I chose to study at CIA because I wanted to improve my English skills in an environment where I could use English every day. I had studied English in Japan, but most of my learning was focused on grammar, vocabulary, and preparing for tests. Although I understood the basic rules of English, I was not confident when I actually had to speak with someone in English. Therefore, I wanted to experience a different learning environment and challenge myself to communicate with people from different backgrounds. One of the main reasons I chose CIA is that English is widely used in the country. English is one of the official languages of the Philippines, and it is used in education, business, government, and everyday communication. This means that studying English in the Philippines gives me many opportunities to hear and use English not only in the classroom but also outside of school. I thought that this would help me develop practical communication skills that I could not easily gain by studying only in Japan. Another reason is the learning environment provided by Filipino language schools. Many schools offer one-on-one lessons, which are particularly attractive to me because I can speak English for a long time and receive immediate feedback from my teacher. In a large classroom in Japan, it can be difficult to have enough opportunities to speak. However, in a one-on-one lesson, I can ask questions whenever I do not understand something and focus on the areas that I need to improve. I believe this type of intensive learning can help me make progress in a relatively short period of time. I also chose CIA because I wanted to experience a different culture. Learning a language is not only about memorizing words and grammar. I believe that understanding another country’s culture and way of thinking is also important for communication. By living in the Philippines, I can meet local people, try Filipino food, visit historical places, and learn about the country’s history and culture. These experiences can give me topics to talk about in English and help me understand different perspectives. In addition, the Philippines is relatively close to Japan compared with many English-speaking countries. The shorter travel distance makes it easier for Japanese students to study there, while still providing an international environment. The cost of studying and living in the Philippines can also be more affordable than studying in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. This allows me to spend more time focusing on English without putting too much financial pressure on myself. Most importantly, I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. I knew that going to a foreign country and communicating in English every day would sometimes be difficult, but I believed that overcoming those difficulties would help me become more confident and independent. I wanted to stop being afraid of making mistakes and learn to communicate even when my English was not perfect. For these reasons, I decided to choose CIA . I hope that this experience will improve not only my English ability but also my communication skills, confidence, independence, and understanding of other cultures. I believe that studying in the Philippines will be an important step toward my future and will give me experiences that I can use both academically and personally.