I am currently studying at CIA (Cebu International Academy) in Cebu, Philippines. I chose this school to focus on learning English intensively, but after coming here, I have realized that I am learning much more than just the language. I am also gaining valuable insights into different cultures and life in a foreign country. In this article, I would like to share my real experiences.

Learning Environment at CIA

CIA offers both Sparta and Semi-Sparta courses, and I found it appealing that I could choose the learning style that suits me best. Classes last about 8 to 10 hours a day, with a strong emphasis on one-on-one lessons. One of the biggest advantages is the extensive speaking practice, which allows me to fully immerse myself in English—something that is difficult to achieve in Japan. The teachers are friendly and encourage me to speak without fear of making mistakes.

My Daily Schedule

Here is my typical weekday schedule:

• 7:00 AM – Breakfast

• 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM – Classes (One-on-one + Group)

• 12:00 PM – Lunch

• 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM – Classes (One-on-one + Group)

• 5:00 PM – Break & Free time

• 6:00 PM – Dinner

• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM – Self-study (or Night class)

As you can see, CIA provides a well-structured environment where I can focus on studying English all day.

Dormitory Life & Meals

The dormitory at CIA is comfortable, and since cleaning and laundry services are provided, I can focus on my studies without distractions. Most of my roommates are Korean or Taiwanese, so we communicate in English, which naturally improves our language skills.

Meals mainly consist of Filipino and Korean cuisine. The taste is a bit different from Japanese food, but I got used to it over time. However, I sometimes miss Japanese food, so I found it useful to bring instant miso soup or furikake (rice seasoning) from home.

How I Spend My Weekends

On weekdays, I focus on studying, but on weekends, I take a break by exploring Cebu. The city is famous for beautiful beaches and island hopping. I have enjoyed swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and snorkeling in Moalboal with my friends from school.

I also love visiting shopping malls and cafes. Cebu has large malls like SM Mall and Ayala Mall, where you can find Japanese restaurants and cozy cafes, making it a great place to relax.

What I’ve Learned from Studying Abroad

Before coming to the Philippines, I was worried, “Will I really be able to speak English?” However, I realized that being in an environment where I have to use English every day is the biggest advantage. One-on-one lessons help me identify and improve my weaknesses, and I can truly feel my progress even in a short period.

Another great aspect of studying in the Philippines is the opportunity to meet friends from different countries and experience cultural exchange. At first, speaking English was difficult for me, but now I can communicate naturally.  I’ve also learned to be more independent and adapt to new situations, which has made me feel more confident in myself.

Final Thoughts

Studying at CIA has been more than just improving my English skills—it has also been a life-changing experience that has helped me step out of my comfort zone. If you are considering studying in the Philippines, I highly recommend not being afraid to speak English and taking on challenges with confidence.

I will continue to enjoy my study abroad experience and work on improving my English even further! I hope that my story inspires others who are thinking about studying abroad. It is a journey filled with challenges, but the rewards are truly worth it.