My journey at CIA in Mactan was an incredible mix of intensive study and tropical relaxation that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived at the resort-like campus, I was struck by the balance between the luxury of the facilities and the rigor of the Semi-Spartan curriculum.

Each day started with a mandatory vocabulary test, a challenge that initially felt daunting but proved essential for expanding my daily usage of English. Failing the test meant losing the privilege to leave campus at night, which served as a powerful motivator to stay focused. The heart of the program was the personal one-on-one classes where my teachers provided a safe space for me to make mistakes and refine my pronunciation without judgment.

These sessions were complemented by group classes where I bonded with classmates from diverse backgrounds including Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, forcing us to use English as our sole medium of communication. The school’s English Only Policy was strictly enforced, pushing me to think in English rather than just translating from my native tongue. Beyond the classroom, the guitar-shaped pool and buffet meals created a social hub where I formed lifelong friendships.

We spent our weekends exploring Cebu’s stunning beaches and local culture, putting our classroom lessons into real-world practice. By the time I finished my course, I had not just improved my grammar; I had gained the confidence to navigate a global environment with absolute ease. CIA is truly a unique place where professional education meets total paradise.

-JEFFER