocabulary App Helped Him Study Effectively<\/h3>\n
He used it during his commute, before meals, and during breaks to review and reinforce what he had learned.<\/p>\n\n
It felt like having a personalized dictionary right in my pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\u201cIf You\u2019re Unsure\u2014Just Take the Leap\u201d<\/h3>\n
\n
Once you\u2019re here, you\u2019ll be in an environment where you have to<\/em> use English\u2014and that pushes you to grow faster than you\u2019d expect.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It\u2019s about gaining something even more powerful: the confidence that you can do it.<\/strong>
That may be the most valuable lesson of all.<\/p>\n
\nChapter 7: The Next Step Toward His Dream \u2014 Studying in Canada and Aiming for a High TOEIC Score<\/h2>\n
\u201cI want to study for a longer period, and in a more advanced environment.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
To prepare for that, he has already begun seriously working toward a higher TOEIC score<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\nDiscovering \u201cWhat\u2019s Next\u201d After Cebu<\/h3>\n
\n
That made me want to go deeper\u2014to really master the language.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
With that awareness came a new challenge: taking his studies to the next level in a more immersive environment\u2014a long-term language program in Canada.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nA High TOEIC Score as the Key to Studying Abroad<\/h3>\n
So since returning to Japan, Natsu has continued to study hard with TOEIC as his focus.<\/p>\n\n
I want to turn English into a real strength that opens up new opportunities for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nHis Dream: A Caf\u00e9 Meets Vintage Clothing \u2014 Connecting With the World Through English<\/h3>\n
At the core of his motivation is a clear, unchanging dream<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s a true caf\u00e9 enthusiast\u2014he even enjoys going on long weekend drives just to find the perfect cup of coffee. And when it comes to vintage clothing, he\u2019s passionate about style and wants to personally source items from around the world.<\/p>\n\n
I\u2019d love to create a space where even one person\u2019s day could be made a little brighter.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nMore Than Just Language Skills \u2014 Gaining the Courage to Take Action<\/h3>\n
But the four weeks he spent sharpening that tool in Cebu turned out to be a life-changing experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
That confidence is what\u2019s now helping me take the next step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"IMG_0233\"](\"\/blogs\/newblogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/IMG_0233-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChapter 8: Afterword \u2014 How a \u201cPurpose-Driven\u201d Study Abroad Experience Leads to Real Growth<\/h2>\n
Natsu repeatedly shared one clear message during the interview:
\u201cI want to learn more. I want to speak more.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n
but rather a clear purpose \u2014 learning English as a tool to achieve his dream.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nA Goal Gives Meaning to Every Action<\/h3>\n
And what they all seem to have in common is this: their study abroad experience becomes richer, deeper, and more fulfilling.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n